Mentally, I am still sitting by Sanasar Lake - Just a boat, some water, and zero service.
Jammu and Kashmir is a popular hill region because of its dramatic Himalayan landscapes, cool alpine climate. During the winter season, the region features snow capped peaks, deep green alpine meadows, gushing rivers, and high-altitude lakes. During the hot Indian summers, the high-altitude terrain provides a refreshing and cool escape from the plains. Last years, while travelling to Vaishno Devi (pilgrimage place), I made an extended stay at this region only to discover some of the beautiful #landscapes. I have heard of many places but never been there. But this time I made sure to make my stay count. Even though the weather was cloudy and it was raining occasionally, I managed to reach Sanasar Lake
Seeing the natural beautiful, my first reaction was Wowwww... does such places exit in #india? The first question that crosses my mind. I have seen bollywood movies made with such beautiful backdrop. But watching in real is completely different feeling. I was awestruck for a moment.
The lake sat like a dropped piece of the sky in the very center of the wide, sun-drenched meadow. Tall Himalayan cedars (deodars) and thick pine trees encircle the open landscape, offering deep shade and crisp mountain air. This place is often called the "mini Gulmarg," the area features vast, rolling green lawns that resemble a peaceful natural bowl. Unlike more commercialized hill stations, it offers quiet serenity.
It was a surprise find after hearing a lot from the local cafe owners. My plan was to stay at Patni top and then returning, but on hearing a lot and seeing some more visitors travelling towards this point, made me to stay longer. Patni top is a popular place but I never heard of Sanasar lake before. Now after discovering the beauty of Sanasar Lake feels like stepping into a hidden alpine amphitheater surrounded by a soft, green carpet of grass and towering Himalayan pines.
Unpredictable rain made my journey bit scary, as the roads were not properly maintained. At such an high altitude the tyre were skidding. After driving through winding, rugged mountain roads around 20 kilometers west of Patnitop, we reached the Sanasar lake point. There were few restaurants and car parking space. After navigating the highs of the ridge, the trail leads you downward in a zig-zag fashion into the cup-shaped Sanasar meadow that feels remarkably quiet and secluded.
Emerging from the forest into the expansive Sanasar meadow feels like discovering a hidden paradise. You need to careful with local horse owners as they keep lunges on you to hire them. There were many of them, who seeing the visitors start following you to convince hiring. They charge INR 1000 to 1500. But they are open to bargain and the price may drop down much lower. Many people like to horse ride at this scenic spot to enjoy the cool weather and atmosphere. There are other options for paragliding, zip-lining, too. Slowly the places getting commercialized.
Seeing the lovely weather and beautiful landscapes, I prefer to walk rather than using animal ride. The ground feels like a thick, silky cushion of grass. The natural backdrop of dense coniferous forests and mountain air is deeply refreshing. I started moving towards the centre - The lake area that was the main attraction. As I walk down, the towering Himalayan peaks and dense rows of pine trees slowly frame the landscape. Reaching the lake requires taking a long, sloping, and sometimes steep walking track that cuts down from the higher ground and meadows.
As I get closer to the water, the mood shifts from solitary calm to a lively spot. There were many boats / shikaras available for ride. There were few visitors feeding fish. There are huge number of fish in the lake. But no one catches them. The local people have some faith and beliefs associated with the fish eating. The small boats were decorated nicely. They are meant for photo shoot, boat ride in the lake. A perfect place for any romantic couple.
I realised that the ambient noise of passing traffic fades, replaced by the rustle of pine needles, cool mountain air, and occasional hoofbeats from horses or ponies. I was in nowhere land. And seeing the boats , I felt like getting inside water. We cannot go near to it, so I opted to take a boat ride. It was a pleasant feeling riding the boat. The boatman took a complete round of the lake for me. They took nominal fee for the memorable ride.
As I drift, I found myself surrounded by towering Himalayan pine trees, rolling green meadows, and crisp, cool mountain air. There were water sports too, with few bubble balloon floating in the water. However there were no takers. But lying idle in the water. Unlike crowded tourist hubs, the atmosphere around this compact lake offers a quiet escape. I was loving every bits of it
There are no major sit down restaurants right by the lake. So you need to carry your own snacks and food. But make sure avoid littering the place. Such place rarely exist on earth and keeping them clean is our moral duty. Preserving such natural landscape is our responsibility.
My walk around the meadows and lake rewards me with a sense of pure relief and accomplishment. The setting is incredibly serene. The scenic spot feels deeply tranquil, cool, and meditative. I enjoyed every minutes spend at this location. I was in no mood to go home. But have to leave the paradise, only to revisit this place again and taking away some fond memories I left the place.
In good faith - Peace!!