Padyaran Sar Lakes

The Pir Panjal falling under the jurisdiction of Rajouri-Poonch districts is a repository of beautiful lakes situated at an altitude between 13000 ft. to 14500 ft. In the local parlance, lake is called "Sar" and meadow is called "Marg". This stretch of Pir Panjal is full of lakes and meadows and a place to be well enjoyed by the tourists. There are  more than 27 lakes between Simar Sar to Nandan Sarin an area of 30x30 sq.kms. Of these seven lakes are big in size and rest are smaller. Next to Kaunsar Nag, Bhag Sar  is the biggest lake. Most of the big lakes are situated at the boundary line between Jammu division and the Kashmir valley and drain   into the Kashmir valley. The important lakes are Sukh Sar, Akal Dakshni, Nandan Sar, Chandan Sar, Katori Sar, Raviwalli marggroup of lakes, Chamar Sar, Bhsg Sar, Diya Sar, Padyaran Sar I and II, KatoriSar in Bela Marg and Smat Sar. All the above lakes are situated in the highlands of Pir Panjal Range and freeze during winter and become available for rafting or boating only during summer season i.e. during the months from June to October.
This is the first lake if one approaches these groups of lakes from northern direction. This is an oval shaped lake situated at an elevation of about 3000 mtrs. and is very small in size.
This lake is situated next to Sukh Sar at a distance of about one Km. Akal Darshani is worshipped by all Bakerwals who pass through this route and consider it very sacred. Lake is triangular in shape and the colour of water looks black in comparison to blue colour of other lakes. It is located slightly at higher altitude to that of Sukh Sar at an elevation of about 3300 mtrs. This lake is about 200 mtrs. wide and 400 mtrs long.
This lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes located at such a high altitude. Nandan Sar is oval in shape and more that one Km. in length. Water lake is deep blue in colour. To approach this lake one has to ascend the slope from Akal Dakshni and then descend towards Kashmir watershed. Lake is located at an elevation of about 3500 mtrs. The water of this lake flows through Jadi Marg nullah into the valley.

At half an hour trekking distance from Nandan Sar is located Chandan Saramidst a depression formed by lofty mountains across the nullah to east. Chandan Sar is located at an elevation of about 3600 mtrs. and is as big as Nandan Sar.

Samot Sar is located on northern end of BadjariMarg, at an elevation of about 3550 mtrs. This is an oval shaped blue water lake with maximum length of about one km. Samot Sar is nearest accessible lake from Budhal side (1800 mtrs.). From Budhal it takes about four hours to reach on foot upto lake.  Budhal is approachable by road from Rajouri.

A visit to these lakes give ever lasting life long memories. If one really wants to enjoy the beauty of nature scattered in this part of the Pir Panjal one can complete his back journey via Sarota Marg-Behramgalas - Noori ChanbWaterfall, in 4 to 5 days . During the back journey one comes across a garland of 7 lakes and beautiful flower covered Margs (meadows). These lakes are Neel Sar, Katoria Sar, Sukh Sar, Kal Dachhni, Nandan Sar and Gum Sar.

The above-mentioned lakes are surrounded by the snow clad peaks and mountains and are so beautiful that there are no appropriate words to define their beauty and charm. Nature in its pristine beauty manifests itself in the lakes of Rajouri region. Grips, cool air and blue watered lakes gives a rejuvenating experience to our spirits. The training atmosphere around these lakes works like a magic to set aside for the time the polluting effect of cities on our minds. Such experience can definitely enrich our lives which often gets tired of the din and bustle around. Nature lovers shall surely find their heaven in these lakes.

 To reach Padyaran Sars, one has to ascend the steep one km cliff of Diya SarGali at an elevation of 3800 mtrs. From the Gali one enters famous RupariCorridor towards hill terrain of An catchments. Just below Diya Sar Gali, at an elevation of 3400 mtrs. twin lakes of Padyaran Sar can be seen. Both are been shaped lakes. Padyaran I is slightly bigger than Padyaran II. Most of the time, these lakes remain under snow. Nomadic Bakerwals of  Taryath, Tatapani, Khawas, Metka, Moghla, Kandi, Bakori, and Budhal cross Rupari pass to enter Kashmir valley..............................