| Vishansar Lake | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Vishansar Lake  Vishansar Lake | |
| Location | Sonmarg,Ganderbal district,Kashmir Valley,Jammu and Kashmir,India |
| Coordinates | 34°23′17″N75°07′08″E / 34.388119°N 75.11875°E /34.388119; 75.11875 |
| Type | oligotrophic lake |
| Primary inflows | Krishansar Lake |
| Primary outflows | Kishanganga River |
| Max. length | 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.6 kilometres (0.37 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 3,710 metres (12,170 ft) |
| Frozen | December to April |
TheVishansar Lake also known asVishan Sar (lit. 'lake ofVishnu') is an alpine, high-elevationoligotrophic lake,[1] located nearGanderbal town andSonamarg in theGanderbal district ofJammu and Kashmir, India. It lies at an elevation of 3,710 metres (12,170 ft). It has a maximum length of 1km and a maximum width of 0.6km.
'Vishansar', inKashmiri, meansthe 'lake of Vishnu'. This lake holds religious significance forKashmiri Pandits. It is home to various species of fish,[2] including thebrown trout.[3] The lake remains frozen during the winter months. In summer, the lake is surrounded by lush alpine meadows where local shepherds graze sheep and goats. The lake is a popular destination for trekkers in theKashmir Valley. Vishnasar is fed byKrishansar Lake and nearbyglaciers. The Lake is the source ofKishanganga River,[4] which flows northwards up to Badoab, and then westwards throughGurais, along theLine of Control.Gadsar Lake lies approximately 9 kilometers (5.6mi) to the west, crossing Gadsar Pass.
