The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly the land of meadows and lakes. The two of them often appear together and enchant tourists with their culminated glory. This part of the Himalayas is characterized by lush green pine forests and alpine high-altitude lakes that freeze during the winter. On the other hand, there are famous cultural spots such as the Dal Lake and Wular Lake where Shikaras Rome and houseboats create a permanent, floating settlement. No matter which you prefer, there are some lakes in Jammu and Kashmir that you simply cannot afford to overlook!

Some of the most beautiful lakes in Jammu and Kashmir are also destinations for famous treks or are home to exotic aquatic vegetation and fauna. It cannot be denied that the lakes in Jammu and Kashmir are a primary part of this land’s special beauty. 

Sparkling Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir – From The Land of Lakes 

1. Dal Lake

This lake is the most famous of all lakes in Jammu and Kashmir and is located in the most famous Hill station of Kashmir of this union territory, Srinagar. Dal Lake is a primary attraction in Srinagar, and most tourists come here to experience the Shikara and the houseboat cruises. Dal Lake is an urban lake and is located within the city limits of Srinagar. You can find everything from beautiful markets to new and old restaurants near Dal Lake. Due to its location, this lake is accessible in all seasons and mostly never freezes. This Beautiful sightseeing in Sirnager is the perfect attraction for those who enjoy luxurious travelling, no Lake can be a better choice than this one.

Entry fee: no entry fee

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours minimum. You can enjoy an overnight stay at any of the popular houseboats.

2. Wular Lake

This Lake is also located close to the city of Srinagar and has been given the honorary title of being the largest freshwater lake in South Asia. The formation of this lake is also interesting as it was formed by tectonic activity that brought the Jhelum, Madhumati and Arin together to give birth to this wonderful place. Being relatively warmer than other lakes in Kashmir, the Wular Lake serves as a location for thousands of migratory and local birds, as well as beautiful aquatic vegetation. Needless to say, the Wular Lake is preferred by families and adventure seekers who want to picnic, play games or watch birds at one of the most peaceful lakes in Kashmir.

Entry fee: no entry fee

Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours

3. Gangabal Lake

There are very few people who have not heard of the legendary mountain Harmukh. And chances are, if you have heard of this mountain you have also come across the name of Gangabal Lake. The Gangabal Lake is a sacred lake that is believed to have healing properties. This place is a bit hard to access, because of which it forms an integral part of two Famous Jammu and Kashmir Treks – Naranag Gangabal Trek and Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek. Gangabal Lake is a high-altitude alpine formation, and you will feel like you have almost reached the peak of Mount Harmukh from here. It is home to the famous exotic brown trout of the Kashmiri variety.

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: The trek to Gangabal Lake can take anywhere around 7 to 9 days.

4. Tarsar Marsar Lakes

Ever heard of twin lakes? Well if you hadn’t before, you will be overjoyed by the impression these two lakes will have on you. Two enchanting high-altitude lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, these two water bodies lie conveniently close to each other but so far from the annoying clutches of human inhabitation. The Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek is the only way to reach these bodies. The Tarsar Lake is an oligotrophic almond-shaped formation. The shores of Marsar Lake are gentle and covered in fresh grass during the summer. You can see snow-covered peaks from this lake at an angle so close and unique that you might find yourself coming too close to losing your mind.

Entry fee: no entry fee

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours minimum and trekking journey can take up to 6 to 8 days.

5. Alpather Lake

Some people have a unique affinity towards frozen lakes because they believe it transports them to a different level of mental and spiritual tranquillity! For such people who would rather be in chilly, snowy locations away from human habitation, Alpather Lake trek is perfect attraction. This is a small Lake located near Gulmarg which is almost always partially covered in snow. From here you can view up close the twin Apharwat Peaks and some tourists claim that this place resembles the Lake Louise of Canada to an uncanny degree. The shows around this Lake are steep and almost always covered in snow and rugged rocks are hidden under a gentle layer of moss

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours.

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours minimum and trekking journey from Gulmarg takes up to 12 to 14 hours.

6. Manasbal Lake

One of the holiest lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, this place is just as beautiful for the eyes as it is for the soul. Manasbal lake is known as the deepest lake in India and features in various ancient Hindu texts. Ancient sages have considered this Lake to exist somewhere close to the opening of heaven – this might be because of the auspicious growth of beautiful Kashmiri lotuses that often grace this lake. It seemed that Emperor Nur Jahan also loved this lake a lot, since she built a Mughal Garden called Jaroka right next to this lake. This lake is also Paradise for nature lovers as it is one of the biggest magnets for aquatic birds. If there is only one Kashmir lake that you can make time for, definitely go with this one!

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 hours

7. Tulian Lake

This might be considered by some tourists to be the relatively easier-to-access lakes in Kashmir which still offer the same mesmerizing beauty that hidden lakes like the Alpather do. Tulian Lake is located in Pahalgam and is 11 km away from the town of Baisaran. It is also a lake that tries in cold climates and often chunks of floating eyes can be observed on the lake. While there is some walking involved in the process of seeing this lake, the journey is very easy and mostly entertaining due to the presence of open meadows and scented Himalayan flowers all along the way. It is definitely one of the most recommended lakes in Jammu and Kashmir for family groups.

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: 24 hours open

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours around the lake. The trekking journey can take up to 3 days. 

8. Vishansar Lake

Another phenomenal oligotrophic lake situated in the middle of Sonmarg, the Meadow of Gold. Although Dal Lake is known as the lake of flowers, spring is always colourful at Vishansar Lake. Trekkers and photographers come here to experience the dark-coloured waters, bright blue sky and rocky mountainous shores. Vishansar Lake is named after Lord Vishnu and is a popular stop for migratory birds, just like other high-altitude lakes in Kashmir. The lake is located just below the Gadsar Pass. As you must have already guessed, it is named after Lord Vishnu.

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 hours. The trekking journey can take up to 21 hours

9. Sheshnag Lake

Among all lakes in Jammu Kashmir, this is the one lake dedicated to serpent Lord Sheshnag, while also literally translating to the crown of meadows. This is a huge lake that is situated just adjacent to the path that takes pilgrims from the baltal valley to Amarnath cave. It is perhaps because of this reason that coming face to face with this hidden lake is known as an extremely happy Karma! Sheshnag, the primal serpent with 6 heads who created all other living beings dug this Lake to rest in it and even today he comes back once in a wild and can be seen in the waters of this lake.

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 hours. Trekking from Srinagar can take up to 3 days.

10. Tso Moriri Lake

With so many alpine lakes, does it make you wish you knew which was the highest? While all the other lakes were surrounded with rolling valleys and towering mountain tops, alpine vegetation and green humid terrain, the Tso Moriri Lake is located in a completely barren atmosphere and is so high up that you are almost already at the top of the Himalayas! The air is always crisp here and the water is brackish. The surrounding land is almost completely barren, resembling the cold deserts of Ladakh like it should. The lake itself is huge and covers a surface area of 33000 acres. The waters of this Lake are mostly replenished by melted snow in the summer.

Entry fee: no entry fee

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 hours. The walking trip itself takes at least 2 days. Never try to complete this trip within one day.

11. Krishansar Lake

This is one of those lakes in Jammu and Kashmir which are surrounded by unique adventure activities! If you are fond of trout angling you should definitely consider visiting Krishansar Lake. It is a small lake but manages to transfix visitors with the sparkling clear Water and unique photogenic locations. In fact photographers will be able to find many first-ever spots near this lake. Vishansar Lake is located very close to the Krishansar Lake, and it is also just beside the Gadsar Lake, or Lake of Demons. The atmosphere is almost always cold around this lake and the best time to visit is during June to August. This lake is a perfect visit for both solo travelers and group enthusiasts.

Entry fee: free entry

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 2 hours. Takes around 7 to 8 hours to complete the walking journey.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Conclusion

Most well planned Kashmir travel packages include multiple names from the above list, since most valleys in Jammu and Kashmir are home to at least one major lake. Some of these lakes are easily accessible while others take tourist on adventurous treks – in fact, some of the most beautiful Treks in Jammu and Kashmir are Lake treks, like the Great Lakes of Kashmir and Tarsar Marsar.