Sheshnag Lake


Sheshnag Lake is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake situated at the track leading to Amarnath cave 23 kilometers from Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 3590 meters. It has a maximum length of 1.1 kilometers and maximum width of 0.7 kilometers.

Etymology, geography

According to the Hindu mythology Sheshnag means the king of snakes and the lake was dug by Sheshnag himself. It is believed by the Hindus that Sheshnag stays in this Lake even today. It is one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage for the Hindus, as it lies on the track of Amarnath cave.
Sheshnag Lake is home to many types of fish among of which is the brown trout. It freezes during winter, and is inaccessible during this season due to heavy snowfall. It is surrounded by green lush meadows and mountains covered by snow. Sheshnag Lake is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley. It is mostly fed by melting of snow and streams coming down from mountaintops. It drains out through a stream which joins Lidder River at Pahalgam.

Access

Sheshnag Lake is situated 120 kilometers east from Srinagar and 23 km from Pahalgam. It can be accessed 113 km by road up to Chandanwari from which ponies can be hired to cover a trek of 7 km upslope to reach the Sheshnag Lake. Amarnath cave is situated 20 kilometers north of this lake. The best time to visit the lake is from the month of June to September.

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