Vishansar Lake
Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vishansar Lake also known as Vishan Sar (lit. 'lake of Vishnu') is an alpine, high-elevation oligotrophic lake,[1] located near Ganderbal town and Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies at an elevation of 3,710 metres (12,170 ft). It has a maximum length of 1km and a maximum width of 0.6km.
| Vishansar Lake | |
|---|---|
| |
  Vishansar Lake  Vishansar Lake | |
| Location | Sonmarg, Ganderbal district, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Coordinates | 34.388119°N 75.11875°E |
| Type | oligotrophic lake |
| Primary inflows | Krishansar Lake |
| Primary outflows | Kishanganga River |
| Max. length | 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.6 kilometres (0.37 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 3,710 metres (12,170 ft) |
| Frozen | December to April |
Etymology and geography
'Vishansar', in Kashmiri, means the 'lake of Vishnu'. This lake holds religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits. It is home to various species of fish,[2] including the brown trout.[3] The lake remains frozen during the winter months. In summer, the lake is surrounded by lush alpine meadows where local shepherds graze sheep and goats. The lake is a popular destination for trekkers in the Kashmir Valley. Vishnasar is fed by Krishansar Lake and nearby glaciers. The Lake is the source of Kishanganga River,[4] which flows northwards up to Badoab, and then westwards through Gurais, along the Line of Control. Gadsar Lake lies approximately 9 kilometers (5.6mi) to the west, crossing Gadsar Pass.
