Sometimes to get the best of nature you have to embark on a difficult trail.

Alpathar Lake, also known as a frozen lake, is located at the base of the Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg Kashmir. To reach here, you have to first climb the Apharwat Peak ( 4390 meters) and then descend a little to the other side to reach this lake.

This Alpine lake remains frozen most of the year and the best way to reach here is to take a Gondola ride (cable car) to the second phase situated at an altitude of 3950 meters, on the Slopes of Apharwat Peak.

From there, you have to trek for almost 3.5 km to reach this gem of the Indian Himalayas. This trek includes a difficult ascent to the top of Apharwat Peak and then descent of almost 50 meters to the other side.

As soon as you get the first sight of the lake from the top of the peak , you get lost in its beauty. You become a part of the eternal ‘Now’, totally captivated in the present and hardly care for the past and future.

I guess that’s what is the purpose of hiking such natural wonders. It truly rejuvenates  your soul and gives you a broader perspective towards life. You don’t want those moments to end but you have to go back to your civilization.

Such moments cannot be captured fully through your lenses but the photos remind you of those moments , deeply etched in your brain.

Happy World Photography Day