Krishansar Lake - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 35 km from Sonamarg, Krishansar is high altitude oligotrophic lake situated near Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the popular high-altitude lakes in Jammu & Kashmir and among the best Sonamarg trekking places.

Situated at an altitude of 3,710 m, Krishansar Lake is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the Kashmir Valley. It has a maximum length of 0.95 km and maximum width of 0.6 km. Fondly called the ' lake of Krishna', Krishansar Lake is mostly fed by the melting of snow and glaciers that drains out through a small stream which falls into the Vishansar Lake and gives rise to Neelum River, a tributary of Jhelum River. It is part of the famous trekking route known as the Great Lakes Trek which covers five lakes - Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangabal.

Surrounded by lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests, this lake is a popular tourist destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photographers alike. The lake is a popular spot for camping under the stars. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. The pine and deodar forests are also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, bearded vultures, and Himalayan monals while at the lake.

The trek to Krishansar Lake starts from a village called Shitkadi, which is about 6 km from Sonamarg. From Shitkadi, one can trek or hire ponies to cover an alpine trek of 29 km to reach the Krishansar Lake, which takes a complete day of trekking passing Nichnai Pass of 4100m above sea level.

April to June is the best time to visit Krishansar Lake, as it is most beautiful during this time & you can enjoy a variety of activities. During the winter season, Krishansar Lake completely freezes and is inaccessible due to heavy snow.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free