Step into a postcard-worthy adventure as you trek through Kashmir’s untouched landscapes to six spectacular alpine lakes. With each step, the stunning scenery, crisp mountain air, and serene waters make the journey truly unforgettable. If you’re looking to escape the heat and hike to some of India’s most remote, high-altitude lakes, this could be your perfect summer adventure.
These high-altitude lakes can only be reached on foot — no roads, no crowds, just quiet trails through valleys, meadows, and mountain passes. Each lake is unique, with clear water that changes colour depending on the light and sky. It’s not an easy walk, but the rewards are worth it. Discover peace, fresh air, and breathtaking views as you explore these six stunning alpine lakes of Kashmir.
1. Krishansar Lake
Perched at an altitude of 3,801 metres near Sonamarg, Krishansar Lake is among Kashmir’s most picturesque alpine lakes. Surrounded by dense forests and backed by snow-dusted peaks, this tranquil haven is ideal for activities like trout fishing and angling.
Home to brown trout, the lake remains frozen in winter, while summer (June to September) offers the best conditions for visiting. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, offering postcard-perfect views. Accessible via a pony trek from Shitkadi village, the journey takes you through the high-altitude Nichnai Pass (4,100 m).
2. Vishansar Lake
Located near Sonamarg at an elevation of 3,710 metres, Vishansar Lake is a breathtaking alpine gem. Spanning 1 km in length and 0.6 km in width, it is fed by Krishansar Lake and surrounding glaciers, serving as the source of the Neelum River.
Known as the ‘Lake of Vishnu,’ Vishansar is home to brown trout and freezes over in winter. In summer, lush meadows bloom with alpine flowers, attracting trekkers and nature enthusiasts. A 35 km trek from Shitkadi near Sonamarg, crossing the 4,100-metre-high Nichnai Pass, leads to this serene location. June to September is the best time to visit.
3. Gadsar Lake
Also known as ‘Gad Sar’ or ‘Yem Sar’ (lake of Yama), Gadsar Lake is a high-altitude alpine marvel located in the Ganderbal district at 3,600 metres. Spanning 0.85 km in length and 0.76 km in width, the lake is known for its clear, oligotrophic waters and is home to brown trout.
Surrounded by lush meadows that burst into colour with wildflowers during summer, it is often referred to as the ‘valley of flowers.’ Gadsar Lake remains frozen from November to April, with snow and floating ice visible even in summer. The lake is primarily glacier-fed and eventually merges with the Kishanganga River at Tulail.
4. Satsar Lake
Meaning ‘seven lakes,’ Satsar Lake is a cluster of seven small alpine lakes located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Set in a narrow valley stretching about 4 km from north to south, these lakes serve as a natural pass between the Tulail and Sind valleys.
Surrounded by verdant meadows and dotted with alpine flowers, the area is a popular summer camping spot for trekkers. Naranag is the nearest access point. The lakes are primarily fed by snowmelt, with some drying up by late summer depending on rainfall. Wildflowers like blue poppies, gentians, and geums thrive here.
5. Nundkol Lake
Nundkol Lake, also known as ‘Nund Kol’ or ‘Nandi Kund,’ is a serene high-altitude lake situated in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Named after Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, the lake lies at the base of Mount Harmukh (5,142 m), about 1.5 km south of the larger Gangabal Lake.
Surrounded by lush meadows, Nundkol is a popular summer campsite for trekkers, with Naranag serving as the main access point. Fed by Gangabal Lake and glaciers from Mount Harmukh, it forms the source of the Wangath Nallah, a key tributary of the Sind River.
6. Gangabal Lake
Also known as Haramukh Ganga, Gangabal Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake located at 3,570 metres in the Ganderbal district, at the base of Mount Haramukh. Known for its rich population of trout fish, the lake is best visited between July and September.
The trek to Gangabal Lake from Naranag or through Bandipora via Arin is approximately 15 km long, offering lush meadows, wildflowers, and panoramic views of Mount Haramukh and Nanga Parbat. Trekkers often encounter nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities along the trail.
Final Thoughts
Kashmir’s alpine lakes offer an unmatched blend of natural beauty and serenity. From the mirror-like waters of Nundkol Lake to the flower-laden meadows around Gadsar, each destination is a trekker’s dream. If you’re seeking solitude, stunning views, and an unforgettable summer adventure, these high-altitude gems are waiting to be discovered. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the postcard-perfect landscapes of Kashmir.