Witness the beauty of Kashmiri blooms at Gadsar Lake and enjoy the pleasant aura of Kashmiri Dals.

We have all heard how Kashmir is called Paradise on Earth. A magical land in the Northernmost Terrain of India, Kashmir’s beauty is unmatched. Even more splendid to experience, Kashmir feels like a mystical town untouched by the concrete jungles and the hustle and bustle of cities. In a town always covered in Sky blues, Greys, and whites of the snow, colors like blush red radiate in the cheeks of warm and extremely hospitable locals here. If this place could be put into a feeling – it has to be the first time you experience something extraordinary, a sensory high that leaves you with a cozy feeling called Happiness and Tranquillity.

But Kashmir has more to offer than just Srinagar, Jammu, Gulmarg, Dal Lake, etc. You can enjoy the Shikaras and Houseboats of Kashmir and explore hidden gems of this paradise too. One such less explored but the stunning location is the Lake in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley. Ganderbal the town which houses the lake is trying to boost tourism in the area by highlighting places like Mansabal and Gangabal Lake, Mount Harmukh, Vaishnosar lake, and Gadsar Lake.

What is Gadsar Lake famous for?

Gadsar Lake is also known as the Lake of Flowers because of the splendid flora and fauna around the Lake. one can easily spot varieties of Flowers that add to the beauty of this crystal clear pristine water lake. Because of the rough cold terrains and the Kashmiri Climate and Weather, the Lake is Oligotrophic- which means the Lake is less productive in terms of being a good source of water for Agriculture or other vegetation activities. The lake is a tiny one but at a mighty elevation of 3600 meters. The lake gets the inflow of water from the ice that melts during the summers. During harsh winters, the lake is frozen from December up to April.

The Many Names of the Gadsar Lake: what do they mean?

Gadsar Lake also means Lake of Fishes in Kashmiri. You can spot the very popular Trout and brown trout fish which is closely related to salmon or charr fish. Makes it a must-visit for fishing Lake in the summers.
Another name for this lake is Yemsar, which means the Lake of Death. It does scare even the bravest of travelers when they learn this name but what gives us a sigh of relief is the name comes from a myth. It is believed that the Lake has a Lake monster. An Octopus that grabs the creatures who walk on the shores of Gadsar lake by its tentacles. Many Shepherds believe this Myth and try not to take their sheep close to the lake for grazing.

How to Get to Gadsar Lake?

This lake is not easily accessible but is well connected via road. Taking up Flights or Trains could be time-consuming. But a Road Trip can certainly be more fun and entertaining leading you directly to the Lake of Flowers.

By Air: Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 100km from Gadsar lake. You can further take a cab, or bus to get to Gadsar Lake.
By Train: you can get down at Jammu Railway Station or Udhampur Railway station and take a cab or bus further.
By Road: You can take a cab or bus from Srinagar and Jammu to get to Ganderbal District and access Gadsar Lake. You can also access Gadsar Lake from Leh and Kargil via National Highway 1A. Buses are the most convenient mode of transportation here.

Nearby Places of Tourist Importance that you can also visit while at Gadsar Lake

Krishansar Lake.
Vishansar Lake.
Satsar Lake.
Gangabal.
Mount Harmukh.
Nund Kol.

Best Time to Visit Gadsar Lake: June to September.

Because of the extreme cold terrains, the lake is frozen in Winter. You can enjoy the Lake from June to September as the ice melts and the flowers around the lake are in full bloom.

Activities to do At Gadsar Lake

We suggest while you are at it, Take up trekking around the Lake to capture beautiful moments at Gadsar Lake.

Well, Do not forget to Carry Rainproof jackets and clothes and also Winter clothing because the weather changes here a lot more frequently. Also, make sure you visit in summer to enjoy the actual beauty of this picturesque Lake. Plan a special trip to celebrate your loved ones and enjoy moments that will cherish for a lifetime. Truly a Paradise.

Follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Megha S.