Lakes in Jammu And Kashmir
Find Serenity at The Pristine Lakes
For a complex and dynamic environment visit the high mountains of the Kashmir Himalayas, the Kashmir valley, and the water bodies in the lower Shiwalik Himalayas. This is said to be the focal point of the state’s population as these lakes in Jammu and Kashmir are recognized for having contributed to the development of the distinct culture.
The entire city is practically visible as it passes across these lakes. This earthly paradise’s main draw has been these serene, snow-covered lakes. Encircled and shielded by the Himalayan Mountains on every side, these pristine natural gems provide a one-of-a-kind experience of floating in specially built houseboats. They seem like the ideal passageways to paradise which are dominated by the massive Himalayan hills.
The types, colors, sizes, and shapes of Kashmir’s lakes vary. While lakes like Krishansar and Vishansar, Tarsar and Marsar are isolated and only accessible by treks while other lakes in Kashmir like Dal and Nigeen are well-liked tourist destinations. In addition to taking in the breathtaking views of these emerald and blue lakes one may engage in a variety of outdoor activities there such as hiking, trout fishing, and camping.
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Here are the Most Famous Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir
01. Wular Lake
Wular lake is sandwiched between the cities of Bandipore and Sopore which offers a breathtaking view of the precipitous valleys and gorgeous hills on opposite sides. 60 kms. separate Wular Lake which gets its water from the northern Jhelum River and Srinagar.
This location is the site of other activities like boating, water sports, and water skiing when the seas are calm and collected. As one of India’s 26 wetlands, Wular Lake receives its replenishment from the Jhelum River, making it a popular picnic destination for both residents and visitors. Away from the bustle of the city this attraction is the ideal spot to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
- Location: Bandipora district
- Activities: Boating, bird watching, fishing
- Entry Fee: Free
Reach here from the Jammu Airport/ Railway Station through: Kashmir Taxi Service
02. Dal Lake
Srinagar which is known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir has the lake called Dal. It is the second biggest Lake among all lakes in Jammu and Kashmir and is famous in Kashmir as a tourist destination for both locals and visitors. Very popularly referred to as the “Lake of Flowers,” the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” or “Srinagar’s Jewel” and is essential to the valley’s tourist and recreational activities.
The lake is dotted with Mughal-era gardens from the Mughal era and abundant in lotus, water lilies, and water chestnuts. It’s also one of those popular spots where you may freely enjoy living on the water on houseboats. Here you can enjoy Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. Encircled by mountains on three sides this frozen lake during the winter months offers a breathtaking vista.
- Location: Srinagar
- Activities: Shikara rides, houseboat stays
- Entry Fee: Free
Reach the Dal Lake from Srinagar Airport Through: Taxi Service in Srinagar
03. Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake also called Nageena Lake is situated west of the Dal Lake which is next to the Hari Parbat hilltop. Near to it is Hazratbal which is located to the northeast and is well-known for its shrine. The tiny waterway with Dal Lake which is frequently seen as being a part of it.
It is also linked to the lakes of Khushal Sar and Gil Sar by the Nallah Amir Khan canal. There are lots of Chinar and willow trees all around the Nigeen lake. As a result, it has earned the nickname “nageena,” which translates to “the jewel in the ring.”
- Location: Srinagar
- Activities: houseboat stays, boating
- Entry Fee: Free
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04. Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake is situated in the Ganderbal District, and it is said that the name Manasbal is derived from Lake Manasarovar. The lake is surrounded by the towns of Jarokbal, Kondabal and Ganderbal. It is said to be the deepest lake among all the lakes not only in Jammu & Kashmir but in the India and the massive lotus growth around the lake’s edge which blooms in July and August enhances the beauty of the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
The lake is known as the “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes” and is one of the greatest natural stamping grounds for aquatic birds in Kashmir, making it an excellent spot for bird viewing. The lotus plant, which is known to grow widely in the lake, is picked, sold, and consumed by the locals.
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Boating, picnic
- Entry Fee: Free
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05. Sheshnag Lake
One of the high-altitude lakes in Jammu and Kashmir known as Sheshnag Lake that provides a range of adventure sports including trekking and fishing. Photographers and nature lovers will fall in love when they come to see this place.
The lake is oligotrophic and has safe drinking water which is located at an elevation of 3590 meters. Legend says that the Lord himself created Sheshnag Lake which belonged to the serpent king Sheshnag. Most of the people who come here are pilgrims from Hinduism who are enroute to the Amarnath Cave and making it a hallowed location.
- Location: Pahalgam
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
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06. Tarsar Lake
Tarsar Lake which is surrounded by mountains, meadows with conifer trees around and breathtaking views of snow-capped hills. Situated in the Aru valley of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir it is also said to have a twin lake called Marsar.
The word Tar Sar means almond shape which is an alpine lake and can be reached by trekking. The lake’s interesting feature is that depending on the angle of the sun at sunrise and sunset it changes color throughout the day. The lake is only accessible in the summer season as the paths are not slippery due to snow, the weather remains pleasant.
- Location: Anantnag district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
Access this Lake through the Beautiful: Tarsar Marsar Trek
07. Marsar Lake
Popularly known as the twin sister lake of Tarsar, the Marsar lake is situated the same as the Tarsar with more elevation. This can only be reached by trekking from Aru valley in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
You will reach the Tarsar lake, and then climb to a certain height of more elevation and see the magnificent Marsar lake at a distance below. It is a moon-shaped lake that gives an aesthetic view from the top with clouds that reflect in the water and encircled with rocky-mountains.
- Location: Near Tarsar Lake, Anantnag district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
08. Gangabal Lake
Also known as Haramukh Ganga, this lake is located at the base of Mount Haramukh to the north of Srinagar. With its elevation of 3570 meters at the foot of Mount Harmukh, Gangabal Lake is a haven for a diverse range of fish. The lake is surrounded by verdant fields and majestic mountains shrouded in fanciful clouds.
In addition to fishing, Harmukh Ganga Lake offers horseback riding and scenic views. In Hinduism, this lake is revered as one of Lord Shiva’s residences. The Harmukh-Gangabal Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Hindus from Kashmir and Hindus consider Gangabal Lake to be sacred.
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
Witness the Beauty of This Beautiful Lake Through: Gangabal Lake Trek
09. Vishansar Lake
In Kashmiri language Vishansar means “the lake of Vishnu.” Vishansar Lake is situated close to Sonmarg. The lake’s other side is surrounded by verdant meadows, while its other side is dominated by towering peaks. This lake is very significant to Pandits from Kashmir. Numerous fish species can be found there including brown trout. In the winter it freezes.
Trekkers in the Kashmir Valley are drawn to the lake because of its breathtaking scenery, which includes snow-covered mountains, canyons tumbling with little glaciers, and surrounding meadows brimming with Alpine flowers. Glaciers and Krishansar Lake provide its nourishment. The Neelum River rises in the Vishansar Lake and flows north to Badoab before turning west to Gurais along the Line of Control.
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
10. Krishansar Lake
Krishansar Lake is one of the most beautiful glacier lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, an alpine, high-altitude lake located close to Sonamarg. Situated approximately 4,000 meters above sea level and encircled by verdant meadows, Kishansar Lake is shaded by snow-capped mountains close to Sonamarg.
It is noteworthy that the color of the lake varies with the time of day. Neighboring it are the popular trekking locations of Vishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass. This is a must-see for hikers, nature lovers, anglers, and anybody looking for a change of scenery!
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
11. Gadsar Lake
known as Sat Sar which is a collection of seven small alpine lakes perched at an elevation of 3600 meters. The Wangath River which is a tributary of the Sindh River receives the water from the Satsar Lakes. Between Sind Valley and Tulail Valley, Satsar acts as a naturally occurring mountain pass.
On the other side of Zajibal Pass are the lakes of Nundkol and Gangabal. Adorned with verdant meadows and alpine flowers such as blue poppy, gentian, and potentilla, lies the lovely lake. Rare Hedysarum flowers bloom in profusion along the lakefront in the spring. In addition, brown trout inhabit the lake, and access to fish is restricted to licensed anglers with prior authorization.
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
12. Kausar Nag Lake
Approximately 4,000 feet above sea level, this snow-fed lake in Kulgam is the source of the river Veshav that lies tucked away in the shadow of the Pir Panjal ranges. Trekking from Aharbal to Kousarnag, via Kungwattan and Mahinag, is a popular 3-day route.
Upon reaching the lake, hikers are greeted with beautiful views of contrasting blue hues against steep terrain. The placid mountains above and the calm, crystal-clear water make this the ideal natural location to awaken the senses. The River Vaishau is one of the trek’s unique attractions. The walk begins with the tranquil Aharbal Lake, a popular tourist destination. It is well-known as Kashmir’s “Niagra Fall.”
- Location: Kulgam district
- Activities: Trekking, camping
- Entry Fee: Free
13. Nund Kol Lake
The Kashmir Valley’s Gandarbal district is home to the Nundkol Lake. Another name for it is Kalodaka Lake. Nundkol Lake is on Mount Harmukh’s slopes. When trekking to Sonamarg, which begins from the Naranag base camp, people stop by this location.
Because of the low temperatures throughout the winter, the lake freezes and is inaccessible. The summer is the ideal season to visit Nundkol Lake. Fishing is permitted here, but permits are needed for trekking visitors. The Gangabal Lake and the melting glaciers in the mountains feed the lake. The wild alpine flowers of blue poppy, potentilla, gentian, and Hedysarum cover the area close to the lake.
- Location: Ganderbal district
- Activities: Trekking, camping, fishing
- Entry Fee: Free
14. Tulian Lake
This area is allowed for fishing, but permits are required for hikers. The summertime weather here is rather lovely. The terrain near the lake is covered in blue poppies, potentilla, gentian, and Hedysarum, wild alpine flowers.
The walk which is rated as moderate is ideal for families, beginners and anyone looking for a truly picturesque hike in Kashmir’s Himalayas. The Tulian Lake Trek begins at Pahalgam on the banks of the Lidder River and travels along a moderate woodland track into the Katsal Mountain foothills, which is also a popular ski resort in Kashmir in the winter.
- Location: Pahalgam
- Activities: Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
15. Mansar Lake
Mansar is located near the Jammu-Pathankot Highway 64 kilometers from Jammu. With hills covered with pine forests encircling it on all sides, the lake is incredibly lovely. It is a well-liked vacation spot in Jammu, and it is a sacred location that shares the holiness and history of Lake Mansarovar.
Around the edge of the Lake are several temples. There is a shrine to the mythical snake with six heads, Sheshnag, on the eastern edge of Mansar Lake. The shrine consists of a large boulder that has several iron chains set on it, maybe symbolizing the tiny serpents that are waiting on the Sheshnag’s deity. To seek Lord Sheshnag’s blessings, newlywed couples believe it is auspicious to do three circumambulations (Parikarma) around the lake.
- Location: Jammu-Pathankot Highway
- Activities: Boating
- Entry Fee: Free
16. Surinsar Lake
Surinsar is surrounded by hills and thick forests and is located roughly 42 km from Jammu and 9 km from Mansar. With an island in the center, this tiny lake is just as gorgeous as Lake Mansar. There is a religious taboo against boating or swimming in the lake.
It is a marsh with a thriving avifauna bird refuge around the edges. One can visit Surinsar Lake, which has a water-based lotus garden, to spend quality time. When the lake’s surface is covered in an abundance of lotus blossoms in the summer, it makes for a lovely location. The hills that border the lake serve as a barrier between it and the cities.
- Location: Jammu
- Activities: Picnic
- Entry Fee: Free
17. Sanasar Lake
Travelers seeking peace and stunning scenery should not miss Sanasar Lake in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sanasar Lake is situated close to the town of Patnitop in the center of the Pir Panjal range.
Visitors are mesmerized by the sight of the towering mountains and azure skies reflected in the immaculate waters of the lake. The meadows around the region are even more beautiful in the spring and summer when they are ablaze with colorful wildflowers.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Sanasar Lake provides a tranquil haven from the bustle of the city. Immersed in nature’s embrace, visitors can renew their senses while taking in the serene atmosphere of the lake and the soft whisper of the wind through the trees.
- Location: Udhampur district
- Activities: Paragliding, trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
18. Nandansar Lake
One of the largest lakes in the Rajouri District is Nandan Sar Lake. This oval-shaped lake is more than a kilometer long. The elevation of Nandan Sar Lake is 3,500 meters above sea level.
When visitors arrive at the location, they will see that the lake’s water is a rich blue color. The water of Nandar Sar pours into the Kashmir Valley from the Jadi Marg Nullah. In order to get to the Kashmir watershed, visitors to the Nandar Sar Lake must first ascend the Akal Darshini hill.
- Location: Rajouri district
- Activities: Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
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