Jammu and Kashmir, located in the northernmost part of India, is famous for its stunning mountains and beautiful lakes. These lakes are like treasures sprinkled across the region. Each lake has its special features and beauty. Let’s learn about some of the most famous lakes in this beautiful region.
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Dal Lake
Dal Lake is probably the most famous lake in Jammu and Kashmir. Located in Srinagar city, it is often called the “Jewel of Srinagar.” The lake covers about 18 square kilometers and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. What makes Dal Lake special are the floating gardens, houseboats, and shikaras (small wooden boats). Many tourists visit Dal Lake to stay in houseboats and enjoy rides in colorful shikaras. In spring and summer, the lake is filled with lotus flowers making it even more beautiful.
Nigeen Lake
Sometimes called the “Jewel in the Ring,” Nigeen Lake is connected to Dal Lake but is smaller and quieter. The water in Nigeen Lake is deeper and appears darker blue. It is surrounded by tall willow and poplar trees which make it very peaceful. Many people prefer Nigeen Lake over Dal Lake because it is less crowded. Like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake also has houseboats where tourists can stay and enjoy the calm waters.
Wular Lake
Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. It is located in the Bandipora district of Kashmir Valley. The lake was formed by the Jhelum River and covers an area of about 130 square kilometers. Wular Lake is important for fishing and is home to many water birds. It helps control floods in the region by storing extra water during the rainy season. The lake also provides water for farming in nearby areas.
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is famous because it changes colors throughout the day. The lake is situated at a height of about 4,350 meters and stretches from India into Tibet. Only one-third of the lake is in India, while the rest is in China. The blue waters of Pangong Lake against the brown mountains create a beautiful view that attracts many tourists. The lake became even more famous after it appeared in several Bollywood movies.
Tso Moriri Lake
Located in the Ladakh region, Tso Moriri is a high-altitude lake at about 4,522 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is home to many rare birds including the black-necked crane. Tso Moriri freezes during winter, creating a magical white landscape. The lake is considered sacred by local people, and there is a small monastery nearby. Visitors need special permits to visit this remote lake.
Tsokar Lake
Tsokar Lake, also known as “White Lake,” is a salt lake in Ladakh. It is smaller than Pangong and Tso Moriri but equally beautiful. The lake gets its name from the salt deposits that make parts of it look white. Tsokar Lake is home to many migratory birds and is surrounded by wetlands. The area around the lake is home to nomadic shepherds who move with their sheep and goats according to the seasons.
Gadsar Lake
Gadsar Lake is located at the foot of Gadsar Pass at an altitude of about 3,600 meters. It is part of the famous Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by beautiful meadows filled with colorful flowers in summer. The water of Gadsar Lake is clear and reflects the mountains around it. Reaching Gadsar Lake requires trekking through mountains, which makes it less visited but more pristine.
Krishansar Lake
Krishansar Lake is another alpine lake located along the Great Lakes Trek route. Its name comes from Lord Krishna, and the lake is considered sacred. The lake sits at an altitude of about 3,800 meters and is surrounded by meadows and mountains. Krishansar Lake is close to another lake called Vishansar, and together they create a beautiful landscape. In winter, the lake freezes completely.
Gangabal Lake
Located at the foothills of Mount Haramukh, Gangabal Lake is considered sacred by many Hindus. The lake is at an altitude of about 3,570 meters and is fed by glaciers. Gangabal Lake is famous for trout fishing and is surrounded by beautiful meadows. Like other alpine lakes, it requires trekking to reach, which helps preserve its natural beauty.
Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake located near Pahalgam. To reach this lake, visitors need to trek from Pahalgam through beautiful pine forests and meadows. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers even in summer. The crystal-clear waters of Tulian Lake reflect the mountains around it, creating breathtaking views.
Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is a famous stop for pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra. The lake is named after the mythical snake Sheshnag and is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. The lake is surrounded by seven peaks, which are said to represent the seven heads of Sheshnag. The waters of the lake appear blue-green and change colors during the day.
