| Nundkol Lake | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Nundkol Lake | |
| Location | Ganderbal district,Jammu and Kashmir,India |
| Coordinates | 34°25′04″N74°56′08″E / 34.417855°N 74.935663°E /34.417855; 74.935663 |
| Lake type | oligotrophic lake |
| Primary inflows | Gangbal Lake |
| Primary outflows | Sind River |
| Max. length | 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) |
| Surface area | 1.5 km2 (0.58 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 3,505 metres (11,499 ft) |
TheNundkol Lake orNund Kol also known asNandi Kund andKalodaka Lake is anoligotrophicalpine lake situated inGanderbal district of theKashmir Valley inJammu and Kashmir, India.[1] This lake is considered sacred by Hindus.[2]
The lake was originally calledNandi Kund meaning (Lake ofNandi). The term "Nundkol" also meansLake of Nandi. Nandi is the bullvahana of the Hindu godShiva.[2]
The Nundkol Lake lies at the foot ofMount Haramukh (5,142 metres (16,870 ft)). TheGangabal Lake which is bigger and at higher elevation lies 1.5 km to the north of the lake. Surrounded by the lush green meadows, the banks of the Nundkol Lake serve as the camping site during the summers.Naranag is the nearest settlement and serves as the base camp for trekking to the lake.[3][4]
The Nundkol Lake is fed by Gangabal Lake and the melting glaciers of the Mount Haramukh. It gives rise to Wangath Nallah, the major right tributary of theSind River.[4][5]
This lake is sacred for Hindus. According to a legend, Nandi was born as son of sage Shilad, who performed a great penance near this lake. Upon penance of Shilad,Shiva took his permanent abode thereby. The inner blue color of lake is believed to mark the presence of Shiva, while the outer light green portion of lake is supposed to mark the presence of Nandi. Shiva is also worshipped with the nameNandisa there.[6][2]
During the winter, Nundkol Lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers. Thegeum,blue poppy,potentilla andgentian are relatively common.Hedysarum flowers are found in late spring throughout the area around the lake.[7]
The Nundkol Lake is stocked with trout among of which is thebrown trout. Fishing is permitted to the licensed anglers.[8]
The Nundkol Lake is accessible only during the summer; during the winter, the treks are closed because of the heavy snowfall. It can be reached fromSrinagar, via a 65 km motorable road which leads through Ganderbal andWayil to the Naranag trekking camp. The alpine meadows of Trunakhul and Badpathri lies at the halfway point of this two-day trek to the lake. An alternate trek starts from Chattergul village, 10 km to the west of Naranag which leads through the meadows of Mahlish. The lake can also be accessed throughBandipora and the five-day trekking starting point is Arin. Tourists prefer Naranag trek and return viaGadsar Lake,Vishansar Lake andSonamarg to cover most alpine lakes of the area.[9][10]
