Top 10 Water Bodies and Lakes in Kashmir that Every Tourist Must Visit

Kashmir is among the most visited place in India and visit to the lakes of Kashmir is a must do thing for all the tourists. It is popularly known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’. Apart from dazzling mountains and beautiful valleys, the lakes in Kashmir are another attractive landmark for travelers’ delight. The water bodies in Kashmir signify calmness, serenity, peacefulness and tranquility that give a soothing feeling to all. The amazing views of the lakes in Kashmir leave you speechless when you see the beauty of its surroundings. The clear water of these reservoirs reflects the sunlight and offers an outstanding view.

Check out the list of the popular lakes in Kashmir that you must not miss on your visit to Kashmir.

Dal Lake

One of the most popular and beautiful lakes of Kashmir is Dal Lake. It is Srinagar’s jewel that offers outstanding view by reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats. It is one of the most famous attractions in Srinagar that is visited by every tourist. You can enjoy shikhara rides, houseboat stay, swimming, and have a pleasurable view of the stunning gardens, orchards and encircling mountains. It is significant not only for tourists but also for the people who derive their livelihood from it. The waterhole covers an area of 10 sq. km and the inner beauty of this can be seen by sitting in Shikhara. Capture each and every beautiful moment of Kashmir Valley by visiting Dal Lake.  

Nagin Lake

If you want to have peaceful and authentic experience in your Kashmir trip, you must visit Nagin Lake. It is surrounded and enriched with greenery and mountains that offer an extravagant view of this millpond. Tourist can swim, dive and boat to explore the beauty of this water body. The view of Shankaracharya hill, Hari Parbat, exquisite willow and trees will fill your heart with joy. Don’t forget to take a shikara ride, visit floating markets and stay in a houseboat for a day. If you are on your honeymoon trip then you can have a truly romantic experience at this waterhole.

Manasbal Lake

Situated at a distance of 28 km from Srinagar, Manasbal Lake provides a charming view and is the best option for offbeat lovers. It is a nest for many aquatic birds and also one of the deepest lochs of Jammu and Kashmir. You can easily notice the pure beautiful clean water of this loch that has water lilies and lotus flowers. There are two most elegant gardens on its bank that make a perfect camping ground for the water trek. Ornithologists love the view of this paradise that is spotted with several birds. Visitors can take a number of snapshots of this beautiful site and enjoy shikara rides.

Wullar Lake

The water of Wullar Lake is of the purest kind and it is known for its largest fresh water in Asia.  You will be mesmerized to see the breathtaking view of this waterhole. Located in Bandipora district in the Indian state of J&K, Wular Lake attracts thousands of tourists every year. The serene view of this majestic layou allows boating, water ski, and different water sports. Now, it is one of the famous picnic spots of the visitors. If you are tired of daily hustle and bustle of city then sitting on the bank of Wullar Lake would be the best thing to release stress. A walk around this waterhole is very peaceful and you must visit this place while exploring the beauty of Kashmir.

Surinsar Lake

Surinsar Lake is a popular tourist spot that is known for its natural beauty. This lake is enclosed by charming scenery that consists of thick wooden mountain ranges and forest. You can spend quality time with your beloved or family by visiting this water-based lotus garden. The area of Surinsar Lake provides a tranquil feeling and lets you feel very close to nature. If you are a nature lover then you must visit this place to feel its beauty.

Pangong Lake

The Pangong Lake is located near Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas and having crystal clear blue water. In winter, when the temperature ranges from -5ºC to 10ºC then its water gets completely frozen. However, you can visit this beautiful lough in summer season and notice its color changing view. The sublime beauty, impeccable blue water and the beautiful landscape of the regions give a paradise feel to the tourists. You can see numerous ducks and gulls in this lough that become a major attraction for visitors.

Mansar Lake

Not just only the waterhole, but it is a holy site for pilgrims surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green spaces. The lake is full of fishes and offers an outstanding view that is enjoyed by every tourist. During Baisakhi festival, it becomes the most visited place of tourists that offers boating facilities also. Newly married couples come to Mansar Lake and do three ‘Parikarmas’ of this water body to seek blessing of the lord Serpents. You can notice the seasonal birds, fishes, and tortoise while boating in the calm water of Mansar Lake.

Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake is situated in the Ladakhi part of Northern Jammu & Kashmir and it is the highest altitude lake within India. You can have an amazing experience at this site as the surrounding views are highly amazing. Feel the beauty of nature with complete serene and calm surroundings. The bayou offers the most exquisite view of scenery where you can stay for long hours. You can visit Tso Moriri Lake in summer season to experience a new phase of nature and its beauty.

Gadsar Lake

Gadsar Lake is the most elegant lake which is also called as the lake of flowers. It is situated in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley at an elevation of 3600 meters. The magnificent view of this pristine waterhole with flowers is totally breathtaking. This waterhole gets frozen in the winter season and hence you can only visit this in the summer season. This pristine lake is fed by melting of glaciers and one can easily notice the floating ice in summer also. Brown trout fishing is famous among tourist here.

Gangabal Lake

Situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Gangabal Lake is the home to many species of fishes. The best experience can be availed by nature lovers by staying at its offbeat shore while enjoying the most alluring scenic view. Trekking, fishing and photography are the things to do at this lake. If you are visiting Kashmir then you must enjoy a trekking tour to Gangabal Lake. The best way to trek to this lake is to have this through Sonamarg via Vishansar Lake.   

Now, you are familiar with all the ravishing lakes of Kashmir. If you are planning to visit Kashmir valley, don’t forget to visit these incredible attractions.  If you are puzzled and wondering which place to visit first and how to reach them all,  first book flights with EaseMyTrip and let our executives customize your Kashmir tour package for you.