03 Nov, 2022

10 Most Stunning Lakes in Kashmir

Lakes in Kashmir - Kashmir is an amazing place with Beautiful lakes. These lakes have super clear blue water that looks Stunning. If you like nature and hiking, Kashmir is perfect because the lakes are surrounded by lots of green trees and Mountains. If you're from India and want to visit, you can get special packages to see all the beautiful lakes and enjoy the nature there.

Don't forget to check out these awesome lakes when you go to Kashmir!

Best Lakes in Kashmir

Here are the 10 best lakes in Jammu and Kashmir:

  • Dal Lake
  • Wular Lake
  • Anchar Lake
  • Manasbal Lake
  • Nagin Lake
  • Krishnasar Lake
  • Gadsar Lake
  • Kishan Ganga
  • Sheshnag Lake
  • Surinsar Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a beautiful lake in the middle of Srinagar, which is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. People call it the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. It is also one of the largest lakes in the region, covering an area of 18 square kilometers.

Dal Lake is not just for tourists; it's a special place for people who live there too. It's peaceful and romantic, a place where dreams can come true. It's like a calm and elegant piece of nature that captures the hearts of everyone who gets to see it.

Location: Srinagar, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Shikara Ride
  • Fishing
  • Houseboat Stay
  • Visit Floating Market
  • Sunset at the lake
  • Visit Char Chinar
  • Swimming
  • Jet Ski Ride

How to Reach:

By Air: For those arriving by air, Srinagar International Airport serves as the closest gateway. Located approximately 15 kilometers away from Dal Lake.

By Train: If you prefer traveling by train, Jammu Tawi Railway Station is your best bet; situated around 300 kilometers away from this idyllic paradise.

By Road: Dal Lake can be accessed via National Highway 1A which connects major cities like Delhi with Srinagar.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake

Wular Lake is a big and beautiful lake in the Himalayan mountains in Kashmir, India. It's like a magical place that people have loved for a very long time. The lake is more than 200 square kilometers, which is huge, and it's one of the biggest lakes in Kashmir.

There are lots of different plants and animals that live in and around the lake. The water is a bright, pretty blue, and when it moves, it makes soft sounds that go perfectly with the grass growing on the sides of the lake. It's a calm and peaceful place that everyone enjoys visiting.

Location: Bandipora, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Birdwatching
  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Water Skiing
  • Photography
  • Picnicking

How to Reach:

To go to this beautiful place, first, make sure you get to Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. You can easily do this by taking a plane to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport or by train to Udhampur or Jammu Tawi station. Then, you can take a taxi or bus to Srinagar. Once you're in Srinagar, you can either hire a private car or get on a shared taxi near popular places like Dal Lake and Lal Chowk to start your journey to Wular Lake. The lake is about 60 kilometers northwest of Srinagar city center, and you can reach it in about two hours by road.

Anchar Lake

Anchar Lake

Anchar Lake is a Beautiful lake in Kashmir. It's like a big puddle surrounded by hills and pretty views. The lake is about 8 square kilometers big, and the people who live there really like it a lot!

Location: Srinagar, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Boating
  • Birdwatching
  • Fishing
  • Photography
  • Nature Walk

How to Reach:

If you're coming by air, you'll land at Srinagar International Airport to visit this beautiful lake. Once you arrive, you can choose how to get to the lake. Some people like to hire their taxi or share one with others for comfort. If you want to save money and have more time, you can also take a public bus from different parts of Srinagar city. The journey to Anchar Lake is about 9 kilometers from the center of Srinagar, and the roads are surrounded by greenery and amazing mountain views.

Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, is a true gem that captivates visitors with its serene beauty. Spread across an area of approximately 4.5 square kilometers, this enchanting lake holds the distinction of being one of the deepest lakes in India, plunging to depths over 13 meters at some points.

Surrounded by lush green meadows that provide a picturesque backdrop, Manasbal Lake exudes tranquility and offers a peaceful haven for those seeking solace amidst nature's embrace. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the azure sky above and mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks like a pristine canvas painted by Mother Nature herself.

The lake is home to various species of aquatic fauna such as fresh-water fish and serene lotus flowers that bloom delicately on its surface during summer months, adding vibrant hues to this already idyllic scene.

Location: Ganderbal District of Kashmir, India

Things to do:

  • Boat Ride
  • Bird Watching
  • Photography
  • Fishing
  • Nature Walks
  • Picnicking
  • Visit the Manasbal Temple
  • Camping

How to Reach:

By air: At a distance of 43 kilometers, Srinagar is the nearest airport to Mansbal Lake of Ganderbal District.

By Train: Jammu Railway Station is about 290 km from Ganderbal District. Udhampur Railway Station is about 220 km away.

By Road: The road network of Mansbal Lake in Ganderbal district is excellent. It is about 30 km from Srinagar, about 290 km from Jammu. National Highway 1A connects Leh to Kargil. Jammu & Kashmir's major cities are accessible by regular bus services.

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake in Kashmir is like a beautiful treasure surrounded by pretty scenes in Srinagar. It's super peaceful and calm, almost like a magical place where you can feel really happy and relaxed. People love to go there to enjoy the quiet and be close to nature's hug.

Nagin Lake is like a beautiful jewel because it looks like a shiny ring. It's not too big, only about 4 square kilometers. The water is so clear that it sparkles in colors like green and blue when the sun is shining.

Location: Srinagar, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Shikara Ride
  • Houseboat Stay
  • Jet Ski Riding
  • Photography
  • Nature Walk
  • Birdwatching
  • Fishing

How to Reach:

The quickest way to arrive at this natural wonder is by air, with Srinagar International Airport serving as the nearest gateway. From there, one can easily hire a taxi or hop on a local bus to embark on an approximately 16-kilometer journey towards Nageen Lake. For those who prefer railway travel, reaching Udhampur Railway Station would be ideal as it is well-connected to major cities across India. Subsequently, one can opt for a scenic six-hour drive through lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks via National Highway 1A until finally arriving at this pristine lake's vicinity. 

Krishnasar Lake

Krishnasar Lake

Krishnasar Lake, nestled in the enchanting meadows of Kashmir's Sonamarg region, is a breathtaking gem that beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This idyllic alpine lake lies at an elevation of around 3,801 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks that reflect their grandeur upon its crystal-clear waters.

Location: Ganderbal District of Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Photography
  • Nature Walk
  • Birdwatching
  • Fishing
  • Explore Nature
  • Swimming
  • Trekking

How to Reach: In Srinagar or Srinagar Airport, it is 80 kilometers from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport by road NH 1D. From Shitkadi, ponies can be hired to cover a 35 km alpine trek to reach Krishansar Lake, which is reached after passing the 4100-meter Nichnai Pass.

Gadsar Lake

Gadsar Lake

Gadsar Lake, also called Yemsar or the lake of flowers, is a beautiful place in the Kashmir Valley of India. It's way up high, about 12,000 feet above the sea. The lake has clear blue water and is surrounded by big snowy mountains and pretty meadows. It looks like a painting! People in the area have interesting stories and legends about the lake that make it even more special.

Location: Ganderbal, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Nature Walk
  • Fishing
  • Explore Nature
  • Swimming
  • Trekking
  • Photography
  • Explore Nature

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport to Gadsar Lake Sonamarg of Ganderbal District is Srinagar, located 100 kilometers away.

By Train. Jammu is about 393 kilometers from Ganderbal District, which is the nearest railway station.

By Road: There is a very good road network connecting Gadsar Lake to Ganderbal District.

Kishan Ganga

Kishan Ganga

The Kishanganga River, also called the Kishanganga River, is an important stream that joins the Jhelum River in northern India. It starts from a big ice place near the Gurez Valley in Kashmir. The river goes through beautiful places with green valleys before joining the strong Jhelum River.

Location: Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Nature Walk
  • Fishing
  • Explore Nature
  • Photography
  • Swimming

How to Reach: Kishan Ganga River is about 185 km from Srinagar via Bandipora Gurez Rd. You can easily hire a taxi from Srinagar.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake is like a beautiful hidden treasure in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a special place for people who love nature. The lake looks amazing with its clear blue-green water and big snowy mountains around it. It's way up high at about 3,700 meters above the sea. If you like exploring, this is the perfect place for you!

Location: Anantnag, Kashmir

Things to do:

  • Camping
  • Trekking
  • Nature Walk
  • Fishing
  • Explore Nature
  • Photography
  • Swimming

How to Reach: It can be accessed by road 113 km from Srinagar and 23 km from Pahalgam. From Chandanwari, ponies can be hired for a 7 km hike upslope to reach Sheshnag Lake.

Surinsar Lake

Surinsar Lake

Surinsar Lake is like a hidden treasure in the beautiful land of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a really pretty place with hills covered in green plants all around it. The view is so amazing that it makes you feel happy and calm.

Surinsar Lake not only offers scenic grandeur but also holds historical significance as it is believed to be associated with Hindu mythology. 

Location: Jammu, India

Things to do:

  • Boating
  • Nature Walk
  • Fishing
  • Explore Nature
  • Photography
  • Swimming

How to Reach: Book a flight to Jammu Airport, which serves as the nearest major airport to this picturesque destination. From there, hire a private taxi or avail of public transportation options such as buses or shared cabs to cover a distance of approximately 35 kilometers in the southeast direction. 

High Altitude Lakes in Kashmir

Kashmir is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and many of them are located at high altitudes. Here are ten of the most stunning lakes in Kashmir situated at High Altitudes:

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir and it is also one of the largest lakes in the region. The lake is located at an altitude of 1,583 meters (5,200 feet) and it covers an area of 18 square kilometers (6.9 square miles). There are several houseboats and floating gardens on Dal Lake, which make it a truly unique place to visit.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake is another large lake in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 1,170 meters (3,840 feet). It covers an area of 65 square kilometers (25 square miles), making it the largest freshwater lake in India. Wular Lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans.

Anchar Lake

Anchar Lake is a small but stunningly beautiful lake located at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,451 feet). It covers an area of just 0.65 square kilometers (0.25 square miles) but its turquoise waters are simply mesmerizing. Anchar Lake is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, making it a  perfect place to enjoy some breathtaking scenery.

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake is a serene and peaceful lake located at an altitude of 2,037 meters (6,683 feet). It covers an area of 3.5 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) and its clear waters are simply pristine. Nageen Lake is a popular spot for fishing, as it is home to a variety of trout species.

Gadsar Lake

Gadsar Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). It covers an area of just 0.65 square kilometers (0.25 square miles) but its turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it a truly magical place. Gadsar Lake is also home to a variety of rare birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Vishansar Lake

Vishansar Lake is another beautiful high-altitude lake in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,451 feet). It covers an area of just 1 square kilometre (0.39 square miles) but its crystal clear waters and surroundings make it a truly special place. Vishansar Lake is a popular spot for trout fishing, as it is home to a large population of fish.

Kishansar Lake

Kishansar Lake is a tranquil lake located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). It covers an area of just 1 square kilometre (0.39 square miles) but its clear waters and stunning scenery make it a truly remarkable place. Kishansar Lake is also home to a variety of rare birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Tral Lakes

The Tral Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,858 feet). They cover a total area of 2 square kilometers (0.77 square miles) and their crystal clear waters are simply mesmerizing. The Tral Lakes are surrounded by mountains and forests, making them a perfect place to enjoy some breathtaking scenery.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 3,730 meters (12,238 feet ). It covers an area of just 1 square kilometre (0.39 square miles) but its clear waters and stunning scenery make it a truly remarkable place. Sheshnag Lake is also home to a variety of rare birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

FAQs Related to Lakes in Kashmir

Which is the Largest lake in Kashmir?

Kashmir is home to many large and beautiful lakes, but the largest lake in Kashmir is Dal Lake. This lake is over 12 miles long and covers an area of nearly 20 square miles. Dal Lake is a popular tourist destination and is known for its houseboats and floating gardens.

How Many Lakes in Kashmir?

There are around 10 - 12 lakes in Kashmir, out of which Dal Lake is the most popular one. Kashmir is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Which are the Deepest lakes in Kashmir?

The deepest lakes in Kashmir are Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake, both measuring approximately 12 meters deep. These stunning natural wonders are surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and offer unique experiences for travelers looking to escape into nature. 

What are the Famous Lakes in Kashmir?

  • Dal Lake
  • Wular Lake
  • Anchar Lake
  • Manasbal Lake
  • Nagin Lake
  • Krishnasar Lake
  • Gadsar Lake
  • Kishan Ganga
  • Sheshnag Lake
  • Surinsar Lake

Which is the cleanest lake in Kashmir?

After extensive research and exploration, we can confidently say that the cleanest lake in Kashmir is Manasbal Lake. With its crystal clear waters and surrounding greenery, this lake is a true hidden gem.