11 Most Stunning High Altitude Lakes in India You Must Visit

   

India is home to some of the world’s most stunning and serene high-altitude lakes. These alpine lakes are nestled in the mighty Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and rolling meadows. From turquoise blue waters to tranquil surroundings, these lakes offer a chance to connect with nature. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the 10 most stunning high-altitude lakes in India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Get ready to immerse yourself in their beauty and experience peace and tranquility like never before.

   

1. Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is a 134-kilometer-long body of water situated between India and China. The lake is an endorheic lake, which means that it has no outlet and its water is saltier compared to other lakes. It is also situated at a high altitude of about 4,350 meters above sea level. The lake’s breathtaking beauty, with its ever-changing colors and serene surroundings, has made it a popular destination. People are drawn to its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is a 5-6 hour drive from Leh, the administrative capital of Ladakh, which is a popular tourist hub in India. Pangong Lake’s popularity as a tourist destination has only increased in recent years, making it a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Ladakh.

Pankong-lake

Source: Flickr

2. Kedar Tal Lake

Kedartal Lake, also known as Shiva’s Lake, is a glacial lake located in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. It is situated at an elevation of 4,750 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers. The lake’s remote location and pristine surroundings attracts visitors who are seeking an exciting and challenging trekking experience.

kedar-taal

Source: Pixabay

3. Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is located in the Indian state of Sikkim at an elevation of 17,800 feet, making it one of the highest-altitude lakes in India. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, who consider it to be a holy site. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and is an important pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual enrichment. Despite its remote location and challenging accessibility, the lake remains a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty. It is also known for being frozen all winter, adding to its unique and breathtaking appearance. Overall, Gurudongmar Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sikkim, offering a chance to experience India’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and cultural diversity.

Gurudonmarg-lake

Source: Flickr

4. Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake or Tsongmo Lake, is a glacial lake located in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated at an altitude of 3,780 meters above sea level and is known for its serene surroundings and ever-changing colors. Despite its remote location, the lake remains a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn to its stunning natural beauty. The lake is also the site of the popular Guru Purnima festival, which is celebrated annually and draws large crowds of visitors.

 Tsomgo_Lake

Source: Wikimedia commons

5. Cholamu Lake

Cholamu Lake, also known as Tso Lhamo Lake, is located in the North Sikkim district of India, close to the Chinese border. It is situated at an altitude of 5330 meters, making it India’s highest lake. The remote and less-explored nature of Cholamu Lake means that it is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and serene environment. The best time to visit Cholamu Lake is during the months of March, April, May, and June when the weather is pleasant, allowing for comfortable exploration. Additionally, the lake is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it attracts a variety of migratory birds from Russia, China, and the Indian Subcontinent. Despite its remote location and less-explored status, Cholamu Lake is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience India’s stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Cholamu-lake

Source: Piqsels

6. Suraj Tal 

Suraj Tal, also known as Surya Tal, is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the highest lakes in India and is situated at an elevation of 4890 meters above sea level. Suraj Tal is a sacred lake for the locals and is revered for its religious significance. It is fed by the melting glaciers and is the source of the Bhaga River, which later joins the Chandra River to form Chandrabhaga. The lake is best seen during dawn when the sun is reflected on its surface, making it an attractive destination for tourists and photographers

   

suraj-tal

Source: Pixabay

7. Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,595 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the vast and barren landscape of the Trans-Himalayan region. The lake is a popular destination for tourists due to its picturesque beauty and the diverse array of flora and fauna that surrounds it. The area has been declared as the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and is home to a base for research and study established by the Indian Wildlife Association. The lake is also a sacred site for the local people and offers an opportunity for visitors to witness the unique landscape and cultural heritage of Ladakh.

Tso-moriri

Source: Flickr

8. Sela Lake

Sela Lake, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India, is situated at an altitude of 4170 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks and is known for its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings. The lake attracts a large number of travelers and nature lovers who are drawn by its natural beauty. In addition to its natural beauty, the lake is also famous for its spiritual significance among the locals. Sela Lake is considered a sacred site by the Buddhist community, and there is a Buddhist gompa located near the lake.

sela-lake

Source: Wikimedia commons

9. Roopkund Lake

Roopkund Lake, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is a high altitude glacial lake situated at an elevation of 16,499 ft. The lake is well-known for its eerie and mysterious atmosphere, as the lake bed is littered with hundreds of human and animal skeletons, which are believed to date back to the 9th century. This destination has gained immense popularity among adventure and mystery enthusiasts, who undertake the challenging trek to reach the lake. Despite its remote location and challenging trek, Roopkund Lake remains popular in the trekking community and for those looking for an off-beat adventure in the mountains.

 roopkund

Source: Piqsels

10. The Great Lakes of Kashmir

The Great Lakes of Kashmir are a group of high-altitude freshwater lakes located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. These lakes are situated in the scenic valley of Kashmir and are surrounded by lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers. They are located at an altitude ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, making them popular destinations for trekkers and nature lovers. The Great Lakes of Kashmir are also renowned for their beauty, with crystal-clear waters, serene surroundings, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The lakes are popular destinations for camping, fishing, and boating, and provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. Additionally, the area surrounding the Great Lakes is home to many ancient temples, monasteries, and cultural sites, making it a hub for cultural exploration and spiritual enrichment. Overall, the Great Lakes of Kashmir are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Jammu and Kashmir, offering a chance to experience India’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual richness.

Source: bmcadventures

11. Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake is a high-altitude, crescent-shaped lake located in the Spiti Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barren landscapes. Despite its remote location and challenging accessibility, the lake remains a popular destination for travelers, who are drawn to its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The lake’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush meadows and mountain peaks, make it a perfect destination for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers. The lake is also popular for its camping facilities, providing visitors with an opportunity to spend the night under the stars and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Image Source – Nimit Nigam (Flickr)

In conclusion, India’s breathtaking high altitude lakes are perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Whether you are looking for a challenging trek or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, India’s high-altitude lakes have something for everyone.

We hope that this article has inspired you to plan your next adventure to one of these beautiful high-altitude lakes in India. If you have already visited one of these lakes, we would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Happy travels!

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