<p>The sustainable management and utilization of springs require a clear understanding of their origin, recharge sources, and geochemical evolution along the flow path. In this context, the present study highlights the limited understanding of geochemical processes governing spring and surface waters in the Vishaw catchment. It aims to evaluate the mineralization, geochemical evolution, and water quality of spring and surface waters using hydrochemical tools, principal component analysis (PCA), and PHREEQC modeling. Based on dominant cations and anions, Na–Mg–HCO₃ and Na–Ca–HCO₃ hydrochemical facies were identified in spring waters during the post-melting (2021) and pre-melting (2022) seasons, respectively. In contrast, surface waters consistently exhibited the Na–Mg–HCO₃ facies. One-way ANOVA results revealed significant seasonal variations in spring water chemistry, in contrast to the relatively stable surface water composition. PCA of the spring–surface water dataset reveals that hydrochemistry is mainly governed by silicate weathering, carbonate dissolution, and rock–water interactions. Secondary components indicate additional influences from ion exchange and anthropogenic inputs. Overall, the integrated geochemical and saturation index (SI) results indicated that recharge sources, groundwater flow paths, and lithological heterogeneity predominantly control the geochemical characteristics of both spring and surface waters in the study area. Water quality assessment categorized both water types as suitable for drinking, except for a few spring sites exhibiting elevated nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentrations. This study underscores the need for comprehensive monitoring and sustainable management of Himalayan spring water resources to inform stewardship planning and mitigate aquifer pollution from anthropogenic activities.</p>