Nilnag the beautiful blue water lake.

^{The broader part of the lake}

Nilnag Lake is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the Budgam district, which forms the central part of the Kashmir division in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist attraction located about 45 km from Srinagar city, and it lies at almost the same distance from Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Budgam. The lake is surrounded by evergreen pine trees, and their reflection in the clear water enhances its beauty. The blue colour of the lake is believed to be due to the reflection of these dense green forests.

^{The northern part of the lake}

Situated at an altitude of about 2000–2500 meters above sea level, Nilnag Lake offers fresh and pleasant air throughout the year, in both summer and winter, making it an ideal place to relax and spend time in nature. Because it remains less crowded, it is highly suitable for peaceful walks, quiet reflection, and mental detox from the noise and stress of daily life.

^{Open spaces around the lake}
The lake supports rich biodiversity. Visitors can see migratory birds, different species of fish, and various aquatic plants, mainly lotus. The area surrounding the lake is lush and open, providing ample space for picnics and nature walks. Geographically, Nilnag is located between two famous tourist destinations—Yousmarg, known as the “Meadow of Jesus,” and Doodhpathri, called the “Valley of Milk.” It also serves as a convenient base camp for treks toward these areas.

Nilnag Lake is open to all visitors and there is no entry fee. A parking area is available near the entrance, but vehicles are not allowed to move around the lake itself. Only pedestrians are permitted so that the calm atmosphere of the place remains undisturbed. Although tourists from many parts of the world visit Nilnag, it rarely feels crowded because the surrounding forest and vast grasslands naturally absorb the visitors, preserving its serenity.

^{At the entry of lake}

Being located only about 35 km away from Srinagar, the lake provides an easy day-trip option, especially during summer evenings. Accommodation facilities are limited, as there is no dedicated authority managing the lake at present, though a few rest houses have been constructed recently. Some local residents have also begun offering homestays, which are gradually becoming known among visitors.
Anyone visiting Kashmir should include Nilnag Lake in their itinerary, as it is among the finest lakes in the region and adds a special charm to the overall experience of the valley.

^{My selfie}

I often visit this place, usually once a week. The photographs I have shared are from a visit I made earlier this year, not from my recent trips. I haven’t taken any new photos during my latest visits, but I will soon be sharing some winter photographs of this beautiful place in another post. Although the greenery fades when winter arrives, the peace and serenity of the place always remain. This place never loses its charm. Whenever you visit such a beautiful spot, please be responsible—take care of nature, protect the biodiversity here, and respect the environment, especially if you are a tourist.

Part of a space around the lake	The beautiful Nilnag lake

Information	Details
Google Maps Location	View on Google Maps
Google Plus Code	8J5PVM4R+5W
Steem-Atlas	[//]:# (!steematlas 33.8554375 lat 74.6923125 long Nilnag the beautiful blue water lake d3scr)
Open	24*7
Entry Fee	Nil
Date of Visit	5/09/2025
Location	Nilnag, chadoora Budgam J & K , india

Thank you for going through my post. Have a great time ahead.