Nilnag Lake

Nilnag Lake is a small natural high-altitude lake located about 4 kilometres from Yusmarg meadow in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at approximately 2,180 metres amidst dense pine forests and low hills, the lake is known for its deep blue water, from which it derives its name Nil (blue) Nag (lake). A popular day excursion from Srinagar, it is reached by a scenic forest trek and offers tranquil natural scenery.

Visitors can expect a small, deep-blue lake set in a forested valley surrounded by pine trees and hills near Yusmarg. The lake is reached via a 4 km trek or pony ride from Yusmarg meadow along an unpaved forest trail. There are no built structures at the lake itself; the setting is natural and quiet, suitable for sightseeing, photography, short walks around the perimeter, and enjoying the forest landscape.

The name Nilnag derives from Nil meaning blue and Nag meaning lake or spring in local language, referring to the lake's blue water. The lake is regarded locally as a scenic natural feature of the Yusmarg area and is part of traditional pastoral and forest landscape.