Lakes in Uttarakhand
Himachal is home to some of the beautiful and enchanting natural lakes in India attracts a large number of tourists. Crystal clear water lakes both small and big are dotted throughout Himachal with lavish surroundings. Himachal concludes a priceless treasure of lakes glittering in eyes of the tourists.
There are many lakes in Himachal, most of them are natural lakes and few of them are man-made, which were build either for tourism purpose or for hydro projects. You can enjoy various water activities in some of the lakes. Many lakes are high altitude lakes and can be reached by trekking only. There are still many unexplored and unnamed lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
Some of the lakes are so beautiful added by surrounding natural charm that they should be captured as a photographic memory ever. These sapphire-hued lakes perfectly complement the scenic landscape of verdant hills, floral meadows, and snow-clad Himalayan peaks. At higher elevations, glacial lakes are a common sight for trekkers and mountaineers.
Suraj Tal Lake is highest lake of Himachal Pradesh, Renuka Lake is largest natural lake of Himachal Pradesh and Govind Sagar Dam is the largest man made lake of Himachal Pradesh.
Browse through the List of Lakes in Himachal
Lakes are listed as per their altitude, Highest to Lowest located lakes (both natural and man-made lakes) in Himachal.
| Lake | Type | Altitude (mts) | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suraj Taal Lake | Natural | 4883 | Lahul & Spiti |
| Dhankar Lake | Natural | 4360 | Lahul & Spiti |
| Dehnasar Lake | Natural | 4280 | Kangra |
| Dashair Lake | Natural | 4270 | Kullu, Lahul & Spiti |
| Chander Naun Lake | Natural | 4260 | Shimla |
| Chandra Taal Lake | Natural | 4250 | Lahul & Spiti |
| Bhrigu Lake | Natural | 4235 | Kullu |
| Manimahesh Lake | Natural | 4190 | Chamba |
| Mahakali Lake | Natural | 4080 | Chamba |
| Lama Dal Lake | Natural | 3960 | Chamba |
| Nako Lake | Natural | 3662 | Kinnaur |
| Ghadhasaru Lake | Natural | 3470 | Chamba |
| Serolsar Lake | Natural | 3199 | Kullu |
| Kamrunag Lake | Natural | 3034 | Mandi |
| Kareri Lake | Natural | 2934 | Kangra |
| Prashar Lake | Natural | 2730 | Mandi |
| Tani Jubbar Lake | Natural | 2620 | Shimla |
| Khajjiar Lake | Natural | 1920 | Chamba |
| Kunt bhyog Lake | Natural | 1830 | Mandi |
| Dal Lake | Natural | 1775 | Kangra |
| Rewalsar Lake | Natural | 1360 | Mandi |
| Largi Dam | Artificial | 1200 | Mandi |
| Pandoh Dam | Artificial | 900 | Mandi |
| Macchial Lake | Natural | 850 | Mandi |
| Chamera Lake | Artificial | 763 | Chamba |
| Renuka Lake | Natural | 672 | Sirmaur |
| Gobind Sagar Lake | Artificial | 650 | Bilaspur |
| Kol Dam | Artificial | 648 | Bilaspur,Mandi |
| Pong Dam | Artificial | 436 | Kangra |
The munificence of nature is bestowed on Himachal in abundance in the form of pristine glacial lakes. These lakes are formed by the glaciers which drain into the mountain gorges, forming the perennial and non-perennial source of water.
One cannot resist the bountiful beauty of the emerald green lakes of Himachal, which is home to varied aquatic life. These placid lakes not only attract the attention of the visitors by their spellbinding beauty but also for their religious significance. Many of the lakes adorned in Himachal are associated with local legends and mythological tales which are believed by the local people.
Get answers to questions about your travel plan. Here you'll find helpful information about activities, travel tips, safety guidelines, and seasonal recommendations.
Q: Which are the most famous lakes in Uttarakhand?
A: Some of the most famous lakes in Uttarakhand include :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}, :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}, and :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. These lakes are popular for boating, scenic beauty, photography, and spiritual significance.
Q: Which is the largest lake in Uttarakhand?
A: Bhimtal Lake is considered the largest lake in Uttarakhand in terms of surface area. Located near Nainital, it is known for its peaceful environment and an island aquarium in the middle of the lake.
Q: Which lakes in Uttarakhand are best for boating?
A: If you are looking for boating experiences, Naini Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Naukuchiatal, and :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} are among the best lakes in Uttarakhand for boating. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating, rowing boats, and even kayaking in some locations.
Q: Are there any glacial lakes in Uttarakhand?
A: Yes, Uttarakhand is home to many beautiful glacial lakes, especially in the higher Himalayan region. Popular glacial lakes include :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}, :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}, :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}, Roopkund Lake, and Hemkund Lake.
Q: Which lake is best for trekking in Uttarakhand?
A: For trekking lovers, Roopkund Lake, Kedartal, Deoria Tal, :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}, and Satopanth Tal are some of the best trekking lakes in Uttarakhand offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
Q: What is the best time to visit lakes in Uttarakhand?
A: The best time to visit famous lakes in Uttarakhand is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Q: Which lakes are near Nainital?
A: The popular lakes near Nainital include Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}, and :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. These lakes are often referred to as the “Lake District of India.”
Q: Are lakes in Uttarakhand suitable for family trips?
A: Yes, many lakes in Uttarakhand are perfect for family vacations. Lakes like Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}, and Tehri Lake offer safe boating, picnic spots, and easy accessibility.
Q: Which is the highest lake in Uttarakhand?
A: Some of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand include Satopanth Tal, Vasuki Tal, and Kedartal, located above 4,000 meters and mainly visited by experienced trekkers.
Q: Are Uttarakhand lakes connected to mythology?
A: Yes, many famous lakes in Uttarakhand have religious and mythological importance. For example, Hemkund Lake is sacred for Sikhs, while Satopanth Tal is believed to be associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Q: Which lakes in Uttarakhand are less crowded?
A: If you prefer peaceful and offbeat places, consider visiting :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}, :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}, :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}, :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}, and :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
Q: Is camping allowed near lakes in Uttarakhand?
A: Yes, camping near lakes in Uttarakhand is a popular activity, especially near Deoria Tal, Brahmatal, Kedartal, and Sattal, offering mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.
Q: Which lake in Uttarakhand is best for honeymoon couples?
A: Naini Lake, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiatal are among the best lakes in Uttarakhand for honeymoon couples with romantic boat rides and cozy lake-view stays.
Q: How many lakes are there in Uttarakhand?
A: Uttarakhand has hundreds of natural lakes, including small alpine lakes, large freshwater lakes, and glacial lakes, especially across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.
