Baghsar Lake in Kashmir

Baghsar lake, one of the beautiful alpine lakes of Seven Lakes Valley, has a great historical connection. It is located in the Pir Panjal mountain range of the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Located very close to the LOC (Line of Control), the region is sensitive and remains mostly untouched and unexplored by mass tourism.

Due to its proximity to Bhagsar castle, constructed by the Mughals, the lake got its name Baghsar. Historically, it was believed that the lake area was a part of ancient trade routes to Asia and Europe, which played crucial roles in defining the history of the Mughals. The word Baghsar is derived from 'Bagh' which means garden and 'Sar' which means lake or water, shows that the lake has green meadows/gardens around it.

Baghsar lake is located at an elevation of approx 3,700 m (12,140 ft) above sea level. The terrain is mostly rocky, steepy and consists of dense forest cover. The lake was created by the geological depression in the area due to glacial activities. Baghsar lake lies closely to other Sar lakes as Neelsar, Katorisar, Chandansar, Nandansar etc, with distances of around 2-5 km between each.

Chandimarh village is a common basecamp for Seven Valley Lakes, chosen by most trekkers. It's around 125 km from Srinagar (J&K) and takes around 4 hours to reach via car. Few villages of Noori Chamb are also used as base camps. Trekking of Seven Lakes, including Baghsar, takes almost one week to complete. Trekking level is moderate to difficult, better suitable for experienced trekkers.

The best time to visit Baghsar lake is from mid-June to September when snow starts melting. Temperature also becomes adaptable (around 10°C-15°C in daytime). However, night time temperatures can go below even 0°C. Trekkers must also be well-prepared for sudden weather changes which can turn into rain and hailstorm.

The campsite is surrounded by lush green meadows with blooming flowers in the summer season. Most important destinations are Noori Chamb waterfall named after Mughal Queen Noor Jahan, Chandansar Valley, Nandansar hilltops etc. You can find perfect camping spots with panoramic views. Since Baghsar lake is close to LOC, visiting it is a remarkable experience in itself.

You can spot the great Himalayan wildlife here. Brown bears, musk deer, Himalayan marmot and snowcocks are often spotted by tourists. The meadows of Baghsar lake are rich in alpine flowers. Edelweiss, daisies, blue poppies and various colourful flowers can be a treat to your eyes.

The local economy of the Baghsar lake area includes agriculture and animal husbandry. On the route to Baghsar, you can spot sheep and goats grazing. Nomadic communities like Gujjar and Bakarwal use this route for their seasonal migration. Beautiful ancient huts/houses can be spotted which are used by local communities. All these things add a rustic charm to the region.

Baghsar and the entire Seven Lakes Valley area are very crucial for the economy of the region as it gives employment to the local people and generates revenue through sustainable eco-tourism.

Read more: Essential Items To Bring On The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kedarkantha Trekking

kunjapuri Temple