About Nundkol Lake
Nundkol Lake is an oligotrophic alpine lake situated at about 3,505 metres at the foothills of Mount Harmukh in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir. Located near Naranag, it lies on the popular Naranag-Gangbal trek route and is fed by glacial melt and outflow from Gangbal Lake. Known for its clear blue-green waters, surrounding meadows and trout population, it is a scenic camping destination for trekkers exploring the Kashmir Himalayas.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a high-altitude alpine lake with clear blue-green water set in a wide grassy meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Mount Harmukh. Access requires a 10-12 km trek from Naranag through pine forests, meadows and mountain streams. The area offers open camping grounds beside the lake, views of Gangbal Lake nearby, and opportunities for photography and nature observation. There are no permanent structures or shops at the lake; the setting is remote and natural.
Key highlights
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Oligotrophic alpine lake at approximately 3,505 metres altitude
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Located at the base of Mount Harmukh (5,168 m)
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Fed by Gangbal Lake and glacial streams with clear blue-green water
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Part of the Naranag-Gangbal-Trunkhol trek route
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Known for trout fishing and meadow camping
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Adjacent to Gangbal Lake, the largest alpine lake in Kashmir
History of Nundkol Lake
Nundkol Lake is of glacial origin and lies on a traditional shepherd and pilgrimage route connecting Naranag to Gangbal and Mount Harmukh, historically used by local Gujjar-Bakarwal communities and pilgrims visiting the Gangbal region.
Culture & Context
The broader Harmukh-Gangbal area including Nundkol is considered sacred in Kashmiri Hindu tradition, with nearby Gangbal Lake associated with annual pilgrimage and ritual significance; Nundkol shares this cultural landscape as part of the trek circuit.
Route
| By air |
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