Himalayas is the home to many of the highest lakes not only in India but also in the world.
These lakes are endowed with stunning scenery, though this varies depending on where you are; some have gorgeous vistas of mountains and rivers, while others are encircled by dense vegetation. The lakes, being surrounded by nature, give off an air of peace and tranquility that puts you at ease. However, because of their high altitude and difficulty in getting there, they are excellent locations for adventure seekers.
India’s highest lakes offer some of the greatest vistas.
1. Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, the highest lake in India, is situated in Sikkim. Perched at a height of about 17,800 feet, the pool of water is encircled by the Himalayas. The Indian Buddhist master Guru Padmasambhava is said to have visited a nearby village and noticed that the locals were distressed over a scarcity of drinking water. At this point, he went to the fully frozen lake and hit the ground. As a result, a sizable portion of the lake melted and residents could get fresh water.
A portion of the vivid blue lake is still frozen today. The surface of the water creates a captivating view as it reflects the adjacent mountains. Furthermore, the lake itself draws an equal number of people from both religious and adventurous backgrounds.
How to reach: Gurudongmar Lake is roughly 120 km far from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok. You can take a flight to Gangtok where you will get a taxi to Gurudongmar Lake. Usually, people take an overnight halt at Lachen.
2. Tso Lhamo
Tso Lhamo, one of India’s highest lakes, is situated at a height of roughly 17,500 feet. Because the freshwater lake is so close to the Tibetan border, entry requires a Restricted/Protected Area Permit which is not very easy to get. It is also the source of the Teesta River and one of Sikkim’s “Tso Chen” or major lakes (Gurudongmar Lake being another).
Tso Lhamo is one of the most scenic lake treks in India. During the spring season, the lake is surrounded by a blanket of flowers, adding even more beauty to the already breathtaking landscape. Local fauna and migrating birds also call it home.
How to reach: It is located roughly 75 km from Lachen and 10 km from Gurudongmer Lake.
3. Suraj Tal
Situated a few kilometers downside from Bara Lacha Pass, Suraj Tal is perhaps one of the most picturesque lakes you will ever come across. The Bhaga River originates at Suraj Tal and flows downstream to become the River Chandrabhaga. Because of this, the location has religious and spiritual importance and is also a holy place. It is 800 meters long and situated at an elevation of more than 16,000 feet.
Bara Lacha Pass is situated atop snow-capped mountains, which are reflected in the lake’s mirror-like waters. Not only that, but the sunrises here are breathtaking, with the sun’s reflection casting lovely shadows across the ripples formed by the lake.
How to reach: The lake is approximately 3 km from Bara Lacha Pass and is located along the Manali-Leh route. You can travel there by road in a vehicle, bus, or bicycle.
4. Roopkund Lake
Undoubtedly an interesting location, reaching Roopkund is not a cakewalk. The width of the lake is around 40 meters, and its elevation is 14,882 feet. The term “Skeleton Lake” comes from the fact that human skeletons can be found at the edge of the lake, which adds to its mystery. As per the legend, the remains are of pilgrims and locals, who on their way to Nanda Devi shrine met severe hailstorms and died near the lake. The scientists claim these skeletons are dated back to 850 AD.
To reach Roopkund Lake, you need to trek through dense forests. It’s a genuinely lovely location, and the ghost stories around the lake will surely give you the chills.
How to reach: The closest train station is Kathgodam, from where you may take a taxi to Lohajung. The hike to Roopkund starts from here.
5. Tso Moriri
Amongst the many lakes in the snow desert of Ladakh, Tso Moriri is a slightly lesser-known lake than Tso Pangong. Situated at 14,836 feet above sea level, the lake is breathtaking! The lake changes its color from light blue to deep blue. You can also witness animals including hares, cranes, marmots, wild asses, and yaks near the lake.
The lake is around 5 km broad and 26 km long, entirely in the Trans-Himalayan Region of Ladakh. It is composed of alkaline water, which is not fit for human consumption. The Indian Wildlife Association has established a research base near the lake.
How to get there: Tso Moriri is roughly 220 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and is easily accessible by bus, bike, or car.
6. Chandra Tal
Situated in the breathtaking Spiti Valley, Chandra Tal is a lake worth visiting. The lake becomes more stunning as the moon shines on the exquisite lake at night. For this reason, camping is a popular activity here. Rising to a height of around 14,100 feet, Himalayan peaks encircle Chandra Tal.
The lake, which has a crescent form and hence the name, is mentioned in Hindu mythology. It is thought that Lord Indra arrived here to transport Yudhisthira, the last living Pandava, to heaven while he was still in his human form. Additionally, the River Chandra, which afterward combined with River Bhaga to form River Chandrabhaga and later River Chenab, is said to have its origins in this place.
How to reach: Chandra Tal is about 110 km from Manali and is accessible by car. It is situated on the Manali-Kaza highway.
7. Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake, at a height of 14,000 feet is located to the east of Rohtang Pass near Manali. The lake got its name from renowned sage Maharshi Bhrigu. Due to the thrilling experiences along the route, trekkers highly recommend visiting this lake.
You have to trek a considerable distance to reach the pond-like lake, wherein you will pass through verdant forests and expansive meadows, where you can spend the night in tents. According to legend, as the Maharshi used to meditate right by the Bhrigu Lake, it does not freeze throughout the winter months, despite the snow that falls on the nearby mountains.
How to reach: The best way to go to Bhrigu Lake is to hike from Gulaba. It is of minimum 3-day trek. The nearest bus stand is Manali which is 22 km away.
8. Pangong Lake
This lake might be familiar to you from the blockbuster film 3 Idiots. The gigantic Pangong Lake (also known as Pangong Tso) is roughly at an altitude of 13,862 feet above sea level. It is located near the Sino-Indian border, with around 50% of the lake located in Tibet (China) and 40% in Ladakh (India). The 10% that is left over is up for debate and is located in the area that separates China and India.
The lake measures 5 kilometers at its widest point and is almost 130 kilometers in length. Pangong Tso is a salt water lake with not much aquatic life in the lake; migratory birds use it as a popular mating area. It is also noteworthy that, because of its proximity to the border, Pangong Tso requires a permit to be visited.
How to reach: You will get many local buses and taxis from Leh to Pangong Lake
9. Sela Lake
Enway to the stunning Sela Pass, a well-liked trekking destination, is Sela Lake. Because of its breathtaking views, this 13,650-foot-high lake is also known as Paradise Lake. Originating from one of the highest lakes in India, Sela is the source of several tiny Himalayan rivers. It also acts as a getaway to stunning locations like Tawang, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Because of the altitude, there is not much vegetation around the lake. It’s a wonderful area to visit if you’re seeking some peace and tranquility, additionally, it also serves as a nesting habitat for nearby birds and fauna.
How to reach: Tezpur, the closest railway station, is located approximately 260 kilometers away from the lake. From here, you can take a bike, bus, or cab to get to the lake.
10. Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim, situated approximately 12,313 feet above sea level, is surrounded by stunning trees and hills. It’s not very far from Gangtok. The hue of the lake varies with the seasons; in the spring it is sapphire blue, and in the winter it is ink green.
Tsomgo is revered by the people and is connected to numerous tales and stories. With its untamed mountainous landscape and narrow valleys, the lake provides an ideal setting for pictures.
How to reach: Tsomgo Lake is 40 km from Gangtok and is accessible by car.
11. Nako Lake
Nako is a tiny lake located in the Kinnaur area, on the road that connects Kaza and Shimla. At a height of about 12,000 feet, it is one of India’s highest lakes. Because there are so many trees surrounding it, the pure water has a green tint when viewed up close.
Since cars cannot access the lake immediately, you will need to park and walk for five to ten minutes. Nako is a tiny lake that is rarely mentioned in tales about high-altitude lakes, but if you’re traveling from Kaza to Shimla—or the other way around—a quick stop here is a must.
How to reach: You can take a local taxi from Kaza which is roughly 111km away from Nako Lake.
12. Dal Lake
Dal Lake, one of Srinagar’s main attractions, is located at a height of roughly 5,800 feet. In winter, the water’s temperature drops to below zero. Dal Lake is a significant component of Srinagar’s culture which is home to several shikaras and houseboats as well as floating markets.
The Dal attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its beauty and shikara rides. It plays a significant role in the city’s tourism industry. The thick marshes that encircle the lake contribute to its stunning views and verdant surroundings.
How to reach: The lake is in Srinagar, which is connected to places like Delhi and Mumbai via road, rail, and flights.
