Nundkol Lake

Coordinates: 34°25′04″N 74°56′08″E / 34.417855°N 74.935663°E / 34.417855; 74.935663
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Nundkol Lake
Gangbal Lake
Primary outflowsSind River
Max. length1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi)
Max. width0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi)
Surface area1.5 km2 (0.58 sq mi)
Surface elevation3,505 metres (11,499 ft)

The Nundkol Lake or Nund Kol also known as Nandi Kund and Kalodaka Lake is an

oligotrophic alpine lake situated in Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India.[1] This lake is considered sacred by Hindus.[2]

Etymology

The lake was originally called Nandi Kund meaning (Lake of Nandi). The term "Nundkol" also means Lake of Nandi. Nandi is the bull vahana of the Hindu god Shiva.[2]

Geography

The Nundkol Lake lies at the foot of

Naranag is the nearest settlement and serves as the base camp for trekking to the lake.[3][4]

The Nundkol Lake is fed by Gangabal Lake and the melting glaciers of the Mount Haramukh. It gives rise to Wangath Nallah, the major right tributary of the Sind River.[4][5]

Religious significance

This lake is sacred for Hindus. According to a legend, Nandi was born as son of sage Shilad, who performed a great penance near this lake. Upon penance of Shilad, Shiva took his permanent abode thereby. The inner blue color of lake is believed to mark the presence of Shiva, while the outer light green portion of lake is supposed to mark the presence of Nandi. Shiva is also worshipped with the name Nandisa there.[6][2]

Flora and fauna

During the winter, Nundkol Lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers. The

gentian are relatively common. Hedysarum flowers are found in late spring throughout the area around the lake.[7]

The Nundkol Lake is stocked with trout among of which is the brown trout. Fishing is permitted to the licensed anglers.[8]

Access

The Nundkol Lake is accessible only during the summer; during the winter, the treks are closed because of the heavy snowfall. It can be reached from

Bandipora and the five-day trekking starting point is Arin. Tourists prefer Naranag trek and return via Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake and Sonamarg to cover most alpine lakes of the area.[9][10]

Gallery

  • Nundkol Lake, Harmukh at the background
    Nundkol Lake, Harmukh at the background
  • Photograph of Milkyway at Nundkol Lake located in the vicinity of Mt. Harmukh
    Photograph of Milkyway at Nundkol Lake located in the vicinity of Mt. Harmukh
  • Mount Harmukh rising from Gangabal (right) and Nundkol Lakes (left)
    Mount Harmukh rising from Gangabal (right) and Nundkol Lakes (left)

References

  1. ISBN 9780975022870
    .
  2. ^
    ISBN 978-90-04-24832-8
    .
  3. ISSN 0169-9377
    .
  4. ^
    ISBN 9780975022870
    .
  5. ^ "Sacred Shrines of Haramukh". dailyexcelsior.com. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  6. ^ Excelsior, Daily (17 August 2012). "Sacred Shrines of Haramukh". Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  7. ISBN 9788173871078
    .
  8. ISSN 0429-9345
    .
  9. ^ "Naranag-Gangabal Trek". KashmirTreks. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  10. ISBN 9788173871078
    .
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