Vishansar Lake

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 Show map of Jammu and Kashmir Vishansar Lake Show map of India
Location	Sonmarg, Ganderbal district, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Coordinates	34.388119°N 75.11875°E / 34.388119; 75.11875
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.

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