Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir :

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern part of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by several valleys, rivers such as the Indus River and several Himalayan glaciers. The natural beauty of this state, along with various shrines and Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh draw a plethora of tourists to this state every year. Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir are no exception in this regard. They also have the potential to draw the attention of tourists visiting this state.

Dal Lake :

Dal Lake is located in Srinagar. Characteristically, it is shallow, open-drainage warm monomictic lake. The source of this lake is Dachigam-Telbal Nallah, Dara Nallah and various other small streams. This lake has catchment area of about 316 square kilometers, maximum length of about 7.44 kilometers and maximum width of about 3.5 kilometers. The lake is open to commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

Gadsar Lake :

Gadsar Lake is located in Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley. Characteristically, it is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake. This lake is fed by melted snow. This lake has maximum length of about 0.85 kilometers, maximum width of about 0.76 kilometers and surface elevation of about 3,600 meters. This lake serves as a natural habitat for trout and other types of fishes. 

Manasbal Lake :

Manasbal Lake is situated in the district of Ganderbal. This fresh water lake has catchment area of about 33 square kilometers, maximum length and width of about 5 km and 1 km respectively and average depth of about 4.5 m. Since this lake serves as one of the largest natural stamping grounds for aquatic birds in Kashmir, it thus becomes an ideal place for bird lovers.

Nundkol Lake :

Nundkol Lake adorns the Kashmir Valley in Ganderbal district. Characteristically, it is an oligotrophic alpine lake. This lake is fed by Gangbal Lake and its outlet is formed by Sind River. This lake has maximum length of about 1.2 kilometers and maximum width of about 0.5 kilometers. Its surface area is about 1.5 square kilometers and surface elevation of about 3,505 meters. Licensed anglers can engage in fishing in this lake.

Tulian Lake :

Tulian Lake is located in Pahalgam in Anantnag District. This fresh water lake has maximum length of about 0.35 kilometers and maximum width of about 0.16 kilometers. The surface elevation of this lake is about 3,684 meters.

Anchar Lake :

Anchar Lake is a wetland area and the natural lake formed from the Dal Lake area. Anchar Lake was declared as a dead lake, because of its deteriorated condition. The encroachments by surrounding residents are going on war footing basis with illegal constructions. Anchar Lake is located in Srinagar, the capital town of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated very close to Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sheshnag Lake :

Sheshnag Lake is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake in India. Sheshnag Lake is the meeting point for the pilgrims who are heading for Amarnath Yatra. The lake appears greenish in colour because of its lush green meadows that surrounds it making it a breathtaking beauty to admire. Sheshnag Lake is situated at the track leading to Amarnath cave 23 kilometres from Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Sheshnag Lake is situated 120 kilometres east from Srinagar in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir and 23 km from Pahalgam, which is one of the popular hill stations in India.Geography of Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag Lake is located at an elevation of 3590 meters. It has a maximum length of 1.1 kilometers and maximum width of 0.7 kilometres.

Vishansar Lake, Sonamarg :

Vishansar Lake is a beautiful lake in Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake that freezes during winter region and melts in summer. Vishansar Lake is accessible with both railways and roadways. Sonamarg means a 'meadow of gold'. The most important township in the fertile Sind valley, Sonamarg is the last major township in Kashmir on the road to Ladakh. Sonamarg is also the staging point for some of the most popular treks in the higher altitudes. The most popular trek originating from Sonamarg is the Vishansar and Krishansar Trek. It covers the lakes of Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake. Vishansar Lake is situated in the vicinity of Sonamarg area in Jammu and Kashmir. Vishansar Lake is geographically positioned as an elevation of 3710 meters. It has a maximum length of 1 kilometre and maximum width of 0.6 kilometres.