🌊 Major Lakes of Jammu Division – Home Academy
The Jammu Division, spanning the Pir Panjal Range and Chenab Valley, features numerous high-altitude alpine lakes, scenic water bodies, and meadows. These lakes are not only important for tourism and trekking but also have cultural, ecological, and religious significance.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September): Ideal for high-altitude lakes and trekking
Spring/Autumn: Mansar & Surinsar for leisure visitsWinter: Many high-altitude lakes remain frozen
📊 Table of Major Lakes in Jammu Division
| Lake Name | Location | Type | Approx. Altitude / Size | Alternate / Local Name | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandansar Lake | Poonch district, Pir Panjal | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Nandan Sar | Turquoise waters; accessed via Mughal Road; scenic trekking spot. |
| Chandansar Lake | Near Nandansar, Poonch | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Chandan Sar | Often visited together with Nandansar; alpine meadows nearby. |
| Kaldachinisar Lake | Near Kaldachini Pass, Pir Panjal | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Kaldachini Sar | Remote high-altitude lake; surrounded by snow-capped peaks. |
| KounserNag Lake | Kulgam/Reasi border, Pir Panjal | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Kousar Nag | Large alpine lake; popular for trekking and spiritual visits. |
| Neel Sar (Neelsar) | Pir Panjal Range | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Neel Sar | Prominent Pir Panjal lake; known for pristine waters. |
| Bhagsar Lake (Bag Sar) | Pir Panjal Range | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | Bhagsar Sar | Picturesque alpine lake; trekking destination. |
| Katoria Sar (Katorasar) | Pir Panjal Range | Glacial / Bowl-shaped | High-altitude | Katorasar | Noted for its unique bowl-shaped appearance. |
| Gunn Sar & Sukh Sar | Pir Panjal Range | Glacial / Alpine | High-altitude | – | Other prominent high-altitude lakes; trekking spots. |
| Bimal Nag | Drabshalla, Kishtwar, Chenab Valley | Alpine / Meadow Lake | High-altitude | Bimal Sar | Lake and meadow area; ideal for trekking and camping. |
| Small Lakes/Tarns near Bhaderwah | Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar | Alpine / Tarn | High-altitude | Various | Small alpine lakes in meadows (Dhars); scenic and tranquil. |
| Sanasar Lake | Ramban district | Alpine / Small lake | Moderate altitude | – | Popular tourist lake; accessible and scenic. |
| Mansar Lake | Jammu district | Tectonic / Valley lake | ~1 km² | – | Twin lake with Surinsar; part of a Ramsar wetland site. |
| Surinsar Lake | Jammu district | Tectonic / Valley lake | ~0.5 km² | – | Twin lake with Mansar; boating and eco-tourism; Ramsar site. |
📝 Key Facts on Jammu Lakes
High-Altitude Glacial/Alpine Lakes: Found mostly in Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, accessed via trekking routes like the Mughal Road. Examples: Nandansar, Chandansar, Kaldachinisar.
Bowl-Shaped Lakes: Unique geological formations; Katoria Sar is a classic example.
Tectonic / Valley Lakes: Found at lower altitudes, often supporting biodiversity and tourism. Examples: Mansar & Surinsar.
Tarns / Small Alpine Lakes: Clustered near meadows (Dhars) around Bhaderwah and Kishtwar; scenic for camping and trekking.
Mansar Lake is located in the Jammu district of Jammu Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Here are the exact details in Home Academy style:
🌊 Mansar Lake –
Location: Mansar village, Jammu district, Jammu Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Coordinates: 32.7015° N, 75.1992° EAltitude: ~400 meters above sea level
Type: Tectonic / Valley lake
Size: ~1 km²
Nearby Lake: Surinsar Lake (twin lake, ~8 km away)
Significance:
Recognized as a Ramsar wetland sitePopular for boating, picnics, and religious tourism
Surrounded by forests, temples, and small hills
💡 Extra Tip: Mansar Lake is connected hydrologically and culturally to Surinsar Lake, forming a combined eco-tourism and pilgrimage zone for visitors from Jammu and surrounding areas.
🌊 Surinsar Lake –
Location: Surinsar village, Jammu district, Jammu Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Coordinates: 32.6990° N, 75.1700° EAltitude: ~400 meters above sea level
Type: Tectonic / Valley lake
Size: ~0.5 km²
Nearby Lake: Mansar Lake (~8 km away; twin lake system)
Significance:
Part of a Ramsar wetland site along with Mansar LakePopular for boating, picnics, and leisure tourism
Surrounded by forests, hills, and temples, offering scenic views
Hosts ecological and cultural activities, including migratory birds
💡 Extra Fact: Surinsar Lake is less crowded than Mansar, making it ideal for peaceful retreats and eco-tourism.
🌊 Sanasar Lake –
Location: Sanasar, Ramban district, Jammu Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Coordinates: 33.0000° N, 75.2000° E (approximate)Altitude: ~1,050 meters above sea level
Type: Alpine / Small freshwater lake
Size: Small lake, part of the Sanasar meadow ecosystem
Significance:
Popular tourist spot in Ramban districtSurrounded by lush meadows and hills, ideal for trekking and camping
Supports local flora and fauna, including migratory birds
Often visited in summer months due to accessibility and pleasant weather
💡 Extra Fact: Sanasar Lake is part of a larger adventure tourism area including paragliding and trekking in the Sanasar meadows.