Vishansar Lake, Sonamarg - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 34 km from Sonamarg, Vishansar is a high altitude oligotrophic lake situated near Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the popular high-altitude lakes in Jammu & Kashmir and among the best places to visit near Sonamarg.

Situated at an altitude of 3,710 m, Vishansar Lake is a sparkling blue lake surrounded by lush green meadows, alpine flowers, and snowcapped mountains at a tantalizing distance. The lake has a maximum length of 1 km and maximum width of 0.6 km. It is fed by the Krishansar Lake and glaciers. The lake is also the source of the Nelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum River, which flows northwards up to Badoab and then westwards through Gurais along the Line of Control. The lake attracts a lot of trekkers and is the best place for a night camping.

Popular as the Lake of Vishnu, the Vishansar Lake is known for the many species of fish it houses, especially the brown trout which make it a perfect location for fishing and angling. During the winter season, the Vishansar Lake completely freezes, whereas lush vegetation encompasses it with the arrival of summers. The scenic lake is a major attraction amongst trekkers in the Kashmir Valley. To re-energize your soul and soothe your inner mind, visit Vishansar Lake.

April to June is the best time to visit Vishansar Lake, as it is most beautiful during this time & you can enjoy a variety of activities. The trek to Vishansar Lake starts from a village called Shitkadi, which is about 6 km from Sonamarg. One has to trek about 28 km or hire a pony from Shitkadi Base Camp which takes a complete day to reach Vishansar Lake. The trek will take you past Nichnai Pass, located about 4,100 m, right after which the lake is situated.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free