6 Stunning Alpine Lakes In Kashmir Perfect For A Summer Trek

Want to escape the heat and hike to some of India's most remote, high-altitude lakes?

Try trekking to these six breathtaking alpine lakes of Kashmir. These high-altitude lakes can only be reached on foot — there are no roads, no crowds, just quiet trails through valleys, meadows, and mountain passes. Each lake is different, with clear water that changes colour depending on the light and sky. It’s not an easy walk, but it’s worth it. If you're looking for peace, fresh air and views you’ll never forget, this could be your summer adventure.

1. Krishansar Lake 

Located at an altitude of 3,801 metres near Sonamarg, Krishansar Lake is one of Kashmir's most scenic alpine lakes. Surrounded by dense forests and backed by snow-covered peaks, the lake is a favourite among tourists for its peaceful setting and activities like trout fishing and angling. 

Home to brown trout, a type of salmonid fish, the lake remains frozen in winter, while summer (June to September) offers the best conditions for visiting. It's especially popular with nature lovers and photographers, thanks to its picturesque views. The lake is around 115 km from Srinagar and can be accessed via a pony trek from the village of Shitkadi, passing through the high-altitude Nichnai Pass (4,100 m) along the way.

2. Vishansar Lake

Vishansar Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake located near Sonamarg in Kashmir at an elevation of 3,710 metres. Spanning 1 km in length and 0.6 km in width, it is fed by the Krishansar Lake and surrounding glaciers and serves as the source of the Neelum River. Known as the 'Lake of Vishnu', it is home to fish like brown trout and freezes over in winter.

In summer, the lake is surrounded by lush meadows where shepherds graze their flocks, and the area blooms with alpine flowers, making it a popular destination for trekkers. It lies about 115 km from Srinagar and can be reached via a 35 km trek from Shitkadi near Sonamarg, crossing the 4,100-metre-high Nichnai Pass. The best time to visit is between June and September.

3. Gadsar Lake 

Gadsar Lake, also known as ‘Gad Sar’ (lake of fishes) or ‘Yem Sar’ (lake of Yama), is a high-altitude alpine lake situated in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir at an elevation of 3,600 metres. Spanning about 0.85 km in length and 0.76 km in width, the lake is known for its clear, oligotrophic waters and is home to fish species like brown trout. 

Surrounded by lush alpine meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer, it’s often referred to as the ‘valley of flowers’. The lake freezes from November to April, with snow and floating ice visible even in summer. Gadsar is primarily glacier-fed and drains northwest, eventually merging with the Kishanganga River at Tulail.

4. Satsar Lake

Satsar Lake, meaning ‘seven lakes’, is a group of seven small alpine lakes located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Set in a narrow valley that stretches about 4 km from north to south, the lakes serve as a natural pass between the Tulail and Sind valleys. 

Surrounded by green meadows and alpine flowers, the area is used by shepherds in summer and is a popular camping spot for trekkers, with Naranag being the nearest access point. The lakes are fed primarily by snowmelt, but some dry up by late summer, depending on rainfall. The region is rich in wildflowers like blue poppies, gentians, and geums. 

5. Nundkol Lake 

Nundkol Lake, also known as ‘Nund Kol’, ‘Nandi Kund’, or ‘Kalodaka Lake’, is a high-altitude alpine lake located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. The lake is named after Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Located at the base of Mount Harmukh (5,142 m), it lies about 1.5 km south of the larger Gangabal Lake. 

Surrounded by green meadows, Nundkol has become a popular summer campsite for trekkers, with Naranag serving as the main access point. The lake is mainly fed by Gangabal Lake and glaciers from Mount Harmukh, and it forms the source of the Wangath Nallah, a key tributary of the Sind River.

6. Gangabal Lake 

Gangabal Lake, also known as Haramukh Ganga, is a high-altitude alpine lake located at 3,570 metres in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir, at the base of Mount Haramukh. It’s rich in trout fish and is best visited between July and September. The lake is accessible via a 15-kilometre trek from Naranag or through Bandipora via Arin. The trek features lush meadows, wildflowers, views of Mount Haramukh and Nanga Parbat, and sightings of nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities.

Edited by Vidya Gowri