When we talk about Jammu & Kashmir, we relate it instantly with the thrilling trekking destinations and snow-covered majestic mountain ranges. Right? Well, the state is something more than that. Being the most immaculate state in India, J&K has been bestowed with the unnumbered of idyllic lakes.
The water of these lakes is so clean that it serves as the savior of nature as well as the living creatures. Where on one hand, they’re the central tourist attractions of the state, on other hand, they serve as the major sources of water for the flora & fauna of that region. Ideally, it’s the awe-inspiring lakes of J&K that make it heaven on the earth. So, let’s take a ride through the heavenly lakes in Jammu & Kashmir.
Dal Lake
When you’ll enlist the most alluring lakes of the country, no list can be completed without Dal Lake. Being the most precious jewel in the crown of J&K, Dal Lake is located in the state capital Srinagar. There are also many other enthralling lakes in Jammu & Kashmir but what puts Dal Lake apart is its mesmerizing ambiences. The backdrop of majestic Himalayan ranges and the surroundings of swathed orchard trees, and luxurious Mughal Gardens accentuate the vista of Dal Lake further.
Being the second largest lake in Kashmir, it is stretched in nearly 6 km and has an estimated depth of 20 feet. The width goes up to 3 km. After capturing the hundreds of snaps of Dal Lake, don’t forget to go on a ‘Shikara’ and houseboat ride. Dal Lake is worldwide known for its deluxe ‘Shikara’ ride. You can’t experience the pleasure of Shikara ride in every lake, so don’t miss this chance. For a short note, visit in summers because, in winters, it freezes up completely.
Wular Lake
Again a lake from Srinagar that makes a place on the list of ‘must-visit lakes of the country’. Spreading in an area of more than 50 km, Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in whole Asia. Due to its pristine water, Wular Lake is the home to the largest numbers of fishes in J&K. it contributes nearly 60% fish production of the state.
If you’re still not convinced to visit the lake, let’s talk a bit about the inexpressible splendor of it. Washing the feet of Harmukh Mountain, Wular Lake receives the major chunk of water from Jhelum River. Girdled by the lush valleys adorned with conifer forests and pastures, the Lake is a serene heaven for the peace seekers. Sitting on the bank of Wular Lake and listening the chirping of birds while gazing at the unseen waves of the lake can make you talk to your soul. It is one of the beautiful lakes in Jammu & Kashmir.
Pangong Tso Lake
If you want to escape from the busy and chaotic world, there won’t be any better place than Pangong Tso Lake. After reaching there, you’ll find that it is the most isolated and serene place in the world. The ambience of Pangong Tso Lake remains so placid that you can listen even a pin-drop. Located 160 km from Leh at the altitude of 14256 km, Pangong Tso Lake is stretched in a long area of nearly 250 km from India to China.
Around 150 km falls under Indian Territory while rest of 100 km belongs to China. Like other lakes in Jammu & Kashmir, it also remains frozen during winters, so plan your trip accordingly. On your visit to Pangong Tso Lake, you’ll need to be a bit more careful as it shares the border with the other country.
Nagin Lake
Located on the base of Zabarwan Mountain, Nagin Lake is located contagious to the Dal Lake. In fact, it is interconnected by a tiny pipeline with Dal Lake. Due to their same topography, Nagin Lake is also deep blue in water colour and freezes completely in the winters as Dal Lake. It is enclosed by the majestic mountain ranges and dense willow trees from all the sides which make it look like a totally different planet in itself.
Luckily, you can revel in the Shikara ride in Nagin Lake too in case you missed it Dal Lake. Nagin Lake also offers other water sports activities, so make sure you relish at last one or two. It is a bit narrower than the other lakes, that’ why it is called Nagin Lake.
Tso Moriri Lake
I wonder whether it’s the exquisiteness of Tso Moriri Lake that accentuates the splendor of Ladakh or it’s the topography of this lake that glorifies it. Whatever it is, TsoMoriri is incredibly enthralling. Located at the high elevation of 15,075 feet in Ladakh, shares the border with Tibet in the east. Holding the pride of being the largest of high altitude lakes, Tso Moriri Lake is stretched in a widespread area of 29 km.
Being the far away from the inhabited world, it is indeed a heaven on the earth. The snow-draped mountains, far-reaching landscapes, and vividly swathed valley complete the heavenly charm of Tso Moriri Lake. Here, the water is extremely chilled, so don’t dare even to step into the lake. Needless to say, TsoMoriri covers itself with the thick layers of ice during the winter. So, don’t visit in this season.
Tso Kar Lake
Ladakh, you beauty!! Yeah, you guessed it right. TsoKar Lake is yet another high altitude lake from Ladakh that glorifies the grandeur of the district. Situated at the elevation of 4660 meters, it is the smallest lake in Ladakh but what made it ranked on this list is its surrounding. Unlike the other lakes of Ladakh, Tso Kar Lake is always buzzed with the vibrant living-beings.
The lake has its own charm and charisma but the dwellings of nomads around the lake make it even more eye-catching. You can also catch the sight of horses, camels, sheep, and other wildlife animals. Popularly known as ‘white lake’, Tso Lake grabs more attention of the visitors because here salt is said to be extracted regularly. It is close by Tso Moriri Lake, so you can cover both the lake in a single day.
When you’re in J&K, you’ll get awestruck by the nature’s splendour at every turn. You must have visited the all other lakes of India but the lakes in Jammu & Kashmir have something inimitable that never fails to enchant the visitors at the fight sight itself. So, visit these lakes and feel it.
