Sheshnag Lake Trek

Duration
3 days
Trek Altitude
11778 ft
Destination
Kashmir
Trek Distance
18 km
Group Size
12
Best Time
Monsoon

Sheshnag Lake Trek Overview

Located in the beautiful land of Anantnag in the Kashmir valley of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, this Sheshnag Lake is also an alpine lake situated at an Altitude of 3590 meters. Apart from being a trekking site, it is a beautiful lake known for crystal-clear water and mountains on the prior background and legendary significance.

Etymology and Geography

The name for Sheshnag Lake was derived from Hindu mythology because Sheshnag means the King of all Nag’s which are serpent like in Indian mythology. It is said that the lake was created as a result of water over flowing from the cloud bursts creating deeply indented gorge with mountains on both sides. This beautiful area is Mountainous during the particular summer season, filled with snow during the winter season, and covered with greenery during the summertime as well. The lake itself measures about 1. 1 km in width and 0 meters in length which manifested a cultural change. In terms of width, the beach covers about 7 kilometers, and the sight one is greeted with the moment he or she sets foot on it is scenic and rather alluring, which make the trip to the spot worth it.

Flora and Fauna

It can be concluded that this is not just a beautiful water body, but also a virile environment of Sheshnag Lake. It sustains different kinds of fish and some of the notable water creatures are brown trout. As a result, during the warm summer period, the shore of the lake is beautifully illuminated by flowers including iris wedelia and gentiana kurro so that they give a green touch to the shore. This spectacle makes July, the best time to visit when the whole area is adorned with the most beautiful flowers.

Trekking to Sheshnag Lake

However, the route from Srinagar to Sheshnag Lake is moderate and passes through Chandandwari which is 113 km from Srinagar. It is about a 7 km trek from Chandanwari; it will take 6-7 hrs on foot through steep sloppy misty pine forest tracks, streams, and rough terrains.

Best Season to Visit

The ideal time for Sheshnag Lake trek is from July to August to because the climate is ideal and routes also are feasible. The extra incentive is the flowers grown by the sides of the lake that bloom in the month of July; this provides a good view to the trekkers and photographers. 

Difficult Sections

 This trek is classified as moderate; however, one should prepare for steep climb to Pissu Top and trails to Sheshnag Lake are very narrow. Good trekking shoes or any other strong foot wear and trekking sticks are very much helpful in these segments for increased comfort and reduced impacts.   Sheshnag Lake is situated 95 km away from Srinagar and 14 km from Pahalgam.   Sheshnag Lake is fairly easy to reach since there is a road distance of 120 Km from Srinagar. The tour involves surface transport in a car up to Chandanwari and then  trekking through natural monutain environment.

Travel Tips

Spiritual and sensory tour of the heaven on earth; the Kashmir. Whether you are experienced trekker or a nature lover this adventure is going to provide you with memories to cherish in the middle of the rocky Himalayas. 
  • Acclimatization: Because of this, it is very important that one should prepare well especially in the context of altitude before trying to trek. This goes a long way in avoiding altitude sickness as well as enhances the kind of experience one will be having. 
  • Pack Essentials: Take enough drinking water, some dry foods or munching materials, sun screen, and a first aid box. There is a progressive decrease in general facilities in the ascending order of the nomenclature which means that one has to be more or less self caring throughout the trek. 
  • Local Culture: Accustom with the cultural set up of the region, particularly while in contact with nomadic qualifiers such as shepherds that are likely to be met along the trail. The guides knowledge of the region history and current way of life of people can add value to the trekking experience.

Keep to Note

  • Accommodation: There are no hotels at the site of Sheshnag Lake but one can find some basic lodging facilities like guesthouses and camps in Chandanwari and Pahalgam. 
  • Safety Concerns: The region is generally safe for the trek to sheshnag lake but one should be careful of dangerous animals like the black bear and leopard. On the same note, it is recommended that people move in groups and avoid going to some areas or engaging in some activities due to risk factors. 
  • Permits and Regulations: It is recommended to get the necessary permit from the Pahalgam Development Authority before going for the trek. Extra measures may be followed during extra busy periods like Amarnath Yatra. 
       

Conclusion

When the sun sets down behind the imposing barriers of the Kashmir valley, there is Sheshnag Lake, untouched and unambiguous testimony of the ages old inherent splendorous beauty of Mother Nature. Its surface mirrors the colour of the sky above it; a comforting rest for heartsick souls and inspiration for the fearless. Besides the aesthetic value of the lake and its surrounding environment, the work within indicates that a lake represents culture and religion in the lives of people that are passed from one generation to another.  You’ve the beauty of winter when you follow snowy clad trails or summer when you are able to watch the flowers bloom. Benefits that one may get through the sounds of pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra, sound of the blowing winds in the forest and all FEEL TO SIMPLY BURN A MARK ON THE SOUL.  For Sheshnag Lake, is, not just a location it is a voyage and discovery, a site of beauty, and where the reality and the mythology coexists and carves a memory in the hearts of the people visiting. Take it home and cherish the memories and the beauty, Sheshnag Lake and it will make you want to go there over and over.

Trek Itinerary

From Chandanwari the track gradually rises along the Lidder River. This section provides scenic views of the valley and much as the snow-covered hills all-round the valley. The walk is fairly smooth until you get to the bottom of Pissu Top.

This one requires a rise of about 900 meters to Pissu Top which provides scenic views of the Lidder valley. Further, the track goes over sharp gorges and green meadows of Jojibal which are used by shepherds during summer for pasturage purposes.

The last part of the trekking from Jojibal to Sheshnag Lake is a very narrow and sometimes steep track known as the Kutta Ghati. Rocky mountains and pretty waterfalls help the trekkers with glimpses of the lake as they approach the place they wish to reach.

Upcoming Treks

  • August 24, 2024 open
  • August 25, 2024 open

FAQ's about Sheshnag :

The ideal time for Sheshnag Lake trek is from July to August

We journey from Chandanwari base camp to reach Sheshnag Lake.

According to Hindu mythology, Sheshnag Lake is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

It is an easy-moderate trek

Cost Per Person would be 12,000

Package Inclusions
  1. Transport support from Srinagar to Srinagar, commencement 7;30 AM
  2. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  3. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  4. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  5. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  6. Rent for camping equipment like clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  7. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  8. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and personal luggage
  9. Accommodation throughout the trek on a Double-sharing basis
  10. All applicable taxes
Package Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Srinagar. Drop time 6;30 PM
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polyethene’s and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱