You are currently viewing Best Lakes to Visit in Kashmir

Best Lakes to Visit in Kashmir

About Best Lakes to Visit in Kashmir

Most of the time, we heard of Dal Lake as defining the beauty of the Kashmir Valley as a whole. But let us be clear for those of you who are reading us for the first time. We guarantee a one-of-a-kind experience! So why always go to Dal, when there are a plethora of Not So Popular yet incomparably beautiful lakes. Just waiting to be discovered? Here we will explore about the lakes in Kashmir.

With abundant treks in kashmir in the dazzling mountains and beautiful valleys, Kashmir is one of the most visited places in India. And the lakes in Kashmir are another appealing landmark for visitors’ enjoyment, representing calmness, serenity, peace, and tranquillity that provides a soothing feeling to all. The clear water in these reservoirs reflects the sunlight and provides an excellent view.

Several scenic lakes with multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur, which epitomize the state of Jammu and Kashmir are:

Ethereal Beauty of Dal Lake

The Dal Lake, known as Kashmir’s “jewel in the crown,” is the state’s most famous and visited lake. The lake is lined with Mughal-era gardens and is abundant in lotus, water lilies, and water chestnuts. It is one of the major destinations that allow you to enjoy life on the water in houseboats. Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities are available in the dal jheel. When frozen in winter, the dal lake kashmir which is surrounded by mountains on three sides, provides a breathtaking view. The waterhole has a surface area of 10 square kilometers, and the inner beauty of it can be seen from dal lake houseboat or a short Shikhara ride. By visiting Dal Lake, you can capture every beautiful moment of the Kashmir Valley.

Fall in Love with Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake is a must-see on any Kashmir trip if you want to have a peaceful and authentic experience. The nagin lake kashmir is located east of Kashmir on the foothills of the mountain Zabarwan and is surrounded by lush greenery. Swim or dive into the waters of nagin jheel and enjoy the spectacular view of this millpond. The view of Shankaracharya Hill, Hari Parbat, and the beautiful willow and trees will make your heart sing. On a shikara ride, enjoy a romantic boat ride complemented by a floating market experience on Nigeen Lake.

Find your peace at Wular Lake

Wullar Lake’s water is of the purest kind, and it is known for having the largest freshwater body in Asia (approximate area of wular lake 10 Km X 24 km respectively). One thing is certain: you will be captivated by the wular lake location and the views surrounding it! Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of the Indian state of J&K, attracts thousands of tourists each year, as do 60 percent of the fish in the region. So, on your next visit, try some local fish delicacies, as well as water skiing and other water sports. In addition, the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, a well-known bird watcher’s paradise, is located near the Wular lake Kashmir.

A Natural Retreat to Surinsar Mansar Lake

The surinsar mansar lake in Kashmir are two ideal lakes for nature lovers. Visitors can best appreciate its tranquillity, peace, and serenity during the summer when it is brimming with lotus flowers.

Tip: Make sure to catch the time-lapse of lotus budding during the early morning. Truly a heavenly sight to glimpse at surinsar mansar wildlife sanctuary!

Photographing at surinsar mansar in such a serene setting is an unforgettable experience. Accommodation facilities are available near the lake, making it one of the best options for those who crave nature. The mansar jheel is located 62 kilometers from Jammu, and the Surinsar Lake, which is an extension of the Mansar Lake, is located 24 kilometers from the main city of Jammu.

The lake of flowers, Gadsar Lake

One of Kashmir’s highest lakes, Gadsar Lake, is a hidden gem that can only be reached via an alpine trek. The Gadsar Lake, which is located in the “Valley of Flowers’ ‘ and is 28 kilometers from Sonamarg, has an incredibly beautiful backdrop. This pristine lake is fed by melting glaciers, and in the summer, floating ice can be seen. Tourists flock here to catch brown trout. It’s in Sonamarg and serves as a gateway to Ladakh, right before the 3600-meter-high Zojii La pass. Also lookout for gadsar pass.

Walkthrough to Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake, an offbeat beauty in the Kashmir Great Lake category, is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to many aquatic birds. Enjoy a romantic stroll through the Mughal garden created by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. The beauty of Shalimar Bagh (also known as ‘The Garden of Delight’) is such that it can be considered as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra. This is why this is a must-see lake in Kashmir for all nature and history enthusiasts. Couples humming, “Jo Wada Kiya Wo, Nibhana Padega,” as in the classic Bollywood film, are not uncommon here. So, if you are an old-school lover or looking for a classic romance moment with your partner then simply click here!

Fishing in Gangabal Lake

Gangabal is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir at the foothills of Mount Harmukh, is home to a variety of fish species. The gangabal lake trek is a perfect retreat for all nature lovers. Enjoy the best camping experience at the offbeat shore of gangabal lake kashmir and relax in the most enticing scenic view. This lake offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and photography. If you visit Kashmir, you must take a trekking tour to Gangabal Lake. The best route to this lake is via Sonamarg to Vishansar Lake.

Well, apart from some Kashmiri beauties, Ladakh also treasures a few magnificent lakes. Located in the remote area, it’s hard to resist the beauty of these lakes in Ladakh.

Salty! – Tso Moriri Lake


Tso Moriri offers a magnificent natural view of Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east, and Zanskar in the west, and is mostly visited in the summer. The Changthang plateau, with its snow-capped peaks, serves as the lake’s water source. The lake is well-known for being the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in India’s Trans-Himalayan region. Often called moriri lake, was previously a salty lake from which salt was extracted by the end of 1959 for local consumption. Tourists flock to the lake to see the Korzok Monastery, which is located on the lake’s western bank and is thought to be 400 years old.

Tsokar Lake and it’s Hot Springs


Tso kar Lake, a natural wonder in Kashmir, is located near Rupso in Leh and is surrounded by hot water springs. At 5000 metres in elevation, this is a true natural wonder that you do not want to miss. The lake is heavily salted, giving it a white sheen and a truly picturesque ambiance. The Tso Kar is located 160 kilometres south of Leh and is close to the Leh Manali road, which runs 30 kilometres west of it. The lake is 540 kilometres from Srinagar.

Blue water lake, Pangong Lake


The Pangong Lake in the Himalayas is located near Leh-Ladakh and has crystal clear blue water. When the temperature falls between -5oC and 10oC in the winter, the water completely freezes. However, you can visit this lovely lough in the summer and the charming tso moriri lake nearby with an 8 km driveway from pangong to tso moriri. The sublime beauty, impeccable blue water, and beautiful landscape of the regions provide tourists with a paradise-like feeling. This lough is home to a large number of ducks and gulls, which have become a major attraction for visitors.

Experience Mousytache’s kashmir great lakes trek for a romantic/ relaxing escape into vibrant ecosystem all around.

These kashmir lakes, which are the centre of life for the residents of the state, are credited with the emergence of a distinct culture in the state of J&K. Traveling through these lakes, one can almost see the entire city which might be tiring while trekking in kashmir. The lakes are at the heart of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and they can be credited with the emergence of a distinct culture in the state; a trip to the state would be incomplete without spending some time at these lakes.

So this is the complete blog about lakes in Kashmir of Moustache Escapes. Find out more about travel stories and treks in kashmir. Follow our blog and send us an email regarding any travel queries.

We also enjoy social interactions. Stay tuned for our latest travel story/blog and related travel deals, which will be posted on our Instagram page, and please share your feedback!