The lake
Ice-blue water and snowfields at the top of the Pir Panjal.
Glacial lake of the Pir Panjal
Kounsarnag
A large glacial lake high in the Pir Panjal, the source of the Vishaw river and sacred to Hindus as Vishnu Pad. Reached only by a multi-day trek.
Kulgam districtAbout 3,800 mMulti-day trek from Aharbal from Srinagar
Kounsarnag is a glacial lake at around 3,800 m on the crest of the Pir Panjal, below snow-covered peaks. Ice floats on the water well into summer. It feeds the Vishaw river that falls at Aharbal.
The lake is sacred in Hindu tradition as Vishnu Pad, and an annual pilgrimage visits it. For trekkers, it is one of the more remote and demanding lake treks in Kashmir.
The trek
The usual route starts at Aharbal and goes via Kungwattan meadow, taking several days round trip with camping. It requires fitness, a guide, ponies and full camping gear. Check local permission requirements at the time of travel.
Things to do
What to see in Kounsarnag
Best time to visit
July to September.
How to reach
- From Aharbal — a multi-day trek via Kungwattan, with guide and ponies.
Tour packages
All packagesAdd Kounsarnag to a Kashmir package
Best Seller4N / 5D
Kashmir 4N/5D — Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg & Pahalgam
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
The complete valley circuit with deluxe stays on MAP plan, a private vehicle throughout and an hour on Dal Lake by shikara.
- Dal Lake Shikara
- Gulmarg
- Sonamarg
- Pahalgam
Starting from₹27,200total, all inclusive
Houseboat Stay5N / 6D
Kashmir 5N/6D with Pahalgam Stay & Deluxe Houseboat
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam · Dal Lake
Adds a night in Pahalgam and a night aboard a deluxe Dal Lake houseboat to the classic valley circuit.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Pahalgam Stay
- Shikara Ride
- Private Sedan
Starting from₹29,700total, all inclusive
Budget Romance4N / 5D
Glimpse of Kashmir — 4N/5D Honeymoon
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
Deluxe houseboat, shikara ride, candlelight dinner and cake across the four main valley stops.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Shikara Ride
- Candle Dinner
- Cake
Starting from₹36,645total, all inclusive
Questions
Visiting Kounsarnag
Close to Srinagar: Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Manasbal Lake and the Naranag temples. In the south: Kokernag, Verinag, Aharbal and Daksum. In the north, in summer only: Gurez, Bangus and the Lolab Valley.
Large numbers of tourists visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg every season, and the main tourist circuit is well policed. Conditions can still change at short notice, so before you book, check the latest travel updates from J&K Tourism and any advisory from your own government if you are travelling from abroad. We are based in Srinagar and on these roads every day. If a road closure, weather or a local restriction affects your route, we will tell you before you travel and adjust the itinerary.
Absolutely. Every Kashmir tour package we offer can be customised to match your preferences, group size, budget and travel dates. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will design the perfect Kashmir itinerary for you.
Kulgam district
All destinationsMore places to visit in Kulgam
- AharbalThe Niagara of Kashmir
- KungwattanHigh meadow above Aharbal
Nearby
Other places in the valley
High meadow above Aharbal
Kungwattan
The Niagara of Kashmir
Aharbal
Top of the Mughal Road
Peer Ki Gali
The sacred lake below Haramukh