Short itinerary
Day 1. Srinagar to Sonamarg (8950 ft)
Day 2. Sonamarg to Naranag (7450 ft)
Day 3. Trunkhol to Gangabal (11500 ft)
Day 4. Explore Gangabal lakes
Day 5. Gangabal to Naranag (7450 ft)
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 : Srinagar to Sonamarg
Your journey starts with a nice short drive from Srinagar airport to the base campsite located at Shitkadi on the banks of Sindh River. Shitkadi is a small village located at a distance of six kilometers from Sonamarg region. It takes approximately four hours to reach Shitkadi, located at an altitude of 7800 feet. It is advisable to carry sufficient bottles of water from Sonamarg.
Day 02: Sonamarg to Naranag – Butsheri – Trunkhul
(Sonamarg to Naranag by car 40 km)
Today, we shall be driving through the villages of Kangan in the Sind valley and shall make it to Naranag. We shall also visit the 9th-century Buddhist temple en route. On the same day we will start trekking from Naranag to Butsheri. The trekking trail will pass through dense pine forests. We will be staying overnight at Trunkhol.
Day 03 : Trunkhol to Gangabal
Today we shall be walking through the meadows of Budpathri. It is a flower-strewn path that leads to Gangabal Lake. We shall be camping overnight near Gangabal Lake.
Day 04: Explore Gangabal
We shall be enjoying sightseeing around Gangabal or take a walk to Kolsar Lake and try fishing. Overnight stay.
Day 05: Gangabal – Naranag – Srinagar
Today, we will leave Gangabal and trek back to Naranag. We shall take the same route and cross through meadows of Budpathri, Trunkhol and descend from Butsheri to reach Naranag. From Naranag, we shall take a car ride for Srinagar. Overnight stay at houseboat.
Inclusions:-
1. Accommodation. (Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg) Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.
3. Trek equipment’s like Sleeping bag, liner, mattress, tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
4. Trekking Permits
5. First aid medical kits
6. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide Support staff, and Mules.
Exclusions:-
1. Transport
2. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
3. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
4. Food during the transit
Important things to carry for this trek
GEAR:
1 backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover
1 rain cover for you 1 pair Floaters or slippers
1 water bottles
1 Lunch Box
A pair of trekking shoes or waterproof sports shoes
ESSENTIALS:
Cap
Sunglasses
Cold cream
Lip balm
Extra cotton bags
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY FOR THIS TREK:
CLOTHING:
2 pairs of pants
3-4 T-shirt with long sleeves
2 Shirts with long sleeves
1 Jacket
1 waterproof, wind-proof jacket (Please make sure this is a warm jacket and not just a windcheater.)
2 pairs thermals (uppers and lowers)
3 pairs of sock
1-2 pairs woolen socks
Woolen cap
Woolen gloves
1 woolen scarf
FOR TOILET AND BATHROOM
We use hygienic dry toilet tents during the trek because of minimum water availability. Carry additional things by yourself like hand sanitizers, wet wipes, tissues, etc.