The Pir Panjal falling under the jurisdiction of Rajouri-Poonch districts
is a repository of beautiful lakes situated at an altitude between 13000 ft. to
14500 ft. In the local parlance, lake is called "Sar" and meadow is
called "Marg". This stretch of Pir Panjal is full of lakes and
meadows and a place to be well enjoyed by the tourists. There are more
than 27 lakes between Simar Sar to Nandan Sar in an area of 30x30 sq.kms. Of
these seven lakes are big in size and rest are smaller. Next to Kaunsar Nag,
Bhag Sar is the biggest lake. Most of the big lakes are situated at the
boundary line between
SUKH SAR
This is the first lake if one approaches these groups of lakes from
northern direction. This is an oval shaped lake situated at an elevation of
about 3000 mtrs. and is very small in size.
AKAL DARSHNI
This lake is situated next to Sukh Sar at a
distance of about one Km. Akal Darshani is worshipped by all Bakerwals who pass
through this route and consider it very sacred.
NANDAN SAR
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Photo : Maharajkar
Singh Isher |
This lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes located at such a
high altitude. Nandan Sar is oval in shape and more that one Km. in length.
Water lake is deep blue in colour. To approach this lake one has to ascend the
slope from Akal Dakshni and then descend towards
CHANDAN SAR
At half an hour trekking distance from Nandan
Sar is located Chandan Sar amidst a depression formed by lofty mountains across
the nullah to east. Chandan Sar is located at an elevation of about 3600 mtrs.
and is as big as Nandan Sar.
KATORI SAR
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Photo : Maharajkar
Singh Isher |
From Chandan Sar route again enters Rajouri
District through Barhal pass (3650 mtrs.) in westerly direction. Just near is
the saddle and irregular shaped lake, with
blue waters, welcomes the travels. This is Katori lake or Sar at an elevation
of about 3550 mtrs.
RAVI WALLI MARG GROUP OF LAKES
From Katori Sar as one descends down due west,
water of four lakes gives a panoramic view of Ravi Walli Marg. The four lakes
located in this Marg are Kokar Sar, Neel Sar,Bhag Sar and Ding Sar. Altitude of
this place is about 3300 mtrs. and is one of the best camping sites at this
altitude.
To approach Chamar Sar one has to reach Sarota Marg
located along the Chamar Nala and camp here for one night. Chamar Sar is one day's trekking from Ravi
Walli Marg. It is better to approach Chamar and Bhag Sar from Sarota Marg and come back same day. Chamar Sar is bean
shaped like located at an altitude of 3300 mtrs. This lake if full of icebergs
till late July. Circumference of this lake is more than 12 kms. This lake is
source of chamar Nala which ultimately joins Bafliaz Nala near Behram Gala.
BHAG SAR
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Photo : Maharajkar
Singh Isher |
Bhag Sar is the highest lake situated in this series of lakes in
atapani/Budhal mountains at an elevation of about 3700 mtrs. It is an oval
shaped lake and is inaccessible for a common man. It is enclosed from all the
four sides and is always full of icebergs. To approach this lake one has to
skirt around the chamar Sar from left side and then ascend the glacier up to
4000 mtrs. from where the lake is visible.
DIYA SAR
This lake is also accessible from Sarota Marg located
due west from Chamar Sar. Shape of the lake is typical like an Indian earthen
lamp and so named as Diya Sar. This lake is about one Km. long and located at
an elevation of about 3600 mtrs.
PADYARAN SAR (I & II)
To reach Padyaran Sars, one has to ascend the
steep one km cliff of Diya Sar Gali at an elevation of 3800 mtrs. From the Gali
one enters famous Rupari Corridor towards hill terrain of An catchments. Just
below Diya Sar Gali, at an elevation of 3400 mtrs. twin lakes of Padyaran Sar
can be seen. Both are been shaped lakes. Padyaran I is slightly bigger than
Padyaran II. Most of the time, these lakes remain under snow. Nomadic Bakerwals
of Taryath, Tatapani, Khawas, Metka,
Moghla, Kandi, Bakori, and Budhal cross Rupari pass to enter
KATORI SAR IN BELA
MARG
This is a saucer shaped lake located on western and
of Bela Marg, at an altitude of 3300 mtrs. It is one of the smallest lakes
formed due to pooling of water from melting snow and dries out till end of
September.
GUM SAR
This is another small lake at the foot of Dhakyar peak at an
elevation of 3600 mtrs. Dhakyar peak is the highest peak in this range. It is
pyramidical mountain with height of about 4660 mtrs.
SAMOT SAR
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Photo : Maharajkar
Singh Isher |
Samot Sar is located on northern end of
Badjari Marg, at an elevation of about 3550 mtrs. This is an oval shaped blue
water lake with maximum length of about one km. Samot Sar is nearest accessible
lake from Budhal side (1800 mtrs.). From Budhal it takes about four hours to
reach on foot upto lake. Budhal is
approachable by road from Rajouri.
A visit to these lakes give ever lasting life long
memories. If one really wants to enjoy the beauty of nature scattered in this
part of the Pir Panjal one can complete his back journey via Sarota
Marg-Behramgalas - Noori Chanb Waterfall, in 4 to 5 days . During the back
journey one comes across a garland of 7 lakes and beautiful flower covered
Margs (meadows). These lakes are Neel Sar, Katoria Sar, Sukh Sar, Kal Dachhni,
Nandan Sar and Gum Sar.
The above-mentioned lakes are surrounded by the snow
clad peaks and mountains and are so beautiful that there are no appropriate
words to define their beauty and charm. Nature in its pristine beauty manifests
itself in the lakes of Rajouri region. Grips, cool air and blue watered lakes
gives a rejuvenating experience to our spirits. The training atmosphere around
these lakes works like a magic to set aside for the time the polluting effect
of cities on our minds. Such experience can definitely enrich our lives which
often gets tired of the din and bustle around. Nature lovers shall surely find
their heaven in these lakes.
