Gadsar Lake
The Gadsar Lake also called Yemsar, is located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir Division in Jammu and Kashmir. It is at an elevation of more than 12000ft. Gadsar in Kashmiri means the lake of fishes, a natural habitat of trout and other types of fishes. The natural beauty provides a break from the bustle of the city with its rustic and dreamy atmosphere. Gadsar Lake is a great place to go soul-searching. Encircled by snow-capped peaks and enveloped in alpine blooms, Gadsar Lake affords expansive vistas of the frozen Satsar and Baltan Lakes. Yemsar, which translates to “lake of Yama” and is also known as “lake of death,” is another name for Gadsar. Shepherds grazing their sheep around Gadsar Lake believe it to be home to a freshwater octopus known as the “Lake Monster,” which pulls animals from the shoreline into the water with its tentacles.
- Best Time to Visit: April to August
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Distance From Airport: The nearest airport to Gadsar Lake is located at Srinagar which is at a distance of approx. 100 Km from Sonamarg.
- Distance From Railway Station: Srinagar railway station which is at a distance of 96.4 km from Sonamarg is the nearest and can be reached via NH1
- Distance From Road: The first one is, hiring a private vehicle from Srinagar to Naranag via Ganderbal. From there, trek towards the lake, or hire a horse to do so. The other trek, starts from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake.
- Travel Tips: Trekking, horse riding, camping, photography, angling, sightseeing