10 Popular Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

By - October 18, 2024 - Himachal Pradesh, Lakes

Whether you talk about altitude, the pristine water, or the beauty of the surrounding landscape, something is astonishing about  Himachal Pradesh.

Each lake offers a unique set of fun activities, from fishing and swimming to boating and sightseeing cruises. Lakes are one of the main attractions of Himachal Pradesh. Here goes the list of the lakes which definitely should be visited.

Here are the 10 Famous Lakes in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Chandratal Lake

This lake, Chandratal lake, is in Himachal Pradesh in the Lahul and Spiti district in the Lahul part of the district. The origin place of the Chandra River and Chandra Taal are close to each other.

Calling it one of the heavens for travelers and trekkers won’t be wrong. Even the path of reaching here is equally exciting; one is from Batal, and the other is through Kunzum Pass. Beneath the Samudra Tapu plateau lies this beautiful lake.

  • Best Time to Visit: June to September
  • Region: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Kunzum Pass in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Known as the “Moon Lake,” Chandratal is a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake in Spiti Valley. The turquoise blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks make it a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers.
  • Top Experiences: Trekking from Kunzum Pass, camping by the lake, stargazing at night.

2. Dhankar Lake

This lake is in the Spiti Valley, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India. And it is at a high altitude, an elevation of 4,140 m. One can trek from the Dhankar monastery to this lake as it lies above the Dhankar monastery, in the Lahaul-Spiti district. It is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing lakes.

And the most fantastic aspect of its location is, that it is hidden over the ant-hill-shaped hillocks. 20 mins of hiking over the hills will take you to the lake. It is encircled by barren cliffs of the sea at a height of greater than 13000 ft. Read Also: 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Spiti Valley

  • Best Time to Visit: June to September
  • Region: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Dhankar Monastery in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Perched above the Dhankar Monastery, this serene lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude.
  • Top Experiences: Trek to the lake from Dhankar Monastery, enjoy the tranquility and picturesque surroundings.
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3. Rewalsar Lake

Also known as Popularly known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake, Rewalsar Lake is in the mountains of the Mandi district, in Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake of Rewalsar from the Mandi district’s distance and direction is 22.5 km in the southwest direction.

It is about 1,360 m above sea level, with a 735 m shoreline length. The shoreline of about 735 m. According to the legend, from Rewalsar, a small town, Guru Padmasambhava went to Tibet and spread Mahayana Buddhism.

  • Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
  • Region: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Rewalsar town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Rewalsar Lake holds spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. It is surrounded by monasteries and temples, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
  • Top Experiences: Visit the Rewalsar Monastery, explore Hindu and Sikh temples, take a boat ride on the lake.

Read more articles for other Lakes :

4. Nako Lake

In the Kinnaur district, Pooh sub-division lies this lake at a high altitude. This Nako lake boundaries the village of the same name, Nako village. It appears as if almost half of the village is on the border of the lake. It is 3,662 meters above sea level. The beautiful trees surrounding the lake make this lake much more scenic and mesmerizing.

It can be called a secret lake, and the reason for this is it seems to be hidden in the villages below the tees encircling this small and beautiful lake. If you want to experience the fantastic view of Nako village and Nako lake, you can trek uphill. This trek is relatively short and takes significantly less time. Read Also: 12 Most Famous Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

  • Best Time to Visit: May to October
  • Region: Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Nako village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: A tranquil high-altitude lake, Nako Lake is located in the Kinnaur district. It is surrounded by willow and poplar trees, creating a serene setting perfect for relaxation.
  • Top Experiences: Stroll around the lake, visit nearby monasteries, and enjoy local culture.

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5. Brighu Lake

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kullu District. It is approximately 4285 m above sea level in the east of the Rohtang Pass. This trekking path is a bit difficult to trek on with all the steep ups and downs.

But at the same time, the presence of oak trees makes this path equally beautiful and elegant. This fact makes it one of the most beautiful and exquisite routes of the Himachal. Read Also: 10 Best Places to Visit in Kullu.

  • Best Time to Visit: June to October
  • Region: Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: A famous trekking destination near Manali, Brighu Lake is known for its changing colors and stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
  • Top Experiences: Trekking to Brighu Lake, camping along the trail, and enjoying panoramic views.

6. Kareri Lake

Located in the Kangra District, Kareri lake is famous as a trekking spot. Fir venting at a great distance in the Dhauladhars, the village of Kareri is a base camp.

During winters, this lake gets covered in a veil of ice. The easiest path for reaching here is from the village of Ghera, near Dharmshala.

  • Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to November
  • Region: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Kareri village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Kareri Lake is a freshwater alpine lake surrounded by beautiful forests and meadows. It’s a less-crowded destination for trekkers looking for tranquility.
  • Top Experiences: Trekking through pine forests, camping by the lake, and birdwatching.

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7. Renuka Lake

One of the largest lakes, and the largest in Himachal Pradesh, this lake has got its name from one of the Goddesses, Renuka. And in the past few decades, it has emerged as one of the most popular destinations among travel lovers.

  • Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
  • Region: Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Renuka town in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: The largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, Renuka Lake is shaped like a reclining woman and has religious significance. The surrounding forests and temples make it a popular family destination.
  • Top Experiences: Boating on the lake, visit Renuka Temple, explore the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary.
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8. Parashar Lake

Parashar lake is named after the rishi, Parashar. This lake is quite famous among trekkers. Moreover, this lake shows different beautiful aspects of nature in different seasons. This lake and the temple near it are considered sacred places, mostly by Hindus.

  • Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to November
  • Region: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Parashar village in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Parashar Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and the floating island in the middle. The lake is situated at a height of 2,730 meters and is surrounded by the Dhauladhar range.
  • Top Experiences: Visit the ancient Parashar Temple, enjoy the scenic views, and trek through forests to reach the lake.

9. Manimahesh Lake

This lake has Hindu mythology related to it. This makes it quite famous among Hindus, and it is visited by believers offering prayers and worshipping the deity resting there. Read Also: 20 Best Adventure Places in India

  • Best Time to Visit: July to September
  • Region: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Situated at the base of Manimahesh Kailash Peak, this sacred lake is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The trek to the lake is both challenging and rewarding.
  • Top Experiences: Participate in the annual Manimahesh Yatra, trek to the lake, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kailash Peak.

10. Surya Tal

This is the origin place of the Bhaga River from Baralacha-la Pass. It is famous among adventurer lovers as well as those who love traveling distance on foot.

  • Best Time to Visit: June to September
  • Region: Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
  • Location: Near the Baralacha Pass in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh
  • Why Visit: Surya Tal is a lesser-known yet pristine lake located near the famous Baralacha La pass in the Lahaul-Spiti region. Its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by stark, barren mountains, offering a serene and offbeat experience.
  • Top Experiences: Trekking, camping, and exploring the surrounding high-altitude landscape.

FAQs About Beautiful Lakes in Himachal Pradesh:

Which is largest artificial lake in Himachal Pradesh?

Gobind Sagar lake is the largest artificial lake in Himachal Pradesh.

Which is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh?

Renuka g lake is largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh.

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