1. Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso is well-known for its beauty and offers a jaw-dropping sight to all who visit this lake. It is an endorheic lake nestled in the heart of the Himalayas at an elevation of 14,270 feet above sea level. The lake extends for a distance of 134 km from India to China of which nearly 60% lies within the boundary of China. At its widest point, the Pangong Tso is 5 km wide. Due to the high salt concentrations in the lake, the lake is nearly devoid of aquatic flora and fauna with the exception of small crustaceans. However, a variety of migratory birds like the Brahmini ducks, bar-headed geese, and others can be sighted here. 
A five-hour drive through a dramatic and rough road from Leh leads to Pangong Tso. Army sentries and a tiny teahouse on the way greets visitors to Pangong Tso. The lake is open during the tourist season from May to September.
2. Dal Lake
Undoubtedly, the most famous lake in Jammu and Kashmir, the Dal Lake is located in Srinagar. The urban lake is the second largest in the state and is an integral feature of tourism to the state. It is thus nicknamed the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.” Besides tourism, the lake is also the site of large-scale commercial operations like water plant harvesting and fishing.
The 15.5 km long lake is located within a beautiful boulevard which houses gardens from the Mughal era like the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, several hotels, and parks.
Houseboats on the lake are popular among tourists as a stay option. Winters are freezing and the lake often freezes during this time. Floating gardens blossoming with lotus flowers enhance the beauty of the Dal Lake.
3. Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake is located 62 km away from Jammu and is fringed by hills covered with forest. The lake is about half mile wide and one mile long. The lake is considered to be holy and is visited by both pilgrims and tourists alike. The eastern bank of the lake hosts the shrine of a Hindu mythological six-headed snake called the Sheshnag. A number of other ancient Hindu temples are also located by Mansar Lake. On festive occasions, pilgrims take a dip in the holy lake as part of a bathing ritual. Newly-weds often perform circum-ambulations around the lake and Hindu families arrange for the first hair-cutting ceremony of their male children here. The Mansar Lake is also an ideal spot for boating and has adequate facilities to enjoy this activity. The lake is also rich in flora and fauna. The lake has a well-cemented path leading to it and arrangements of viewing decks from where tourists can enjoy observing the birds, fishes, and tortoises of the lake habitat. A nearby wildlife sanctuary hosts spotted deer, nilgai, etc. People also enjoy the interacting with people of the villages around the lake and capture photographs of the villagers in their ethnic costumes.
4. Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake is located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal District. Three villages of Jarokbal, Kondabal and Ganderbal encircle this lake. The extensive growth of lotus near the periphery of the lake enhances the scenic beauty of the landscape.
A captivating view of the lake is visible from the Mughal garden built by Nur Jahan. A favorite among birdwatchers, the Manasbal lake of Jammu and Kashmir attracts a large number of aquatic birds. The rootstocks of the lotus plant growing on the lake are harvested by the locals for consumption. So, for all these reasons, Lake Manasbal is tagged as the "supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes".
5. Sheshnag Lake
The Sheshnag Lake is an oligotrophic lake at an elevation of 3590 meters. It is located on the way to the famous Hindu pilgrimage of the Amarnath cave that is 23 km away from Pahalgam in Kashmir Valley’s Anantnag district. The lake has a maximum length of 1.1 km and is around 0.7 km wide. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was dug by the king of snakes, Sheshnag himself and it is his residence. Thus, it is one of the most important pilgrimages of the Hindus. The Sheshnag Lake is mainly fed by snow and freezes during winter when it is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
The Sheshnag Lake is about 120 km east from Srinagar and 23 km from Pahalgam. A 113 km road leads to Chandanwari and from there ponies carry passengers up a 7km upslope trek to the lake. The famous Amarnath cave is 20 km to the north of the Sheshnag Lake. June to September is the best month to visit the lake.
6. Tso Moriri
The Tso Moriri or the "Mountain Lake” is a spectacular lake and important wildlife habitat located in the Changthang Plateau’s Ladakhi part. Officially, the lake is designated as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is also a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The Tso Moriri Lake is located at an altitude of 14,836 feet, stretches for about 26 km from north to south, and is about 3 to 5 km wide. The water of the lake is highly brackish and lacks any outlet. Springs and snow-melt from the surrounding mountains feed the lake. The lake can only be accessed in the summer season but the Karzok village on the northwest shore of the lake and some military facilities remain inhabited throughout the year.
The Tso Moriri Lake and its surrounding habitat hosts a great diversity of species. 34 species of birds including water birds of 14 species like bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, great-crested grebe, and other birds can be observed in the region. Mammals like lynx, marmots, great Tibetan sheep, hare, vole, etc., also live in the surroundings of the lake. Sightings of the Tibetan wolf and the snow leopard have also been reported.
The Tso Moriri Lake is located 240 km to the southeast of Leh. The road is quite good in condition. The lake can also be accessed directly from the Pangong Tso via the Changtang region. The drive along this road is one of the most beautiful ones in the world. However, foreigners are not allowed beyond the Man - Merak villages on Pangong Tso. The road between the two lakes is 235 km long and lacks any petrol pumps.
7. Wular Lake
The Wular Lake is one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. It is located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Formed as a result of tectonic activity, the lake is now fed by the waters of the Jhelum River. The size of the lake varies from 30 to 260 square km seasonally. The Wular Lake region supports a significant population of birds including both terrestrial and aquatic birds. The black-eared kite, short-toed eagle, Indian roller, Himalayan woodpecker, golden oriole, Himalayan monal, and other birds of brilliant plumage can be observed near the lake. The Wular Lake is also an important habitat for fish. Common carp, rosy barb, Chush snowtrout, Chirruh snowtrout, Sattar snowtrout, etc., are some fishes living in this lake.
Tourists visiting this lake can enjoy a number of aquatic activities like water sports, water skiing, boating, etc.
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