Top 5 Beautiful Lakes in Kashmir to Visit in 2025

The extraordinary beauty of Kashmir is replete with verdant valleys and snow-sprinkled peaks. A Kashmir travel experience is simply irreplaceable. No matter where ever you go in India, there just isn’t any other place like Kashmir valley. Its gurgling rivers and waterfalls create rhythms in its ambiance. And the lakes of Kashmir are one of the most wondrous sights in the valley. Their serenity, gentle waters and superlative beauty is unmatchable.

Lakes in Kashmir are supreme attractions on their own. But there are also a plethora of activities that one can enjoy around these lakes. Most lakes are secured at an altitude and can be reached by going for a trek. Camping, photography, and picnicking are also some of activities that are enjoyed around lakes of Kashmir. 

5 Beautiful of Lakes in Kashmir to Visit in 2025

We are already two months into the year 2025. And, if you haven’t travelled to Kashmir yet, you are missing out on the best experiences of your life. Out of the many places to visit in Kashmir, the lakes are beautiful attractions for finding peace and tranquility. And who wouldn’t enjoy a shikara ride on Dal lake? There are more than 20 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir region. However, for this blog we are narrowing it down to the top 5 picks. 

Here are the top 5 lakes in Kashmir to add to your Kashmir tour itinerary. 

1. Surinsar Lake

2. Dal Lake

3. Tarsar Lake 

4. Wular Lake 

5. Nigeen/ Nageen Lake 

1. Surinsar Lake

Surinsar Lake is located in close proximity to Jammu city. The aerial view of this lake somewhat looks like a handglove. The surrounding areas of the Surinsar lake is covered with dense pine forests and locked with emerald hills.  Locally it’s also known as “Suri Lake”. This lake is ideal for those who see a time of rest, relaxation and tranquility. During the summer season beautiful lotus blossoms bloom on this lake. There is also another twin lake around Surinasar called Mansar Lake. Between both twin lakes lies the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Activities to enjoy: Photography, Nature walks, Picnics, Birdwatching 

Best time to visit: March to October

2. Dal Lake

The very mention of Kashmir evokes an image of a colorful shikara ride on Dal lake. Many Hindi films and tv shows were shot on shikara rides on Dal Lake, popularising it as a “must-do” activity in Kashmir. As soon as you land in Srinagar, the first activity in a tour package or a Kashmir itinerary is a visit to Dal Lake. 

Spanning approximately 22 square kilometers, Dal lake has been a centre for trade, commerce and tourism for many years. Enjoy houseboats, shikara rides and sip a warm cup of Kashmir Kahwa gliding on Dal lake. Around Dal Lake, you will find many guest houses and hotels for comfortable stay. Across Dal lake, various restaurants and cafes are also available whenever hunger pangs strikes. 

Activities to enjoy: Houseboat stay, shikara rides, shopping, photography

Best time to visit: May to November 

3. Tarsar Lake 

Encircled by folds of Himalayan mountains, Tarsar Lake is situated approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. Needless to say, it is one of the best lakes found in Kashmir valley. Roughly shaped like an almond, this lake is an oligotrophic lake in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. 

It is one of the greatest lake treks in Kashmir. Most trekkers undertake a strenuous yet beautiful journey to reach this lake. The natural trail reaching this lake is laden with rocky boulders, green meadows, and alpine forests. Spend your time around this lake and reconnect with nature. Watch the beautiful Himalayan blooms like lilies, orchids, and other wildflowers growing in the vicinity of the lake. 

Activities to enjoy: Trekking, Nature Walk, Camping, Picnic 

Best time to visit: June to early September

4. Wular Lake 

Explore the largest freshwater lakes in India—Wular, located in Kashmir’s Bandipora region. It is nestled under the foothills of Haramuk Mountain range and lies at an altitude of 1,580 m. Spanning in an area of 200 sq.km., the water of this lake is fed by the Jhelum river. This river is a thriving habitat for many fishes. Around the lake, many birds are spotted like Eurasian sparrow hawk, Himalayan golden eagle, black-eared kite. 

The centre of the lake holds a small island called the ‘Zaina Lank. This man-made island was built by King Zainul-Abi-Din. In 1990, Wular lake was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Activities to enjoy: Birdwatching, nature walks, photography, watching sunset

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November:

5. Nigeen/ Nageen Lake

Lastly, add Nageen lake to your Kashmir trip—you won’t regret it. The word “nageen” comes from “nagina” which means the jewel in the ring. This lake is a part of Dal lake but has its own distinct charm and beauty. This beautiful lake is rounded by poplar trees and willow. Houseboat stays and shikara rides are common activities to enjoy around the lake along with local sightseeing.  

Activities to enjoy: Shikara rides, water skiing, motor rides and sailing

Best time to visit: May to September 

Visit these extraordinary lakes and enjoy a shikara ride with Kashmir tour packages. If you book a 7 to 8 day Kashmir trip, you can easily cover the above 5 lakes. So pack your bags, get ready and bestow yourself with a rewarding and fulfilling Kashmir vacation.