Enchanting Lakes in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful hill state in northern India, is known for its natural beauty that includes snow-capped mountains, lush evergreen forests, waterfalls and numerous lakes. In this article, we will talk about the numerous lakes in Himachal Pradesh. While it is difficult to give an exact number, Himachal Pradesh is home to several beautiful lakes, both natural and artificial. Some of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh are as follows :-

Beas Kund (lake)

Beas Lake is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The nearest town is Manali. Visitors can reach Beas Lake by driving from Manali to Solang, which is only 15 km away, and from there to Dhundi another 5 km. Taxis are readily available to Dhundi, buses running between Kully Valley and Lahoul Valley via Atal Tunnel pass through this place. Once you reach Dhundi, descend before crossing the bridge. From here, you will begin the hike to Beas Kund. The hike is a bit strenuous, but you will be mesmerised by the scenic beauty. As you approach the lake, the snow-covered mountain with glaciers at the foot of the lake will captivate you.

To read more about Beas Kund Click Here.

Brighu Lake

One of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh, Brighu Lake is located in the Kullu district, above the mountains of Vashisht village. The nearest town is Manali, and visitors can reach Brighu Lake by driving from Manali to the village of Gulaba, which is only a maximum of 14 km away. From here the  trek to Brighu Lake begins.  Brighu Lake trek is one of the most popular treks in Manali.  The trek can be competed in one day and the difficulty level is moderate with even the first timers able to do this trek comfortably.

To read more about Brighu Lake Click Here.

Sundernagar Lake

Sundernagar is a town in Mandi district. National Highway 154 (NH 154) passes through this town and near Sundernagar Lake, which is a man-made lake in this town. Visitors can easily park their car near the lake and visit this lake. Locals come here to take a walk in the morning and evening or just to relax and enjoy the view of the lake. Under the Beas-Sutluj Link (BSL) project, the water of the Beas River is diverted at Pandoh and sent through an underground channel to Sundernagar, where it is stored in this lake. It is then used to generate electricity at the Dehar Power House. Other places of interest in Sundernagar include Sukhdev Vatika, Hateshwar Temple and Sheetla Mata Mandir.

Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake is located in the Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district at an altitude of about 4,300 meters. The nearest town is Batal, which is about 14 kilometers away. To reach the Chandratal Lake, one has to hike from Batal or drive directly to the lake from Batal. Those coming from the Spiti side can get off at Kunzon Pass and start the trek from there. Chandertal is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh.  From Chandertal one can trek to Baralach pass and to Suraj Tal.

To read more about Chandertal Lake Click Here.

Lake Dashir

Dasher Lake is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Himachal, located at high altitude. It is also called as Dashaur Lake. To reach Dashir Lake, one has to first reach Marhi, the last settlement in Kullu district. From there, one walks near the Rohtang Pass and then to the Dashir Lake.

To read more about Lake Dashir  Click Here.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is located in Kangra district, near the city of Dharamsala. Visitors have to first reach McLeod Ganj and from there it is only 15 minutes drive. From McLeod Ganj one can also take a walk. 

To read more about Dal Lake, Dharamsala Click Here.

Dhankar Lake

Dhankar Lake is located near Dhankar village in Spiti Valley and is situated at an altitude of about 4,200 meters. Dhankar is a small village in Lahaul and Spiti district. To reach Dhankar Lake, visitors can take a short hike from Dhankar Monastery or travel by car from Kaza, the main village in Spiti Valley.

To read more about Dhankar Lake Click Here.

Gobind Sagar Lake

Gobind Sagar Lake is a man-made reservoir in Bilaspur district. It was formed by the huge Bhakra Dam hydraulic engineering project on the Sutlej River. Named after Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the lake is considered to be the highest gravity dam in the world with a height of 225.5 meters. The entire lake covers an area of 90 km. It supplies Himachal and neighboring states with electricity and irrigation water. Visitors can reach Gobind Sagar Lake by car from Bilaspur, the nearest town.

To read more about Gobind Sagar Lake  Click Here.

Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, near Kareri village. The nearest town is Dharamshala, and visitors can reach Kareri Lake by driving to Ghera village from Dharamshala and taking a moderate walk to the lake from there.

Read in more detail about Kareri Lake !

Khajjiar Lake

Located in Chamba district, Khajjiar is often referred to as the “mini-Switzerland of India” due to its scenic beauty. The nearest town is Dalhousie, and visitors can reach Khajjiar Lake from Dalhousie by car or local transport. The distance from Dalhousie to Khajjiar is only 25 km. 

To read in more detail about Khajjiar Lake !

Kamrunag Lake

Kamrunag Lake is located in Mandi district, near Kamru village. The nearest town is Sundernagar, which is 20 km away from Rohanda village. From Rohanda you can start the hike to the lake, which goes through the forests and takes about 3 ½ hours. It is also interesting to note that Rohanda village is a beautiful, unspoiled, lovely place in Himachal Pradesh. The place is surrounded by apple orchards with cedars, pines and oaks and is perfect for enchanting walks in the forest.  Kamru Nag is one of the most interesting lakes in Himachal Pradesh. To know why please read further about KamruNag Lake !

Lama Dal

Lam Dal or Laam Dal is an elevated lake in Piura Dhar in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The nearest town is Bharmour in Chamba. Lam Dal Lake is located at an altitude of 3900 metres above sea level. One has to cross 3 passes to reach the lake, namely Minkiani Pass, Indrahar Pass and Gaj Pass. It is the largest and deepest lake in the Dhaulars among about 20 lakes with a circumference of about 2.5 km. For this trek, one must first reach the town of Bharmour (60 km from Chamba). From Bharmour, one reaches the village of Chhatri, which is 39 km away. The next village on the way from Chhatri is Barie (12 km), which is the last passable road. From this village the trek to Lam Dal starts.  Lam Dal forms part of a series of lakes which forms one of the most thrilling lakes in Himachal Pradesh.  Just like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek which covers 7 lakes, the 7 lakes of Dhauladhars is also covers 7 lakes.  For details please click here.

Lake Manimahesh

Manimahesh Lake is located in Chamba district near Bharmour town. It is a sacred lake and can be reached by trekking from Bharmour or by going to Hadsar and trekking from there. Manimahesh is considered very sacred by the locals, and a jatra (sacred march) is held every year in August. People visit Manimahesh from the end of May and stay there until the end of October. Every year about 5 lakh people visit Manimahesh Lake to take a holy bath and see Manimahesh Kailash. Manimahesh Kailash Peak is considered to be the home of Lord Shiva.

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Macchial Lake

Machhial Lake is located in Joginder Nagar of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The distance from Mandi to Jogindernagar town is about 55 km. Jogindernagar is also one of the few railroad stations in Himachal Pradesh. This lake is considered sacred by the locals. Since the lake is easily accessible by car, it has become a popular picnic spot. Many tourists and pilgrims come here, especially on weekends. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Nearby flows the river Beas.

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Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam Lake)

Maharana Pratap Sagar, also known as Pong Dam Lake, is a large man-made reservoir in Kangra district. It is formed by the Pong Dam on the Beas River. The nearest town is Talwara, and visitors can reach Pong Dam Lake by car or by boat from Talwara. The lake is named after the great Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. The lake is located at an altitude of 450 metres and covers an area of nearly 45,000 hectares. Built in 1975 on the Beas River, the dam, also called Pong Dam, is the highest earth-filled dam in India. Pong Dam Lake is surrounded by green forests and mountains, which give the whole place a breathtaking sight.

Nako Lake

Nake Lake is located near Pooh village in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Beside the lake, there is also a village with the same name and the lake is located in the middle of this village. Around the lake there are some monasteries, which are often visited by travellers. The place is directly accessible from the road and visitors can reach Nako Lake by bus or cab from Pooh.

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Pandoh Lake

Lake Pandoh is an artificial lake located in Mandi district. It was formed by the Pandoh Dam on the Beas River. It is located only 20 km from Mandi and you can see this lake when you drive from Mandi towards Manali. The Pandoh Dam was built in 1977 to generate hydroelectric power. While crossing the bridge, visitors tend to stop their vehicle to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and get some fresh air. However, stopping on the bridge is prohibited. After crossing the bridge, one can stop the vehicle at a suitable place.

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Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake in Mandi district is located in the middle of the Dhauladhar range. The nearest town is Mandi, and visitors can reach Prashar Lake by driving from Mandi to Bagi village and then taking a short walk to the lake. Prashar Lake has a circumference of about 300 metres. The water of this lake is crystal clear and there is a small floating island in the middle. Next to the lake is an ancient pagoda style temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar, the patron god of the Mandi region. Locals from near and far visit Prashar Lake to worship their deity and fulfil their wishes. Every year in June, a fair called “Saranauhali” is held here and many locals from Kullu and Mandi districts participate in it. If one wishes to stay overnight here, a forest guest house, HPPWD guest house and a Sarain (guest house) of the temple committee are available.

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Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake is a medium altitude lake located at a distance of 24 km from Mandi, the nearest town. Rewalsar is a popular pilgrimage site known for its religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is also known as Tso Pema (Lotus Lake) and is considered one of the holiest lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can reach Rewalsar Lake after a short drive from Mandi or by HRTC buses.

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Renuka lake

Located in Sirmaur district, Renuka Lake is known as the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh. The nearest town is Nahan at a distance of 38 km. The surrounding hills of Renuka Lake are home to a variety of plants and animals. The Himachal Pradesh state government has established a small zoo in view of the abundance of wildlife in the region. On the shore of the lake is the Renukaji Temple. The place is popular among tourists for adventure sports and sightseeing. To reach Renukar ji, visitors can travel by their own vehicle, cab or HRTC/private buses.

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Suraj Tal

Suraj Tal is located in Lahaul and Spiti district and is a high altitude lake at an altitude of about 4,890 metres. The lake is located near Baralacha La Pass and the nearest town is Keylong at a distance of 71 km. Visitors can see this lake when they drive from Keylang towards Leh. It is 22 km from Keylong to Jispa, and from Jispa you drive to Leh via Baralachal La. The lake is visible after crossing the Bara Lacha La pass. Near Suraj Tal or Suraj Lake there are a number of smaller lakes like Deepak Tal, Urgos Lake, Zulu Zulu La and Shubh Narayan Lake.

Read more about Suraj Tal, Other Lakes and Monasteries in Lahoul and Spiti

Seruvalsar Lake

Seruvalsar Lake is also known as Sirolsar Lake or Serol Sar Lake. Seruvalsar Lake is located in the Seraj Valley in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, near the popular Prashar Lake. The lake is about 3,100 metres above sea level and is surrounded by dense forest. The nearest town is Mandi, and visitors can reach Seruvalsar Lake via a hike from Bagi village or by car from Mandi. Seruvalsar Lake can be reached via the Jalori Pass.

Conclusion

This is the brief description of most of the lakes in Himachal Pradesh. The Lakesinhimachal blog is about the lakes, temples, churches, gurudwaras and monasteries in Himachal. The lakes have been categorised by district for simplicity. In the last few months, I have come to know about some unknown lakes in Himachal Pradesh. I will definitely introduce them in my blog. Your suggestions and comments are most welcome.