The foothills of Mount Harmukh abodes Gangbal Lake, known for its mesmerizing scenic value. Located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the lake is home to many species of fish, including the brown trout. Bilal Bahadur captures the view of the lake located at the highest mountain peak of Kashmir valley
The lake has a maximum length of two and a half kilometres and maximum width of one kilometre.
It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs.
The lake water outflows to a nearby Nundkol Lake and then via Wangath nallah to Sind River.
The Gangbal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometres by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag and then a trek of 15 kilometres upslopes leads to the lake, which can be covered by a horse ride or by foot.
Another trek (25 kilometres long) leads to the lake site from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake crossing three mountain passes Nichnai pass, Gadsar pass and Zajibal pass of an average elevation of 4100 meteres.
It can also be accessed through a trek from Bandipore via Arin.
Lake’s turquoise coloured sheet of water lends it a subtle charm.
Trekking routes to Gangbal are open from July to October. For rest of the year, the area is covered with very thick layer of snow, making it inaccessible.
The trekking route from Sonamarg across Nichinai pass meanders along a number of lakes.
It is the largest alpine lake in the mountains of Kashmir.
