Neelsar Lake in Kashmir

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

Being an ancient lake, several myths and stories are associated with the Neelsar and other lakes of the 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 tears of grieving souls formed the lake. Thus, these lakes are considered holy and are prohibited from any physical activities around them.

Neelsar Lake has an altitude of approximately 3,900 metres (12,795 ft) above sea level. The width of the lake stretches around 300-400 metres, but it can 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 beginner trekkers, but overall trekking level of the lake is moderate. Due to the 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.

The common basecamp for Neelsar and other lakes of Pir Panjal Lakes Valley is Chandimarh village. Chandimarh is located approximately 125 km from Srinagar. It can take around 4 hours to reach Chandimarh from Srinagar. The 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 trek to Pir Panjal Lakes Valley takes one week to complete.

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.

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

During the trek, 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.

Neelsar lake area is full of biodiversity. There are 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 deer, and brown bears 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 to small and lower lakes. Due to the perfect scope of eco-tourism, the government is investing significantly in the region.

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