Gangabal Valley Trek
Col Dr Rattan Raina
The Gangabol Valley gets its name from Gangabal Lake. The lake is situated at the foothills of mount Harmukh (16972 ft), which is the second highest mountain peak in the vcinity of Kashmir valley. The valley can be approached from Naranag (45Kms from Srinagar) and then can be reached by trekking of 15 kilometers upslope to Gangabal lake. This valley can be approached from Sonamerg also. The valley has a number of lakes. Prominent one include Gangabal lake, Gadsar, Nundkol Lake, Satsar Lake and Vishansar Lake. Gangabal valley is considered as a trekkers paradise and every year, a large number of people visit this valley. The team concentrated at Naranag. Naranag village is located around 45 km from Srinagar on Sonamarg road. The Naranag consists of a cluster of temples facing each other.
The temple has suffered many misfortunes in the 11th century and are in a dilapidated state. Pandit Kalhana wrote his famous Rajtarangni, the history of Kashmir coverning period from 3075 BC to 12th century AD at this place. On 05 Aug 86, the expedition was falgged off from Naranag and by end of the day, the team reached Nandkol lake and camped on its Eastern bank. Next day the expedition team left for Gangabal and crossed a very steep ascent to Zojibal
Pass (13890 ft.). Zojibal Pass commands a magnificent view of the mighty Harmukh Opposite it with Gangabal and Nandkol Lakes mirroring its silvery diadem in their azure waters. The team utilized morning of 6 Aug. in seeing places around Gangabal lake.
Harmukh and Gangbal Lake is considered the most sacred by Kashmiri Hindus. In olden days Kashmiri Pundits used to come here and do the Obligatory Shraddh (prayers offered to ancestors.) and immerse the ashes of their near and dear in this lake.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the Article above are Col Dr Rattan Raina’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.
Courtesy: Harmukh - - A Quarterly of Kashmiri Sabha, Dehradun : January to March, 2019 and Col Dr Rattan Raina