Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir

What to Pack — Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek

The Gangabal Trek spans 1,600m in Srinagar to ~3,800m at Kolesar Lake over 6 days, with two nights camping at 3,250m and 3,650m. Pack for the full range: warm humid valley days at the start, cool forest walking on the approach, and cold, clear nights at the Gangabal Lake camp where temperatures can drop below freezing even in August. All camping infrastructure is provided — tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, and pack horses carry the loads. You bring only a sleeping bag and personal kit.

Clothing & Layers

• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic, rated to -5°C) — for evenings at Gangabal Lake and the descent morning in autumn. A lightweight puffer is adequate for July–August; a heavier jacket is needed for May and October departures.
• Waterproof hardshell jacket — afternoon rain is common in the Kashmir Himalaya during summer, particularly on the open ridge above Mahlish. A hardshell is essential, not optional.
• Fleece mid-layer × 2
• Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3 — merino wool handles the temperature swing between warm forest walking and cold lake-camp nights better than synthetic.
• Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight and fast-drying. Not jeans.
• Waterproof over-trousers — for wet conditions on the ridge sections above Mahlish.
• Thermal leggings × 1 — for cold nights at Gangabal and early morning starts.
• Warm hat and wide-brimmed sun hat — both. UV is significant above 3,500m, particularly on the open meadow above Kolesar; a sun hat is as important as a warm hat on the approach days.
• Buff or neck gaiter — for cold mornings at Gangabal and dusty sections on the descent.
• Trekking gloves — lightweight gloves are sufficient for summer departures; a warmer pair recommended for May and October.
• Trekking socks × 4 pairs — heavyweight wool for the longer approach and descent days.
• Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at the tented camps.

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. The trail includes wet meadow grass, stream crossings on the approach to Kolesar, and rocky descent terrain above Naranag. Waterproofing and proper ankle support are both important for this route. Unbroken boots on a 3-day camping section are a significant blister risk.
• Trekking poles × 2 — recommended for the long descent from Gangabal through Trunkhol to Naranag on Day 5 (roughly 1,400m of descent). Two poles reduce knee impact significantly and improve stability on the wet grassy slopes above the treeline.

Personal Health & Safety

• Altitude medication — this trek reaches approximately 3,800m at Kolesar. For trekkers with no prior high-altitude experience, consult your doctor about Diamox before departure. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
• Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoeal tablets. Srinagar has pharmacies; the trail above Chattergul does not.
• UV-protective sunglasses — Category 3 — UV at 3,500–3,800m on open meadow terrain is significant. Standard fashion sunglasses are inadequate for a full day above Mahlish or at Gangabal.
• High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — carry enough for the full 6 days. No resupply is possible above Chattergul.
• Lip balm with SPF — cold nights and UV at altitude together cause rapid lip damage.
• Insect repellent — useful on the forested lower sections of the approach (Day 2 below the treeline) and around the Mahlish meadow camp.
• Hand sanitiser — camp water is from streams; hand hygiene is important.
• Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity.

Gear & Equipment

• Sleeping bag rated to -5°C (summer) or -10°C (May/October) — nights at Gangabal Lake (3,650m) are cold and clear. A lightweight summer bag is insufficient. This is the single most important piece of personal gear you bring on this trek.
• Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth and keeps your bag clean over 3 camping nights.
• Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail. The horse team carries the main duffel between camps.
• Main duffel bag (50–70L, soft-sided) — for horse loading. Hard-framed luggage cannot be safely loaded on horses.
• Headlamp + spare batteries — for pre-dawn photography at Gangabal and for navigating around the tented camp after dark.
• Water bottle (1L minimum) — the camp cook team provides boiled water; a personal bottle for carrying water on trail is essential. The route has good stream water above Mahlish.
• Water purification tablets — as a backup for stream water on trail.
• Power bank — no electricity from Day 2 to Day 4. Charge devices fully in Srinagar before departure.
• Dry bag or waterproof pack cover — afternoon rain in the Kashmir Himalaya is genuine and can arrive suddenly on the ridge sections.

Documents & Money

• Passport / Indian ID — required for army check-post registration at Trunkhol on Day 5. Your guide carries your trekking permits; you carry your original ID document throughout the trek.
• Travel insurance documents — must cover trekking above 3,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Verify this with your insurer before travel. Mandatory for participation.
• Cash in Indian Rupees — ATMs are available in Srinagar and Ganderbal. There are none on the trail. Carry sufficient cash for all personal expenses over the full 6 days.

Optional but Useful

• Camera with spare batteries — pre-dawn Harmukh reflection photography is worth the effort; cold nights drain batteries.
• High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, dry fruits. Supplement the camp meals with personal favourites.
• Small padlock for your duffel at Srinagar accommodation.
• Lightweight travel towel — camp washing facilities are limited to the stream and hot water provided by the cook team.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Not sure what to prioritise? Ask us when you book — we'll advise based on your departure month and experience level.