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

At a distance of 47 km from Sonamarg, Gadsar Lake is a picturesque alpine lake situated near Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the scenic high-altitude lakes in Jammu & Kashmir and among the best Sonamarg tourist places.

Situated about 13,750 feet, Gadsar Lake is the gorgeous alpine lake that falls along the trail of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and is arrived after crossing the Gadsar Pass. The water of the lake is glacier fed comes directly from the mountain in the background and outflows through a stream flow north westwards and joins the Neelum River at Tulail. The lake is about 0.76 km in width and 0.85 km in length. In the local Kashmiri language, Gadisar means, 'the lake of fishes', and it is aptly called so since it abounds in brown trout.

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and shrouded in alpine flowers, the bluish-green waters of the lakes are so crystal clear that the clouds, & surroundings are perfectly reflected in them. This lake has remained famous in Kashmir for centuries now. The lake was very much traveled by Britishers for fishing. One can enjoy panoramic views of the frozen Satsar and Baltan Lakes. The lake is a great place for anglers and fishing enthusiasts where one can enjoy fishing.

There are two ways to reach Gadsar Lake. The first one is, hiring a private vehicle from Srinagar to Naranag via Ganderbal, which is about 45 km. From there, one needs to trek or hire a pony to cover 15 km toward the lake. The other trek, about 41 km long, starts from Shitkadi near Sonamarg via Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and Gadsar Pass. Visitors need to obtain a permit from the authorities to visit Gadsar Lake. The permit can be obtained from the tourist office in Srinagar or at the base camp before starting the trek.

However, from the Sonamarg area, the trek to this lake is easier than if taken from Naranag. This route crosses the Nichnai Pass, located about 4,100 m before bringing you to the lake. Gadsar Pass with an altitude of about 13,800 ft is the highest point on this trek. On the other side of the Gadsar pass stretches a long valley with 2-3 small lakes visible. The first small lake that is seen on the left is Yamsar Lake. The locals believe that Lord Yama has some association with the lake! Beyond Yamsar is another nameless lake. The Yamsar, the nameless lake, and Gadsar are all connected by a stream of water that flows from the higher lake to the lower.

April to June is the best time to visit Gadsar Lake, as it is most beautiful during this time & you can enjoy a variety of activities. During the winter season, the Lake completely freezes and is inaccessible due to heavy snow.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 100 for Permit