The Trek to Harmukh Glacier & Gangabal Lake
This wasn't planned at all. When we reached Naranag in the evening I met a local guide, Ashfaq & we talked about the Gangabal Lake. I knew it was part of the popular Great Seven Lakes Trek, which takes about eight days to complete. On the spur as things happen, we struck a deal for one night & two days trek. He'd arrange for the tents, food & logistics. The trek is arduous, to say the least. 25 km one way through a steep uphill to a 3575 meters altitude. As many things unplanned in life go, it turned out to be both bitter n sweet. I plucked & had plenty of delicious wild berries resulting in severe tummy trouble. Luckily there was an army camp about five kilometers away from the lake & they provided the necessary electrolytes & medicines.
The stay was extended by one more night, another spur of the moment decision & which caused a small scare in our contingent that was waiting for me in Srinagar (Sorry again, Jay Gandhi, Nirali Ataliwala, Hardik Ataliwala & Shivam Shah) but then what a place, what an awesome trek. My pedometer watch clocked 70 km in a three-day lactic acid-filled leg, return but a very satisfying one at that.
The Trek to Harmukh Glacier & Gangabal Lake
This wasn't planned at all. When we reached Naranag in the evening I met a local guide, Ashfaq & we talked about the Gangabal Lake. I knew it was part of the popular Great Seven Lakes Trek, which takes about eight days to complete. On the spur as things happen, we struck a deal for one night & two days trek. He'd arrange for the tents, food & logistics. The trek is arduous, to say the least. 25 km one way through a steep uphill to a 3575 meters altitude. As many things unplanned in life go, it turned out to be both bitter n sweet. I plucked & had plenty of delicious wild berries resulting in severe tummy trouble. Luckily there was an army camp about five kilometers away from the lake & they provided the necessary electrolytes & medicines.
The stay was extended by one more night, another spur of the moment decision & which caused a small scare in our contingent that was waiting for me in Srinagar (Sorry again, Jay Gandhi, Nirali Ataliwala, Hardik Ataliwala & Shivam Shah) but then what a place, what an awesome trek. My pedometer watch clocked 70 km in a three-day lactic acid-filled leg, return but a very satisfying one at that.