The Vishansar Lake is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake situated in the vicinity of Sonamarg at an elevation of 3710 meters. It has a maximum length of 1 kilometer and maximum width of 0.6 kilometers.
Vishansar in hindi means the lake of Vishnu is home to many types of fishes among of which is the brown trout. It freezes during winter. During the summer season, the lake is surrounded by green lush meadows where local shepherds graze their flocks of sheep and goat. The Lake with its scenic beauty, snow covered mountains and their gorges filled with small glaciers and the meadows around, with alpine flowers is an attraction for the trekkers in the Kashmir Valley. It is fed by the Krishansar Lake and glaciers. The Vishansar Lake is the source of Neelum River which flows northwards up to Badoab and then westwards through Gurais along the Line of Control. The Gadsar Lake lies some 9 km in west crossing Gadsar Pass.
The Vishansar Lake is situated 115 km. northeast from Srinagar and 35 km from Shitkadi Sonamarg. It can be accessed from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport, 80 km by road NH 1D up to village Shitkadi from which ponies can be hired to cover an alpine trek of 35 km which takes a complete day of trekking and one has to cross the Nichnai Pass of 4100 meters above sea level. The best time to visit the lake is in the month of June to September.
Fed by Krishansar Lake and glaciers, the lake is the main source of Neelum River. During winter, the lake freezes while in summer, the lush green meadow surrounding the lake gives truly an amazing sight.
A high altitude lake, it can be reached through trekking or pony ride. The lake is also accessible from Nichinai Pass, which is another high elevation well-known tourist spot.
Set at an altitude of 3801 m, Krishnasar Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir. Located near Sonmarg, the lake is all around surrounded by dense forests. The snow-capped mountains set at the background of the lake add to its charm and beauty. Krishnasar Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Sonmarg and people from all over the world visit this attraction to enjoy activities like trout fishing and angling. The lake is home to brown trout, which is one among the wide variety of salmonid fish. The best time to visit the place is during the summer season (June- September) when the weather remains cool and pleasant. During winter season, the water of the lake freezes and it forms a crystal like layer.
The place is a must visit for nature lovers and photographers. The picture perfect location and scenery of the lake allures photographers from all over. There is so much to capture at this beautiful attraction, right from those snow-capped peaks at the backdrop to the sparkling waters of the lake. Krishnasar Lake is located at a distance of 115 km from Srinagar. It is easily accessible via Srinagar up to village Shitkadi. From Shitkadi, tourists can take ponies to reach the lake. On the way to the lake, you will pass through Nichnai Pass, which is set at an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level.