Satsar Lakes

Satsar, meaning 'seven lakes', is a group of seven small alpine lakes in Ganderbal district of Kashmir. They lie along a narrow north–south valley about 4 km long and 1 km wide, which acts as a natural pass between the Tulail and Sind valleys; Gangabal and Nundkol lakes lie beyond the Zajibal pass. The lakes are fed mostly by snowmelt, and two or three of them often dry up in late summer and autumn.

Meadows around the water are used by shepherds in summer and by trekkers as a campsite, and flowers such as blue poppy, gentian and geum grow around the basin. The lakes can be visited only in summer; snow closes the routes in winter. Most trekkers start from Naranag, 65 km by road from Srinagar, passing Nundkol and Gangabal on the way, and many return via Gadsar and Vishansar lakes to Sonamarg. All seven lakes hold brown trout, and anglers need a permit from Srinagar.