Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir

About Popular Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir

A large number of lakes make an important part of the gorgeous landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. With the colossal Himalayan ranges overlooking them, they appear as the perfect walkways to heaven. Lakes in Kashmir range in their nature, colour, size and shape. There are lakes like Dal and Nigeen that are popular tourist attractions in Kashmir, on the other hand, there are lakes like Krishansar and Vishansar that are remote and are only accessible to trekkers. Apart from relishing the stunning vistas of these some azure and some emerald lakes, one can enjoy many activities in and around them like shikara ride, trout fishing and even camping.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• The largest, and the most famous lake in Jammu & Kashmir, is the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
• Another popular lake is Nigeen Lake lying on the foothills of Mt. Zabarwan and dotted with willow and poplar trees in Srinagar.
• Surinsar Lake in Jammu Region, surrounded by hills and dense forests, while lotuses float delightfully on its surface is yet another popular lake to visit.

Types of Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir

The gorgeous lakes in J&K differ in their size, location, altitude, nature, and some has some religious significance, while some are known for trout fishing opportunity. Here is a category-wise division of lakes in Jammu & Kashmir:

Alpine Lakes 

• Gadsar Lake
• Gangabal
• Kausar Nag
• Krishansar Lake
• Vishansar Lake
• Nund Kol 
• Tarsar Lake
• Marsar Lake
• Satsar Lake
• Nandan Sar 

Religiously Significant Lakes

• Mansar Lake
• Sheshnag Lake

Other Lakes

• Anchar Lake
• Brari Nambal
• Gil Sar
• Khushal Sar
• Manasbal Lake
• Tulian Lake
• Wular Lake

Top Things to Do

Blessed immensely with natural beauty, the lakes in Jammu & Kashmir can win one’s heart instantly. However, some of these lakes attract tourists with more than just their beauty by offering a number of activities like trekking, camping, fishing, and more. Following as some lakes popular for their activities:

Dal and Nigeen Lakes: For shikhara ride, houseboat stay, and birdwatching.

Gadsar Lake, Gangabal, Kausar Nag, Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Nund Kol: Angling & fishing, trekking, and camping.

Tarsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Nandan Sar: Trekking and camping.

Surinsar, Mansar, and Tulian Lake: Boat ride