Archive · 18 Sep 2026
J&K Lieutenant Governor Flags Off Harmukh-Gangbal Pilgrimage
The Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra is a religious journey to Gangbal Lake in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially started this year's pilgrimage.
Devotees begin at Naranag and walk through high mountain areas to reach the lake.
The one-way trek is about 15 kilometres and can reach roughly 14,500 feet above sea level.
Kashmiri Pandits consider the lake a sacred place connected with Lord Shiva.
Pilgrims perform special prayers and ceremonies there.
Government officials and security forces prepared medical help, water, sanitation, and security for the journey.
The pilgrimage restarted in 2009 after being inactive for more than 100 years.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra from Naranag in Ganderbal district on Friday.
The pilgrimage leads devotees through the Harmukh mountain range to the sacred Gangbal Lake, also known as Harmakut Ganga or the Kailash of Kashmir.
Kashmiri Pandits and other devotees undertake rituals including Pind Daan, Shraad, Vedic Yagna, and the immersion of ashes.
Authorities arranged security, medical aid, sanitation, drinking water, and logistical support along the mountainous route.
The pilgrimage was revived in 2009 after more than a century and is organised by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the yatra, joined by Rajouri-Poonch MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, Kangan MLA Mian Mehr Ali, and officials.
- What
- The annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra began with a flag-off ceremony.
- When
- Friday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The yatra began at Naranag in Ganderbal district and proceeds to Gangbal Lake in the Harmukh mountain range.
- Why
- Devotees undertake the pilgrimage to worship the sacred Gangbal Lake and perform religious rituals.
- Starting point
- Naranag, Ganderbal district
- Destination
- Gangbal Lake at the foothills of Mount Harmukh
- Trek distance
- Approximately 15 kilometres one way, or about 30–36 kilometres round trip
- Maximum altitude
- Around 14,500 feet above sea level
- Organiser
- Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust
- Pilgrimage revival
- Revived in 2009 after remaining dormant for more than a century
- Support provided
- Security, medical aid, sanitation, drinking water, and logistical assistance