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Alpine lakes in Kashmir are nature’s masterpieces, lying between towering peaks, lush meadows and wild, untamed wilderness. These lakes, unlike tourist traps, each stand as their oasis. Most of these lakes are reached through moderate hikes, so you can experience Kashmir’s raw beauty without extreme mountaineering. From thrill-seekers to nature lovers, these lakes offer a perfect combination of peace and adventure. From the reflective or the frozen wonders to the pristine cluster of lakes, each lake has its own story to tell.
10 Breathtaking Accessible Alpine Lakes In Kashmir
Here’s a list of ten breathtaking alpine lakes in Kashmir, which you can reach with reasonable ease, making them ideal stops for a surreal journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
1. Tarsar Lake
Photo: Riteshmishera951150 / Wikimedia Commons
Tarsar Lake is a gem among the alpine lakes of Kashmir and is set in the magnificent setting of the Aru Valley near Pahalgam. What makes it dart is the unique heart shape and the shifting colour of its waters from deep sapphire in the morning to emerald green by noon. It is encompassed by verdant meadows, wildflowers and snow-covered summits that add to its allure. Unlike Marsar, its twin, which is unreachable due to its cliffs, Tarsar has campable banks, allowing trekkers to experience it up close. The hike to Tarsar is from Aru, transiting through Lidderwat, Shekwas, and verdant pasture lands to be rewarded with the first sight of Tarsar Lake. A faraway call of a Himalayan marmot or the grazing herd breaks the silence of the lake.
Altitude: 3,795 m
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Trek Duration: 4 – 5 days (via Aru)
2. Nundkol Lake
Photo: Mehrajmir13 / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled at the foot of Mount Harmukh, Nundkol Lake is one of the most accessible of Kashmir’s high-altitude lakes. Unlike more distant alpine lakes in Kashmir, Nundkol is accessible in just two days of trekking from Naranag. The trail climbs through thick pine wood, past the magical ruins of the Wangath temple complex, and then expands into large meadows. The lake itself is a beautiful mirror of the jagged slopes of Harmukh, a peak that looms large in Kashmiri mythology. Its smooth green banks of Nundkol make it an ideal camping spot. The water is clean with an abundance of trout and Gujjar herders can sometimes be seen looking after their livestock inside the lake, further adding to a pastoral charm.
Altitude: 3,500 m
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Gangabal Lake
Photo: Irfanrulz / Wikimedia Commons
Nicknamed the “Ganges of Kashmir,” Gangabal Lake is holy to Kashmiri Hindus and a destination that is both spiritual and scenic. It sits about 30 m above Nundkol, and for this, you have to climb an extra 30 m up from the meadow between the two lakes. Gangbal is far bigger, a hidden treasure whose deep blue waters stretch across the valley. The trail to Gangabal begins at Naranag and follows the same path as Nundkol, passing through an extensive pine forest and rolling pastures. The lake is glacial, with icy waters nourished by the melting snow of Mount Harmukh. Despite its remoteness, Gangbal is popular among fishing enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the lake’s thriving trout population. In autumn, the signature golden-browns of the surrounding landscape are set to vivid contrast against the lake’s blue water.
Altitude: 3,570 m
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 3 – 4 days
4. Vishansar Lake
Photo: Mehrajmir13 / Wikimedia Commons
Vishansar Lake is an almost surreal stretch of turquoise lake, sitting between rolling meadows and jagged peaks. Part of the famous Kashmir Great Lakes trek, it is among the most picturesque lakes in the region. The lake is fed by glacial streams and spills over into its equally beautiful twin, Krishansar Lake. Vishansar is reached by a moderate trek, crossing Nichnai Pass and verdant meadows before revealing its sparkling waters. In summer, wildflowers flourish along the shores and the surface of the water is often peppered with grazing sheep. The lake is occupied by various trout, where local fishermen can be seen casting nets. Its calm waters reflect the imposing mountains surrounding it, making it an ideal postcard photo.
Altitude: 3,710 m
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 4 – 5 days
5. Gadsar Lake
Photo: Mehrajmir13 / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the “Lake of Flowers,” Gadsar is one of Kashmir’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes. Accessible by the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, the lake is framed in rolling meadows where wildflowers bloom in spring and summer. Gadsar has an air of mystery; unlike the more popular lakes, locals say it is bottomless and legends say mythical creatures live in its depths. Not only is the journey to Gadsar challenging, but it is also well-rewarded with magnificent views. The lake itself is a brilliant blue, sometimes mirroring the towering cliffs that embank it. Its higher altitude means that Gadsar stays partially frozen well into early summer.
Altitude: 3,600 m
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 days
6. Krishansar Lake
Photo: Critical koshur / Wikimedia Commons
Vishansar’s twin, Krishansar Lake, is just a short hike away, but at a slightly higher elevation. It is famous for the spectacular reflections of the surrounding peaks, which look almost surreal in the calm, blue waters. Framed by golden-green meadows that transform crimson in autumn, the lake creates an indelible visual contrast. The hike to Krishansar follows the route of the Kashmir Great Lakes, traversing vast open meadows and snow-fed streams. Trekking around the lake, there are grassy banks just perfect for camping for those keen to soak up the peaceful presence there.
Altitude: 4,150 m
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 days
7. Tullian Lake
Photo: Raqueeb Mir / Wikimedia Commons
Tullian Lake is an easily accessible yet stunningly beautiful mountain lake hidden away near Pahalgam. The turquoise waters are highlighted against the lofty snow-covered patches encircling it, and this feature contributes to making it one of the most photogenic lakes of Kashmir. Unlike other alpine lakes in Kashmir, which necessitate weeks-long treks, Tullian can be accessed in a day on a moderate trek from Baisaran Valley. The trail to Tullian goes through thick banks of pine forests, rocky outcrops and meadows where Gujjar herders traditionally camp. The lake freezes completely over in the winter, becoming an amazing expanse of white.
Altitude: 3,680 m
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 1 – 2 days
8. Alpather Lake
Photo: Sahid Vaidya / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the foot of the Apharwat Peak (Gulmarg), Alpather Lake is one of the easiest high-altitude lakes to visit in Kashmir. For most of the year, this glacial lake remains partially frozen, and floating icebergs can be found floating across its surface even in summer. The Gulmarg Gondola’s Phase 2 station provides access to the lake, which makes it a good choice for those who want an alpine lake experience. The path to Alpather Lake traverses rolling fields, small streams, and patches of snow depending on the season and in late summer, the lake mirrors the towering Apharwat cliffs. Alpather is located close to Gulmarg, which is a perfect option for tourists who want to couple it with a trip to the most famed ski resort in Kashmir.
Altitude: 3,840 m
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Trek Duration: 1 day
9. Satsar Lakes
Photo: Mehrajmir13 / Wikimedia Commons
A chain of seven mountain lakes, it lies on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. According to the season, a few of the lakes are dry, and only a few are permanent, dry lakes that stay clean during the year. Instead of one body of water, Satsar is a series of small lakes, which means the landscape shifts with every movement. The road to Satsar passes through Sonmarg and after crossing the ridges, you get a panoramic view of the valley below. The surrounding meadows show boulders and wildflowers, forming a topographical experience. Trekking through the region, you can come across Gujjar settlements along the way, where you get a little taste of the life of a nomad.
Altitude: 3,610 m
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 days
10. Bodpathri Lakes
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Bodpathri Lakes are a lesser-known yet easily reachable batch of alpine lakes in Kashmir near Yousmarg. Kausarnag, the best known of the lot, is a huge glacial lake with strikingly azure waters framed by rushing rock. While other lake treks are highly commercialised, Bodpathri is still rather untouched, a haven for solitude seekers. From Yousmarg, the trek takes you through long meadows filled with pine and rivers to reach these lakes. The trek itself is quite easy, which makes it a great beginner trek. Among the many mountains around, Kausarnag is noted due to its wide body of water, often referred to as a mini-sea..
Altitude: 3,500 m
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 days
Alpine lakes in Kashmir are not only breathtakingly beautiful scenery but also dynamic reflections of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Where the more remote lakes are gained through extremely long treks, these lakes are relatively accessible and ideal for seasoned trekkers or those looking for a shorter trip. So plan your visit with TripXL and experience the hidden waters of Kashmir.
Cover Photo: Thisguyhikes / Wikimedia Commons
