Dal Lake
Dal Lake is one of the best tourist spots to visit on a Srinagar trip, known as Srinagar's Jewel or the Jewel in Kashmir's Crown. This picturesque lake, nestled among the majestic Himalayas, is famous for its amazing Dal Lake Houseboats and refreshing shikara rides.
Seeing the sunset while sailing over these wooden boats is an unforgettable experience. Dal Lake is the second-largest lake in Kashmir Valley and is also mythologically significant. Another attraction of this lake is the sacred Shiva Temple.
Location: Boulevard Road, Srinagar 190001, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Shikara Ride in Dal Lake, Swimming, Kayaking, Surfing, Jet Skiing, and Fishing
How to reach: It is situated 11 km away from Dharamshala. Book a cab from your hotel or airport to reach the lake.
Wular Lake
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Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, is among the best places to visit in Srinagar. Boating and various water sports make it a favorite spot for adventure seekers, while its serene surroundings offer the perfect escape for nature lovers. It is also a popular stop on a Kashmir couple tour, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful setting for romantic moments.
Fed by the Jhelum River, Wular Lake is one of India's 26 designated wetlands and attracts both locals and tourists. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful retreat away from city life. Whether you're taking a relaxing walk along the shore or paddling through its tranquil waters, the lake promises a refreshing experience.
Location: Bandipora District, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Shikara Rides, Kayaking, Canoeing, Bird Watching and more.
How to reach: It is 60 km from Srinagar and easily reached by private car or a hired cab.
Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is an offshoot of Dal Lake connected by a small causeway. The lake is located east of Srinagar in the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountain. It is bounded on the south by Shankaracharya Hill and on the west by Hari Parbat.
Nigeen Lake is surrounded by lovely willow and poplar trees, it is amongst the most popular lakes in Jammu and Kashmir that draws tourists for its serenity and surroundings.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Activities To Do: Shikara Boat Ride at Nigeen Lake, Houseboat Stay, Motorboating, Water Skiing, Sailing, and much more.
How to reach: It is connected to Dal Lake by a causeway and the only way to reach the lake is by foot or a two-wheeler.
Also Read: Places to Visit Near Srinagar
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Mansar Lake
Forested hills surround Mansar Lake, making it a nature retreat. In addition to being a nice spot for a picnic, its beautiful environment makes it one of the great places to visit in Kashmir for boating as well. The annual Food and Crafts Festival, which takes place here, is another major attraction. Tourists come from all around the world to be part of the festival.
The lake is also a sacred site because of the presence of several ancient temples on the lakefront. It is amongst the most favoured Jammu Kashmir lakes for those who crave nature.
Location: Buttal, Jammu 182127, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Boating, Picnicking, Bird Watching, and Fishing.
How to reach: It is 62 km away from Jammu. You can reach here either by car, taxi, or bus.
Gadsar Lake
Gadsar Lake is one of the most scenic alpine lakes in Jammu Kashmir. Situated at an elevation of 13,750 ft, it is ideal for nature photographers to capture extraordinary shots. The lake's emerald water reflects the surrounding mountains, clouds, and trees, making it a sight to behold.
The lake is full of brown trout, offering a great opportunity for fishermen to get out on the water and have some fun. It lies on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and is an incredible place to experience some real thrills.
Location: Sonmarg, Ganderbal, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Day Hikes, Camping, Bird Watching, Rock climbing and Bouldering.
How to Reach: The lake is accessible via the Gadsar Pass. One has to trek 15 to 25 km (depending upon the route) to reach the lake.
Manasbal Lake
Renowned as the 'Supreme Gem of all Lakes in Kashmir', it is one of the most gorgeous lakes in Jammu and Kashmir. This is Kashmir's deepest lake, and the presence of lovely lotus blossoms adds to its allure.
It got its name after the holy lake of Mansarovar and the 'Jharokha' erected by Nur Jahan in the Mughal Garden overlooks the lake. Darogabagh Fort and the Jharokha Garden, which are located on the northern side of Lake Baikal are its other attractions.
Location: Safapora, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Shikara Rides, Water Skiing, Kayaking, Fishing, and Bird Watching.
How to Reach: Lake around 32 km from Srinagar. Rent a car and follow the route to Shadipur, Nasim, and Ganderbal from Srinagar.
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Gangabal Lake
Situated at 3570 m at the base of Mount Harmukh, Gangabal Lake is home to a variety of fishes. Lush meadows and towering mountains wrapped in whimsical clouds surround the lake. Apart from fishing, one can enjoy nature and horse riding here at Harmukh Ganga Lake—one of the top things to do in Kashmir for nature and adventure lovers.
From Zaj Pass, you'll be able to see the lake in all its glory. It is one of the most unique lakes in Jammu and Kashmir in terms of views for nature lovers and activities for adventure seekers.
Location: Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Trekking, Fishing and Gangabal Lake Trek.
How to Reach: Hire a car from Srinagar to Naranag via Ganderbal. From there, either trek or horse ride for 13 km to the lake.
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Kausar Nag Lake
Kausar Nag or Konsarnag is a high-altitude oligotrophic lake in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayan mountains. The lake is one of the largest in the region, measuring around 2 miles in length and half a mile in width at its widest point.
Kausar Nag is one of the unexplored places near Jammu, offering a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located at 3,700 ft above sea level, the journey to this stunning lake takes you past the world-renowned waterfall of Aharbal.
The surrounding landscape is a treasure trove of healing herbs like dhoop, koth, and pamsalan, adding to its significance among the lakes of Jammu and Kashmir. The trek to Kausar Nag is both challenging and rewarding, with breathtaking views of lush meadows, dense forests, and cascading streams, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Location: Noorabad, Kulgam District, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Boating, Nature Walks and Bird Watching
How to Reach: Arrive in Aharbal via car from Srinagar, passing through Anantnag and Kulgam, and then trek for 23 km to reach the lake.
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Vishansar Lake
One of the high-altitude lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Vishansar Lake is located near Sonmarg at a height of 3,710m. While one side of the lake is dominated by imposing peaks, the other is bordered by lush green meadows. Besides its natural beauty, the summer fishing prospects for trout and mahseer attract tourists.
During winter in Kashmir, Vishansar Lake transforms into a breathtaking frozen wonder. The entire landscape is blanketed in snow, creating a serene and otherworldly beauty. The stillness of the icy lake and the surrounding white peaks make it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and tranquillity.
Location: Near Nichnai Pass, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Boating, Fishing, and Bird Watching.
How to Reach: Hire a taxi from Srinagar to Shitkadi. Then trek or pony ride for about 35 km via Nichnai Pass to the lake.
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Krishansar Lake
Kishansar Lake, located near Sonamarg at about 4,000 m, is surrounded by lush meadows and is overshadowed by snow-capped mountains. It's worth noting that the lake's color changes according to the time of day. Adjacent to it are the Gadsar Pass and Vishansar Lake, both of which are renowned trekking destinations.
Krishansar Lake is among the top places to visit in Sonmarg for anglers, nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and those seeking an escape from the mundane! The breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks on the crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for photographers.
Location: Near Nichnai Pass, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Trekking, Fishing and Bird Watching.
How to Reach: To reach the lake via Nichnai Pass, take a taxi from Srinagar to Shitkandi village and then trek or pony ride for around 35 km.
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NundKol Lake
Nundkol Lake is one of the renowned Gangabal Lake's twin lakes. It is located at the base of Mt. Harmukh, which is revered by the people as a sacred mountain. It is an oligotrophic mountain lake that offers breathtaking views and is an ideal camping spot.
During the summer, many villagers travel from Naranag to this lake and spend a few days camping on the bank of this lovely lake. It is also famous amongst trekkers and anglers for its beautiful views and abundance of fish.
Location: Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Trekking (Nund Kol Lake Trek and Gangabal Lake Trek), Boating, Fishing and Bird Watching.
How to Reach: Take a 65 km motorable route from Srinagar to the Naranag trekking camp via Ganderbal and Wayil. Then trek for about 14 km from there to the lake.
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Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake, according to legend, belonged to Sheshnag, the serpent king, and was created by the Lord himself. It is a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims and the majority of visitors here are devotees on their way to the Amarnath Cave.
Sheshnag Lake is one of the high-altitude Jammu Kashmir lakes that offers a variety of adventure activities such as angling, trekking, and so on. It is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Situated at a height of 3590 m, the lake is oligotrophic and the water is safe to drink.
Location: Anantnag, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Trekking, Fishing, Bird Watching and Pilgrimage
How to Reach: From Srinagar, drive to Chandanwari and then hike or pony ride for 7 km to the lake.
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Brari Nambal Lake
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Situated at Shehr-e-Khas, the BrariNambal, also known as Bab Demb, is a small body of water that has a channel leading to the Dal Lake. It is locally known as the lagoon of pristine Dal Lake.
Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen, the great king of Kashmir, built the lagoon as a showcase of his engineering prowess. Budshah was so taken by the glistening Brari Nambal that he constructed hammams (bathrooms) for herbal baths along its banks.
It is a well-known tourist attraction in Srinagar's downtown area and the government has begun a beautification drive of the lake to attract more tourists.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Shikara Rides, Row Boating, Bird Watching and Photography.
How to Reach: You can hire a private taxi from your hotel or anywhere in Srinagar to reach this lake.
Gil Sar Lake
Gilsar Lake is a freshwater lake located 1582 m above sea level in Srinagar. It measures around 0.6 km in length and 0.2 km in width. Although the Lake is a part of Khushalsar, the Gil Kadal bridge separates it. It is connected to the Nigeen Lake by Nallah Amir Khan.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar, drawing visitors who come to appreciate the pure nature and capture the breathtaking surroundings. Following the government's beautification efforts, it regained its vibrancy and became a magnet for both locals and tourists.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Shikara Rides, Row Boating, and Bird Watching.
How to Reach: Take a private taxi from your hotel in Srinagar to reach this lake.
Tulian Lake
Located 3353 m above sea level, Tulian Lake is a picturesque and panoramic place among the numerous lakes in Jammu and Kashmir. This lake in Pahalgam is nestled between the Zanskar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks along with crystal-clear waters.
With floating ice chunks and meadows filled with pine forests, this lake offers a surreal experience. The hike to the lake is strenuous, with several steep ascents, but the breathtaking mountain scenery and tranquil surroundings make every effort worthwhile.
Location: Pahalgam, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
Activities To Do: Trekking, Photography and Boating.
How to Reach: First travel 90 km by car from Srinagar through Anantnag to Pahalgam. It is a 16 km trek or pony ride from Pahalgam to the lake.
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