Konsarnag Lake

High-altitude glacial lake at 3,700m, a two-day trek from Aharbal

Konsarnag is a high-altitude glacial lake at around 3,700 metres on the Pir Panjal ridge, about 50 kilometres upstream from Aharbal Falls — the source of the river Veshaw, in fact. The lake is roughly oval, three kilometres long, set in a bowl of bare rock and snow patches that persist deep into summer. It is one of the largest alpine lakes in Kashmir.

The standard approach is a two-day trek from Aharbal: porters and a guide can be arranged through the tourist office in Kulgam. The path climbs steadily through pine and silver fir forest, then opens onto high meadows used by Gujjar nomads in the summer. Tents are mandatory; there is no permanent shelter. Mid-June to mid-September is the realistic season.

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A story
Konsarnag is sacred to Kashmiri Hindus, who identify it as the abode of the serpent god Vishnu — Kounser is a corruption of the Sanskrit Kshira-Sara, ocean of milk. Pilgrims used to climb up once a year to make offerings, before the troubles of the late 20th century interrupted the practice.

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