As I live in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, we have many places where tourists and locals go to spend time in serenity and calmness. These places not only present mesmerising views that leave viewers spellbound, but they also provide a much-needed escape to detox and find relief from the commotion of modern life and the constant run for more riches. One such place is the beautiful Nilnag Lake, which is just 7 km from my home. The lake is cradled by hills covered with evergreen pine trees that add beauty throughout the year. There are myths about this lake, and some people still say that it was formed when a flying crow dropped an egg on agricultural land, which instantly turned into a lake and inundated around 14 oxen along with the farmers who were ploughing the land. I don’t believe this story, but it is something that makes the place interesting to hear about. Whatever the truth may be, the lake is undeniably beautiful.
The reflection of the green pine trees on the blue water is a mesmerising sight and one of the reasons the lake stands out. Located between hills, the lake can even be seen from the top, and people often climb up to sit on the grassy patches. These spots provide calm spaces where a continuous breeze blows, reminding one of the peacefulness and purity of nature. The area of the lake is not officially known, not because it is too large, but because there is no proper information available. It is a picturesque lake that offers a peaceful place to spend time. The lake is around 35 km from Srinagar, the capital city of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, and the road leading to it is scenic, offering beautiful views at every turn.
We, who live close to this lake, love spending time there and visit it throughout the year. The lake presents a unique kind of beauty in every season. In summer, many people gather on its lush green banks, which look like a natural carpet. Sitting beside the gentle ripples moving across the lake is always a calming experience. Unfortunately, the lake falls under no official authority and is looked after by no one, which puts it at risk of pollution and encroachment.
Yousmarg, also known as the Meadows of Jesus, is just 2.5 km from Nilnag. The route between the two offers a beautiful trekking trail, and many visitors ride ponies along this path during summer. In winter, however, the route becomes difficult to access. The meadows around the lake offer peaceful spots to rest without any fear, even though they lie close to dense forests. It is a peaceful place in every sense.
I am not only describing the place and its location, but I am also concerned about the damage caused by ignorant visitors. Until the place is taken care of by some government authority or private agency, it will continue to drown in pollution, and someday it may lose all the characteristics that make it special.
A couple of days ago, I visited the lake with my friends to spend some time together and enjoy some snacks. We bought fish and arranged the necessary items before leaving. Since it is winter here, the place was much colder than our village. We quickly lit a small fire and prepared our food. During this time, we shared beautiful moments, cracked jokes, had fun, and enjoyed each other’s company. Even on the way to the lake, the music playing in my car made the drive enjoyable. It is not the food that matters to us, but the time we spend together, the jokes we share, and the excitement we create for ourselves. Doing all of this on the banks of such a beautiful lake makes the experience even more precious.
We always make it a point to collect the waste scattered around by irresponsible visitors who do not care about nature. Such people spoil beautiful places across the valley. My friends and I have been dedicated to this small cleanliness effort for quite some time, even though many people still seem careless. I hope that someday people will become mindful and stop polluting such natural treasures. I will be posting photographs that I have captured throughout the year to let you enjoy the beauty of this lake across different seasons.