Kashmir is a destination in India, which is extraordinarily beautiful and no other place on the earth can match the beauty of Kashmir. A lot of people call Kashmir Heaven, while the other popular name for Kashmir is Heaven on Earth. If you are an Indian and you haven’t visited Kashmir at least once in your life, you are missing the best experience of your life. The region is known for its highest peaks, dense forests, meadows and valleys covered with snow, and most importantly, its serene lakes. There are not just one more than 20 lakes in Kashmir and every lake has its significance.
There are a lot of historical stories as well behind the lakes. Each of these lakes, amid nature and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, makes Kashmir even more beautiful and an ideal place to visit with your loved ones and give them the best and most extremely rejuvenating experience of their lives. In this article, we will talk about the best 20 lakes in Kashmir and also will share the interesting stories behind their significance.
When you book your Kashmir Tour Packages, you can include the sightseeing experience of any of these lakes as per your interest, we suggest you visit as much as you can and enjoy the majestic beauty of these gems.
Starting with the most popular lake of Kashmir, Dal Lake. It is one lake which is counted as the synonym of Kashmir. It is the first spot that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of Kashmir. Popular for its Shikara ride and luxury houseboat experiences, Dal is a very beautiful experience for tourists and is often referred to as the Jewel of Srinagar. There are a lot of mini-markets in Dal Lake that look aesthetic and the localities also use the lake as a transportation system. The flowers in the Dal Lake give a vibe of the floating gardens which makes it even more mesmerizing.
Manasbal Lake is not as popular as Dal, but it is the deepest lake in Kashmir and has the clearest water. The lake plays a very important role in maintaining the ecological balance of Kashmir. Since the water is so clear, the lake looks very captivating, and the overall experience becomes even more rejuvenating since there are a lot of lush green gardens and orchards around the lake where you can plan a perfect picnic with your loved ones. There are so many birds around this lake, and you are going to enjoy the bird-watching experience sitting here.
Wular is a very important lake in Srinagar, as it is the largest lake with fresh water in India. Since the water is fresh, you find a lot of fish in the Wular Lake, and hence it is also a significant lake for the livelihoods of the fishermen in Srinagar. You can also try activities like fishing here. Wular Lake is also very popular for the different birds that are found near the lake. Placed at the foothills of the Himalayas, you are going to enjoy the overall bird-watching experience at this lake.
As the name suggests, the Nigeen Lake is as beautiful as a stone in a ring. It adds to the beauty of Srinagar. Nigeen Lake is also known as the alternative for the popular Dal Lake, since Dal Lake is often crowded, and a lot of people feel that their relaxing experience of a shikara ride is getting compromised because of the crowd. However, if you want to enjoy the Shikara ride in a lake which is not as commercial and crowded, but equally beautiful, you can go for Nigeen Lake.
Gadsar Lake unlike the other lakes is not very easily accessible. You need to go for a long and moderate trek if you wish to visit Gadsar Lake. Situated in an isolated place, Gadsar Lake is an amazing spot for those who are looking for silence and peace on their vacation. It is one of the best Lake treks in the world. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure freaks.
Marsar Lake is another lake that is situated at a higher altitude and the surroundings are usually covered with snow. Marsar Lake is known as a conjunction with the Tarsar Lake and the trek towards these lakes is known as the Tarsar Marsar Trek. If you love trekking to visit a beautiful and magical lake experience, you can hop on to this adventurous trek and enjoy something unusual.
Tarsar Lake is situated at a higher altitude and as mentioned above, is known as a conjunction with the Marsar Lake. The lake is known for its irresistible natural beauty and the alpine trees all around. The overall landscape and the vibe of the lake make it a beautiful picnic destination. For trekkers and nature enthusiasts, Tarsar Lake is a must-visit, as they are going to enjoy the thrilling trek and then the captivating destination.
Gangabal Lake looks very different from the other lakes in Kashmir as it has very clear and blue water. The lake is situated at the foothills of Haramukh Mountain, and the lush green surroundings complement the blue lake so well, making it an ideal destination for pictures. Because of the clear water, you can also spot a lot of trout fish here, so you can enjoy fishing and also have some fish delicacies. It is a place that requires a good long trek, so adventure lovers are going to enjoy this experience.
Sheshnag Lake is named after the very famous multi-headed snake in Hindu mythology. The lake is a popular stop during the Amarnath Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage, which thousands of people visit every year. It is a very important lake from the religious point of view as well, and also provides a very calming experience for the devotees being a stop in between their long and exhausting trek to the Amarnath cave.
Mansar Lake is situated at the place very near to Jammu, in Kashmir only. The lake also has religious significance as there are a lot of important Hindu temples are there around the lake. The local people treat the Mansar Lake as a holy lake. It is surrounded by lush green forests, which makes it a perfect stop for a picnic. This is an ideal place for those who are seeking a calm and composed holiday amid nature.
Surinsar Lake is situated near Mansar Lake and is a small but very beautiful lake. Again surrounded by the lush green environment, it is a perfect spot to spend the entire day with your loved ones and organise an aesthetic picnic. You can also enjoy activities like boating in this lake. The lake is situated far from the hustle of the city, making it a beautiful place to hang out and rejuvenate yourself.
Tulian Lake is a lake situated at a high altitude and one can only reach this lake after a long trek. The beauty of the lake is worth trekking as long as it is required. Tulian Lake is a part of the trek to an important Hindu pilgrimage, Amarnath Yatra. Surrounded by the mountains all around, Tulian Lake looks extremely beautiful and is a must-visit place.
St. Mary Lake is situated in Gulmarg and is known for its captivating beauty all around. Gulmarg is very popular for its beauty, and St. Marry Lake is the cherry on the cake. You will enjoy the lovely landscapes and natural beauty around the lake on your visit, and this experience is going to be peaceful and unforgettable for you.
Nundkol Lake is very close to Gangabal Lake and is also situated at a higher altitude. The surroundings of the lake are so serene that every minute spent around the lake is going to rejuvenate you, and those who are looking for a peaceful vacation have to visit Nundkol Lake. You can experience a raw lifestyle here amid nature by opting for adventures like camping around the lake. This is an ideal place to visit for nature lovers and those who love adventure sports like trekking have to keep Nundkol Lake on their bucket list.
Krishansar Lake is also situated in the Sonamarg region and is known for its eye-catching beauty. The lake is surrounded by greenery and is a perfect picnic sport with friends and family. The trek towards the lake is also a memorable experience in itself, as the views of mountains on the way make the journey beautiful. One can also go camping around Krishansar Lake and spend the night in nature. You must try the local food when in such isolated places. The alpine trees all around Krishansar Lake make it even more attractive.
Mamleshwar Lake is another lake that holds religious significance in Kashmir. It is a secluded lake, which is situated very close to the trek towards the Amarnath Cave. A lot of tourists visit this lake during their journey to Amarnath. The lake is really beautiful and the ambience around it is very calming. It is an absolute retreat for the devotees who trek for as long as 24 hours to visit the Amarnath Cave. This is a nice sport to spend some quality time with your loved ones, you can also go for a camping experience if you wish to spend some extra time around the lake.
Kausar Nag Lake is also situated at a higher altitude and is a must-visit spot for those who love trekking. It is a long trek but the way to the lake is beautiful. You need to prepare yourself accordingly and carry your trekking gear for this trek. This is going to be an adventurous experience for you during your trip to Kashmir. It is a great idea to visit here with your friends and enjoy the beauty of the lake. You can also go for some interesting activities like bonfire.
Tso Moriri Lake is another blue water lake in Kashmir, surrounded by the Himalayas which are usually covered with snow. The blue and white landscape in front of you looks no less than heaven. It is situated in the Ladakh region which is one of the most visited tourist destinations and is on the list of every traveler. If you are visiting Ladakh, you must visit the Tso Moriri Lake and enjoy the blue waters and mesmerizing landscapes.
If you find lakes more romantic or peaceful, Kashmir is certainly a place to go for you. Don’t forget to explore the above-mentioned lakes when you are on vacation in Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Is The Most Famous And Must-Visit Lake Out Of All?
Ans: All the lakes in Kashmir have their charm, however, the most popular one is the Dal Lake in Srinagar which is known for its shikhara ride and houseboat stays.
Is Trekking Safe In The Tarsar Marsar Lake?
Ans: Yes, trekking is safe. You just have to prepare for a trek with good trekking shoes and other important stuff. It is suggested to do a guided trek if possible, you can book it while booking your Kashmir Tour Packages.
Why Sheshnag Is An Important Lake For Hindus?
Ans: People following Hinduism treat Sheshnag as an important and holy lake since it is a stop in between the annual Amarnath Yatra which is a very popular pilgrimage for Hindus.
What Is the Role of Lakes in Improving Kashmir’s Economy?
Ans: These lakes contribute a major chunk to the funds generated through tourism as they offer a lot of activities to the tourists, which also generates employment for a lot of people.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kashmir To Experience The Beauty Of These Lakes?
Ans: It is suggested to visit Kashmir between March and October, when the weather is pleasant, to be able to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of these lakes.
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