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.
