Neelsar Lake in Kashmir :

Neelsar lake is also called the 'Blue Lake' because of its blue-colored water and having a sapphire-like aura. It is part of Seven Lakes Valley (Girgan Valley), located in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Being an ancient lake, several myths and stories are associated with the Neelsar and other lakes of Girgan Valley. Local people believe that they are the sacred lakes associated with King Girgan Dev whose sons have turned into the seven lakes. Some believe the lake was formed by the tears of grieving souls. Thus, these lakes are considered holy and prohibited from any physical activities around them.

Neelsar lake Altitude, Terrain and Geography 

Neelsar lake has an altitude of approx 3,900 metres (12,795 ft) above sea level. The width of the lake stretches around 300-400 metres but it can be slightly differ due to seasonal snow melting.

The terrain of the lake includes rocky and remote areas, green meadows, glacial moraines, ridges and pine forests. This terrain type can be slightly challenging for the beginner trekkers but overall trekking level of the lake is moderate. Due to high-altitude, trekkers also need to do proper acclimatization.

Like other lakes of Pir Panjal Valley, Neelsar was also created by glacial activities. It's in the form of a basin which is filled with glacial water. Due to less human intervention, the purity of water is preserved.

Neelsar lake Basecamp and Trekking Details

The common basecamp for Neelsar and other lakes of Pir Panjal Lakes Valley is Chandimarh village. Chandimarh is located approx 125 km from Srinagar. It can take around 4 hours to reach Chandimarh from Srinagar. Distance from Chandimarh to Neelsar lake is around 52 km. Trekkers also visit the neighboring lakes of Neelsar, such as Katorisar, Gumsar, Satsar, Baghsar, Nandansar, etc. Usually, the trekking for Pir Panjal Lakes Valley takes one week to complete.

Temperature and Weather in Neelsar lake

The weather around Neelsar lake remains cold, foggy and sometimes rainy. Daytime temperature is around 10-15°C and Nighttime it is around 0°C, depending on the weather or seasonal conditions.

Campsite and Tourist Attractions in Neelsar

The campsite offers a panoramic view of surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows full of multicoloured flowers (depending on the season). Sheeps and goats can be spotted grazing. Trekkers can view the beautiful golden sunrise and sunset. The banks of Neelsar, especially the northern bank offers a perfect picture point for photography lovers.

During the trekking, you will cross beautiful destinations like Lidder, Khuan and Sarota meadows, Sheshnag Valley, Pir Ki Gali (Pir Panjal Pass) etc. Each destination is historical and remarkable in its own way.

Environmental and Economic Importance

Neelsar lake area is full of biodiversity. There're beautiful pine forests, acacia and scrub trees. High-altitude flowers like blue poppies, wild daisies and primulas are found in full bloom in the summer season. Snow partridges, marmots, musk deers, brown bear are commonly found fauna. 

Neelsar and other lake systems help maintain watershed balance and water supply in the region. Big and higher elevation lakes supply water in small and lower lakes. Due to the perfect scope of eco-tourism, the government is investing significantly in the region.

Read more about Seven Lakes in Kashmir