Calm, clear waters provide the perfect foil to the majestic Himalayan slopes which surround the entirety of the Kashmir Valley. Welcome to the Manasbal Lake, a fresh water of gigantic proportions and a favorite haunt of bird watchers from all around the world. A tour to Manasbal is a definite must-visit if you are planning an excursion from Srinagar.
About Manasbal Lake :
Manasbal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most important Tourist Attractions in Srinagar and is also known as the bird watcher’s paradise. Located about 30 kilometers to the north of Srinagar Mansabal Lake in Srinagar is surrounded by three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Gratbal overlooking this beautiful lake. The lake is the deepest lake of Kashmir valley and its beauty is further boosted by the presence of the beautiful lotuses which adorn this lake. The origin of this ancient lake is still a mystery but legendarily it is believed to be a bottomless lake.
History :
It is believed to be an ancient lake by locals but exact dating is yet to be done. Close to the northern shore of the lake are the ruins of a 17th century fort, called the Darogabagh, built by theMoghuls, used in the past by caravans traveling from Punjab to Srinagar.
Topography :
The lake is surrounded by the Baladar mountains on the east, by an elevated plateau known as ‘Karewa’ comprising lacustrine, fluviatile and loessic deposits on the north and bounded by the Ahtung hills in the south, which are used for limestone extraction.
Along the course of the Jhelum River, the Manasbal Lake falls under the third series of high altitude lakes of the Himalayas (designated with respect to their origin, altitudinal situation and nature of biota they contain) as the valley lakes (Dal, Anchar, Manasbal etc.) situated at the altitudinal zone of 1,585–1,600 m (5,200–5,200 ft); the other two types being the high altitude wetlands(altitude 1,585–4,000 m/5,200–13,000 ft amsl) of the second series of lakes (Nilnag) in the lower fringes of Pir Panjal ranges right in the midst of pine forests, and the glaciated lakes of the first series situated on the inner Himalayas between 3,000–4,000 m (9,800–13,000 ft) amsl (Alipathar, Sheshnag, Kounsarnag, Tar Sar, Mar Sar, Vishansar, Gangbal, Kishna Sar, Kyo Tso, Pangong Tso, etc.) which have probably originated during the third Himalayan glaciation. A fissure is reported to be running from east to west at the centre of the lake.
Places to Look Around :
In summer the lake, which averages 12 meters deep, is covered with lotus flowers and in winter it is a bird watchers paradise as it is one of the largest natural haunts of aquatic birds in Kashmir. The Baladar Mountain overlooks the lakes eastern bank while on its northern bank are the ruins of Darogabagh.
Mughal Garden :
There is a Mughal (also spelt as Mohgul) garden, build by Nur Jahan, by the lake. It’s called Garoka, meaning bay window, due to its view out over the lake.
Safapur :
A grove of Chinar trees at the nearby village of Safapur is recognized as Badshah Boni, royal Chinar, and was planted in imitation of the Nasim Bagh in Srinagar . A canal taken from the Sindh River, constructed by a Badshah in the 15th century, irrigates Safapur. Nearby is a cave dug by a mystic, with his grave lying next to a small shrine. Near this is situated a tourist hut.
A Campsite :
Camping is possible at another lakeside Chinar copse recognized as Qoz Bagh. There is also a government rest house by the lake.
Location : 28-km From Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Average Depth: 12m
Significance: One Of The Largest Natural Haunts Of Aquatic Birds In Kashmir.
Best Time To Visit: June To August