Himachal is not only an abode of Gods and sages, but a mesmerising land of beautiful lakes. Home to more than 25 lakes that offer everything from spiritual bliss to thrilling adventure opportunities, Himachal is a trove of wonders.
If you are on the lookout for a quiet destination to spend a few days, there are lakes such as Dal, Dashir, Dhankar, Khajjiar, and Kareri lakes. If spirituality is your penchant and Indian mythology is something that draws you, Himachal offers Manimahesh, Renuka, Nako, Brighu, Parashar and Rewalsar Lakes. And, for the adventurer in you, Himachal has several cosmic lakes such as the Gobind Sagar and Maharana Pratap lakes or the Chandertal and Brighu Lakes. These lakes offer ample adventure opportunities for trekking, sailing, kayaking, heli-skiing, water rafting and even fishing!
Here’s a list of some of the most popular among the multitude of lakes in Himachal:
Brighu Lake:
Location: Kullu District
Best time to visit: May-October
Located at an elevation 4,235 m, this lake lies east of the Rohtang Pass. A perfect place for trekkers, this lake also offers camping opportunities on its banks, amidst the towering Himalayas.
Chamera Lake:
Location: Dalhousie
Best time to visit: March-June
This artificial lake, located in the pristine surroundings of Dalhousie, is a popular tourist destination known for the water sports activities it offers.
Chandertal Lake:
Location: Spiti, Lahaul-Spiti District
Best time to visit: May-October
One comes across this mesmerising lake, snuggly nestled amidst the Chandra Bhaga peaks, on their way to Kunzum Pass. The lake derives its name that means Lake of the Moon from its crescent shape and is known among trekkers and campers.
Dashir Lake:
Location: Lahaul-Spiti District
Best time to visit: May-October
This lake is one of the best lakes in Himachal known for its therapeutic properties. Located near Rohtang Pass amid the glaciers of the Pir Panjal range, this lake offers a magnificent view.
Nako Lake:
Location: Kinnaur District
Best time to visit: May-October
This high-altitude lake in the Kinnaur district is a must-visit spot. Frozen for most part of the year given its elevated location, this lake offers a rugged albeit breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
Prashar Lake:
Location: Mandi District
Best time to visit: April-July and September-November
Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges, the Prashar Lake is an oval-shaped water basin that is a hot among trekkers and campers. For the spiritual soul, this lake is revered for its spiritual connect with Lord Kamrunag and the Sage Prashar who is said to have meditated here. Another attraction around the lake is a nearby pagoda-style temple.
Renuka Lake:
Location: Nahan District
Best time to visit: Year round
Renuka Lake is the largest lake in Himachal. Shaped to represent a sleeping Renuka (wife of Rishi Jamadagni), the lake houses the Renuka Devi temple on its banks. This is a great spot for adventure camps.
Rewalsar Lake:
Location: Mandi District
Best time to visit: March-October
Rewalsar Lake also popularly known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake has great religious significance for the Buddhists. It is held that Guru Padmasambhava last resided in the tiny island that floats over the lake before he migrated to Tibet to spread Mahayana Buddhism there. His spirit is still said to reside this small island on the lake.
Dhankar Lake:
Location: Lahaul-Spiti District
Best time to visit: May-September
Named after the majestic gompa of Dhankar, this lake situated at a height of over 13000ft, lies enveloped with barren peaks, overlooking Spiti and Pin. One can reach this enchanting lake that lies perched among the peaks of the cold desert land by a steep trek of around 45 minutes across the hills.
Kareri Lake:
Location: Kangra District
Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
Best known as a trekker’s delight, this lake located in the Dhauladhar ranges at an elevation of 2934 m remains frozen during the winter months. With the Kareri village serving as the base camp for trekkers to the Dhauladhar ranges, the banks of the lake also serve as camp sites. During the winter months, the lake remains accessible via the hamlet of Ghera near Dharamshala.
Surya Tal
Location: Lahaul-Spiti District
Best time to visit: May-October
The Surya Tal, named after the Sun God and located at an elevation of 4890m, is one of the highest lakes in the world and the third largest lake in India. This lake that is fed by the glacial waters of the Baralacha-la Pass is also the source of Bhaga River. A popular trek route, this lake can be reached even by a motorcycle travelling along the NH21 from Keylong, making it a hit with biking enthusiasts.
Manimahesh Lake:
Location: Chamba District
Best time to visit: April-May and September-mid-November
The lake lies nestled in the Pir Panjal ranges at an elevation of 4080 m. The Manimahesh lake is a sacred pilgrim site known in mythology to be created by Lord Shiva to commemorate the place where he met Goddess Parvati. This lake draws people from across the country during August-September for the Manimahesh Yatra. Due to its proximity to the Man Sarovar lake in Tibet, this lake is even more revered.
