About Nundkol Lake, Ganderbal
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi railway station, approximately 190 km away
Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR), approximately 50 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Naranag Bus Stand, approximately 9 km away
Nundkol Lake is a picturesque mountain lake located in the Ganderbal district, formed by a glacial fall. Situated at the foothills of the towering Harmukh Peak, it is encircled by pine trees and verdant meadows. After being fed by Mount Harmukh’s glaciers, the lake empties into the neighbouring Gangbal Lake.
Starting from Naranag, you can walk through Butsheri, cross a few small streams, and get to the lake. Additionally, for some more adventure, you can hike the Harmukh Summit or explore the short trail to Gangbal Lake, which is often included in one of the top places for trekking in Kashmir. You can enjoy serene views of Harmukh in the water while camping close to the lake's west shore. Permits are available for brown trout fishing, and you can capture pictures of the snow-capped peaks and blue sky. You can admire a wide variety of alpine flowers here, like gentian, potentilla, blue poppy, geum, and Hedysarum in the summer. Additionally, you can see birds, including jays, Himalayan vultures, and golden eagles. Those who enjoy wildlife may spot brown bears, ibex, or marmots. This blend of nature, adventure, and wildlife makes the area a must-include in Kashmir tour packages for nature lovers and trekkers.
Nundkol Lake, Ganderbal Highlights
• Trek to Nundkol Lake at 11,516 feet, nestled beneath Mount Haramukh, enjoying views of the surrounding meadows of Badpathri and Trunakhul.
• Discover how Nundkol Lake, fed by Gangbal Lake and Mount Haramukh’s glaciers, forms Wangath Nallah, the main right tributary of the Sindh River.
• Enjoy the summertime blooms of gentian, geum, and blue poppies around the lake, which make every step worthwhile.
• Observe brown trout moving in the clear water, and try your luck at fishing if you have a license.
• Camp under starlit skies as you trek from Chattergul through Mahlish meadows, or start from Arin for a five-day alpine adventure.
How To Reach Nundkol Lake, Ganderbal
By foot: The Nundkol Lake is located approximately 10 km from Naranag. Thus, first you have to reach Naranag, located at a distance of around 50 kilometers from Srinagar. You can board a car, or taxi, or a bus and reach Naranag via NH-1 within 1 hour and 40 minutes. To further reach the Nundkol Lake, you have to trek for about 5-6 hours to reach the lake.
Best Time To Visit Nundkol Lake, Ganderbal
Peak Season (May to October)
Weather Insights: Average temperature around 20°C, cool, clear weather.
Things to Do: Trek to Gangbal Lake, enjoy wildflower-filled meadows, camping, and trout fishing.
Moderate Season (July to September)
Weather Insights: Temperature between 12°C to 18°C, frequent rain, cloudy skies.
Things to Do: Nature walks, birdwatching, low-altitude hikes.
Low Season (November to April)
Weather Insights: Temperature below 0°C, heavy snowfall, icy winds.
Things to Do: Snow trekking (only for experts), winter photography.
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