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Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake

Jammu & Kashmir

State
Jammu & Kashmir
Type
Other

Sheshnag Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake at 3,590 metres elevation in Anantnag district, about 77 km from Anantnag city and 23 km from Pahalgam, on the route to Amarnath Cave. It measures roughly 1.1 km by 0.7 km.

Sheshnag Lake is known for

Amarnath Yatra haltserpent-king mythologyoligotrophic alpine lakebrown trout habitatfreezes in winter

A short history

According to local tradition, a cloudburst carved a deep groove lined by mountains, later filled by melting snow and ice to form the lake. Its name derives from Sheshanaga, the serpent king of Hindu mythology, tied to Kashmir's Naga legendary heritage, including the folklore of Himal and Nagrai. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheshnag_Lake]

Why Sheshnag Lake matters

As an oligotrophic alpine lake on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage route, Sheshnag holds deep religious significance for Hindu pilgrims and is a key overnight halt on the trek.

When to go

July to August (during the Amarnath Yatra season); frozen and inaccessible in winter

How to reach

Reached via 113 km by road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari, followed by a 7 km uphill trek (pony rides available).

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