The Himalayas are the highest and most majestic mountain range in the world, spanning across India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. They are home to many natural wonders, including some of the most beautiful and serene lakes that offer breathtaking views and tranquil experiences. These lakes are not only a delight for the eyes, but also a source of spiritual and cultural significance for the people who live near them or visit them. Here are 10 must-visit lakes in the Great Himalayas of India that you should not miss.
1. Pangong Tso: A Shimmering Gem
Altitude: Approximately 4,350 meters
Location: Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir
Pangong Tso, meaning “high grassland lake” in Tibetan, is a saltwater lake situated at an altitude of about 4,350 meters in the Ladakh region of India. It is one of the largest and highest lakes in the world, extending for about 134 kilometers from India to China. The lake is famous for its stunning blue color that changes shades depending on the time of the day and the season. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it attracts many migratory birds such as bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes, and seagulls. The lake was also featured in the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” as the final scene where the characters reunite.
How to Reach here: To reach Pangong Tso from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Leh, which is about 223 kilometers away from the lake. From Leh, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach the lake via Chang La pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours and offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys along the way.
2. Dal Lake: The Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir
Altitude: About 1,580 meters
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Dal Lake, also known as “the jewel in the crown of Kashmir”, is a freshwater lake located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most famous and iconic attractions of Kashmir, known for its houseboats, shikaras (wooden boats), floating gardens, and markets. The lake covers an area of about 18 square kilometers and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. The lake also hosts many cultural and religious events, such as the annual Tulip Festival, Ganga Dussehra, and Shivratri.
How to Reach here: To reach Dal Lake from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Srinagar, which is about 14 kilometers away from the lake. From Srinagar, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the lake. You can also take a train to Jammu Tawi railway station, which is about 300 kilometers away from Srinagar, and then take a bus or a taxi to reach the lake.
3. Gurudongmar Lake: A Sacred Gem
Altitude: About 5,180 meters
Location: North Sikkim
Gurudongmar Lake, named after Guru Padmasambhava who is said to have blessed it, is a sacred lake situated at an altitude of about 5,180 meters in North Sikkim. It is one of the highest lakes in India and one of the sources of the Teesta River. The lake is revered by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike, as it is believed to have healing powers and grant wishes to those who pray here. The lake is also known for its mesmerizing beauty, especially during sunrise when it reflects the golden rays of the sun. The lake remains frozen for most of the year except for a small portion that never freezes even in extreme cold.
How to Reach here: To reach Gurudongmar Lake from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, which is about 215 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Lachen, which is about 120 kilometers away from Gangtok. From Lachen, you can take a jeep or a bike to reach Gurudongmar Lake via Thangu and Chopta Valley. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours and requires a special permit from the army or the tourism department.
4. Nainital Lake: The Crescent Moon of the Hills
Altitude: About 1,938 meters
Location: Nainital
Nainital Lake, also known as Naini Lake or Bimtal Lake, is a freshwater lake located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most popular hill stations and tourist destinations in India, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The lake is shaped like a crescent moon and has an area of about 1 square kilometer. It is surrounded by hills and forests that offer panoramic views of nature. The lake also offers many activities such as boating, fishing, yachting, and birdwatching. The lake is also associated with many legends and myths, such as the one that says that it is the eye of Goddess Sati that fell here when Lord Shiva carried her body after her self-immolation.
How to Reach here: To reach Nainital Lake from New Delhi, you can take a train to Kathgodam railway station, which is about 35 kilometers away from Nainital. From Kathgodam, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nainital. You can also take a flight to Pantnagar airport, which is about 65 kilometers away from Nainital, and then take a taxi or a bus to reach the lake.
5. Tsomgo Lake: A Wish-Fulfilling Lake
Altitude: About 3,780 meters
Location: East Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake or Tshangu Lake, is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 3,780 meters in East Sikkim. It is one of the most visited lakes in Sikkim and a popular excursion spot for tourists. The lake is about 1 kilometer long and 50 meters deep and has a variety of flora and fauna around it. The lake also changes its color with the seasons, ranging from blue to green to red. The lake is considered sacred by the locals and hosts many festivals and rituals, such as the Guru Purnima and the Losar Festival.
How to Reach here: To reach Tsomgo Lake from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, which is about 124 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Tsomgo Lake via Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours and requires a special permit from the tourism department.
6. Suraj Tal: The Lake of the Sun God
Altitude: About 4,883 meters
Location: Lahaul and Spiti
Suraj Tal, meaning “the lake of the sun god” in Hindi, is a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of about 4,883 meters in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the highest lakes in India and one of the sources of the Bhaga River. The lake is located just below the Baralacha La pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The lake is known for its crystal clear water and scenic surroundings that offer a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The lake is also a popular destination for trekkers and bikers who pass through it on their way to Leh or Manali.
How to Reach here: To reach Suraj Tal from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Bhuntar airport in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, which is about 166 kilometers away from Manali. From Bhuntar, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Manali. From Manali, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Suraj Tal via Rohtang Pass and Keylong. The journey takes about 7 to 8 hours and offers an adventurous ride through the rugged terrain and high altitudes.
7. Renuka Lake: The Embodiment of Goddess Renuka
Altitude: About 672 meters
Location: Sirmaur
Renuka Lake, named after Goddess Renuka who is said to be the mother of Lord Parashurama, is a natural lake located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest lakes in Himachal Pradesh with an area of about 2.5 square kilometers. It is also one of the most sacred lakes in India, as it is believed to be an embodiment of Goddess Renuka herself. The lake has a unique shape that resembles the profile of a woman lying on her back. The lake also has a smaller lake nearby called Parashurama Tal that is believed to be an embodiment of Lord Parashurama himself. The lake hosts an annual fair called Renuka Fair that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.
How to Reach here: To reach Renuka Lake from New Delhi, you can take a train to Ambala Cantt railway station in Haryana, which is about 160 kilometers away from Nahan, the headquarters of Sirmaur district. From Ambala Cantt, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nahan. From Nahan, you can take another taxi or bus to reach Renuka Lake which is about 40 kilometers away.
8. Khecheopalri Lake: A Pristine and Sacred Lake
Altitude: About 1,700 meters
Location: West Sikkim
Khecheopalri Lake, also known as Kha-Chot-Palri or Sho Dzo Sho Lake, is a sacred lake located in West Sikkim district of Sikkim. It is one of the most revered lakes in Sikkim and among Buddhists and Hindus alike, as it is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake that grants the desires of those who pray here. The lake is also known for its pristine water and serene environment that offer peace and tranquility to the visitors. The lake is surrounded by hills and forests that are home to many birds and animals. The lake also has a Buddhist monastery nearby that houses many relics and statues of Buddha and other deities.
How to Reach here: To reach Khecheopalri Lake from New Delhi, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, which is about 140 kilometers away from Pelling, a town in West Sikkim. From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pelling. From Pelling, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Khecheopalri Lake which is about 24 kilometers away.
9. Prashar Lake: The Abode of Sage Prashar
Altitude: About 2,730 meters
Location: Mandi
Prashar Lake, named after Sage Prashar who is said to have meditated here, is a natural lake located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most scenic and serene lakes in Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of about 2,730 meters. The lake has a circular shape and a depth of about 13 meters. It also has a floating island in the middle that changes its position with the wind. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green meadows that offer a spectacular view of nature. The lake also has an ancient temple dedicated to Sage Prashar that showcases the Himachali architecture and culture.
How to Reach here: To reach Prashar Lake from New Delhi, you can take a train to Chandigarh railway station in Punjab, which is about 200 kilometers away from Mandi, the headquarters of Mandi district. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mandi. From Mandi, you can take another taxi or bus to reach Baggi village which is about 26 kilometers away from Mandi. From Baggi village, you can either trek for about 9 kilometers or hire a jeep to reach Prashar Lake.
10. Hemkund Lake: A Sanctuary of Devotion
Altitude: About 4,329 meters
Location: Chamoli
Hemkund Lake, also known as Lokpal Lake, is a glacial lake located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the highest lakes in India and one of the holiest places for Sikhs and Hindus alike. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,329 meters and has an area of about 2 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by seven snow-covered peaks that are collectively known as Hemkund Parvat. The lake also has a Sikh Gurudwara and a Hindu temple on its banks that are dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh and Lakshman respectively.
The Lakshman Temple, also known as Lokpal Temple, is situated on the banks of the lake. It is said that the temple is built on the same place where Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana, meditated to regain his power after he killed Meghnad, the son of the demon Ravana. The temple is dedicated to Lakshman and has his idol inside.
How to Reach here: To reach Hemkund Lake from New Delhi, you can take a train to Haridwar railway station in Uttarakhand, which is about 275 kilometers away from Joshimath, a town in Chamoli district. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can take another taxi or bus to reach Govindghat which is about 22 kilometers away from Joshimath. From Govindghat, you can either trek for about 19 kilometers or hire a pony or a helicopter to reach Ghangaria which is the base camp for Hemkund Lake. From Ghangaria, you can trek for another 6 kilometers or hire a pony to reach Hemkund Lake.
These are some of the must-visit lakes in the Great Himalayas of India that offer an unforgettable experience of nature and spirituality. If you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body, then these lakes are the perfect destinations for you. So pack your bags and get ready to explore these amazing lakes and their stories.
Happy travelling!
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