In the main Himalayas, the state of Himachal Pradesh is not only popular for its icy mountains, experience activities and heavy falls, but also well-known for many lakes that dot valleys across its areas. There are over a number of well-known lakes, which protect 1% of the place of the condition. Fed by snowfall reducing sources and floor the water rises, many of these are organised pious by Hindus. Enthusiasts have designed luxurious temples on the outside of the lakes, which are frequented by a large number of pilgrims every season.
Some of these are organic bequests that have persisted for an incredible number of decades while there are also a few man made lakes. Renuka, the biggest organic lake in Himachal Pradesh in Sirmour region is formed like a positioned woman- the lake is an embodiment of Goddess Renuka. Held sacred by all Hindus for the tale of Renuka’s son associated with it, the river has two temples devoted to the mother-son duo. Among mid elevation lakes in Himachal Pradesh, the most well-known are the Dal Lake Dharamshala, Rewalsar ,and Khajjar Lake. There are many thin air lakes as well, such as Prashar, Nako, Chandratal , SurajTal Lake, Kumarwah Lek, Manumahesh Lake, and others. Manmade lakes consist of Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Lake, Gobind Sagar and Pandoh Lake). These lakes are well-known vacationer areas in Himachal Pradesh. Lakes that have spiritual significance are frequented by devotees, who come here to take a dip in their sacred rich waters. Others provide guests a probability to seafood and vessel.
Surrounded by dense jungles, these ponds existing spectacular opinions, which are seemed by guests with dumbstruck look. Among the thin air ponds many of them function a little field of the water, which stay icebound throughout the winter seasons.
1. Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is situated at an elevation of about 4,235 m lying east of the Rohtang Pass. According to legends, the lake was held sacred by the great Hindu sage Bhrigu as he penanced here and is said to have spiritual powers. Today, the lake is loved by trekking enthusiasts as it offers a scenic view of the region. Tourists camp on the banks of the lake before continuing on their trekking expeditions in the Himalayas.
2. Chamera Lake
The Chamera Lake is an artificial lake surrounded by beautiful greenery. It is one of the popular tourist attractions to visit in Dalhousie. This lake is nestled at an altitude of 763 m. It is a part of the Chamera Hydroelectric project, built over River Ravi. It is known for various water sports activities such as boat riding and fishing. Spend a day on the lake shores, it is one of the simple pleasures of a holiday in Himachal.
3. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake situated at an altitude of about 4,300 m is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amid gigantic peaks of the Chandra Bhaga range, the lake is a mesmeric sight. The lake derives its name due to its crescent shape and is known as the Lake of the Moon. It is very popular amongst trekkers and campers visiting the Kunzum Pass. The lake is fascinating, is associated with ancient legends of Mahabharata, and has a mysterious personality. It reflects the ever-changing colors of the sky and you will feel bliss on its shores.
4. Dal Lake
Shielded by rugged mountains and lush forests, Dal Lake is one of the popular lakes in Himachal Pradesh that you must visit. During the month of September, on the banks of the lake, a fair is organized, which is a very popular event among the Gaddi tribe. The fair is celebrated to mark the presence of Lord Shiva. A perfect picnic spot where one can enjoy boating and many other activities, the beautiful Dal Lake is counted among the major tourist attractions of McLeod Ganj.
5. Dashir Lake
Located near Rohtang Pass, Dashir is one of the best lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by glaciers and Pir Panjal Range Mountains, the sacred lake is believed to have therapeutic properties. The lake is mentioned in many local myths. The water is so clear that you can see right through the lake. An easy short trek, the lake is mostly frequented by campers and trekkers who want to discover the untouched beauty and escape crowds.
6. Nako Lake
Nako Lake situated in the Kinnaur district is one of the must-visit lakes in Himachal Pradesh. The lake glitters like a gem in the rugged landscape. The high-altitude lake remains frozen for the most part of the year. There are four temples on the lake shores. Of equal importance is a footprint here, which is believed to have been of Buddhist revered leader Lord Padmasambhava. The lake is located in a small village of the same name, where you can spend days enjoying a quiet holiday, getting away from the hustle-bustle of cities.
7. Prashar Lake
Located at 2730 m amid the Dhauladhar ranges, Prashar Lake is one of the popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh. The oval-shaped lake is beautiful, spiritual and a sight you cherish forever. Associated with legends, the lake is said to be so enchanting that the revered deity Kamrunag decided to stay here for eternity. Also, the Sage Prashar used to meditate here. There is a pagoda-style temple nearby. The lake is a favored site for trekkers and campers in Himachal. An adventure-filled trail to the lake is the most exciting way to pay a visit.
8. Renuka Lake
Located in the Nahan district, Renuka Lake is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh. Legends state the Hindu Sage Jamdagni in a fit of anger ordered his son Parsurama to kill his wife Renuka. On realizing his mistake and in remorse, he created a lake in the shape of a sleeping Renuka. Renuka temple located on the banks of this lake is a sacred site to visit. The lake shores are perfect for a nature-friendly holiday, there are many adventure camps where you can have a great time.
9. Rewalsar Lake
The scenic Rewalsar Lake is nestled in Mandi surrounded by rugged mountains at an altitude of 1360m. It is also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake. It is said that from the small town of Rewalsar, Guru Padmasambhava spread Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet. The water body is considered holy among not just Buddhists but also Hindus. Looking unending and sparkling blue, the Rewalsar Lake is one of the scenic lakes in Himachal that you must visit. Take a dip here and take blessings from the Buddhist monasteries and temples.
10. Serolsar Lake
Serolsar Lake is one of the scenic high-altitude lakes in Himachal Pradesh at 3100 m from sea level. To reach the lake first you have to reach Jalori pass, almost 76 km from Kullu. This holy lake can be reached after trekking for almost 5 hours through dense forests oak, spruce, blue pine, fir and deodar trees. On the lake banks, there is a very small temple of Burhi Nagini Devi, the snake goddess. Local women worship the Goddess and pour ghee on the lake shores. Get away from the cities and camp in the blessed environs.
11. Suraj Tal Lake
Suraj Tal is one of the highest lakes in the world. The sacred water-body literally translates to ‘Lake of the Sun God’. Nestled at an elevation of about 4,890 m above the sea level in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Suraj Tal is the third-highest lake in India. You can see the reflection of the picturesque surroundings in the blissful water of the lake. The beauty is bound to leave anyone speechless. The beautiful lake in Himachal Pradesh is popular among trekkers, motorcyclists, and campers exploring the Spiti Valley.
12. Dhankar Lake
Dhankar Lake is one of those places you must visit in Himachal Pradesh. Situated in Dhankar Village, it is one of the popular places to visit in Spiti Valley. Perched above the Dhankar village and Gompa, one can reach the sacred body after a steep trek of 45 minutes. Though the trek is quite strenuous, the views more than compensate for the hard work. You cannot camp next to the lake, as it is a source of water for Dhankar village, you must spend a few hours here. The bliss you feel is worth cherishing.
13. Kareri Lake
Close to the Dharamshala town, Kareri Lake is one of the lesser-known, yet one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal. Fed by the melted snow from the Dhauladhar range and glaciers, the lake is shielded by lush greenery. A scenic picnic spot, the lake shores are also used as a campsite for trekking to the Dhauladhar ranges. Due to its high altitude at 2934 m, it is frozen in the cold months. Getaway for a weekend for a tryst with nature here and find yourself rejuvenated in the pristine setting.
14. Gobind Sagar Lake
An artificial reservoir on the River Sutlej, Gobind Sagar Lake is a beautiful water body in Himachal Pradesh. Founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, the tenth guru of Sikhs, the lake is an important place of Sikh worship. The water is mostly stagnant here, therefore a favorite among anglers. The water is home to almost 51 species and subspecies of fish. Boating is a pleasant experience, mostly motorboats are available. One can also try out the speed boats or the paddle boats for a peaceful experience.
15. Khajjiar Lake
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar Lake is the prized beauty of the small town of Khajjiar. This lake is fed by small streams and stays full of water during all the seasons. The dense forest of the Kalatope sanctuary adds to the charm of the Khajjiar Lake. An amazing view of Mount Kailash from the lake shores is seen on a clear and sunny day. The lake has a floating island, made of grass and weed which is a highlight of the lake. Spend a day in the pleasant environs or pitch your camp here.
16. Maharana Pratap Sagar
Next on our list of lakes in Himachal Pradesh is the man-made reservoir of Maharana Pratap Sagar. The water body is one of the popular tourist spots that you must visit in Himachal Pradesh. Located in Kangra Valley, the lake is a wetland frequented by avians. It is home to as many as 220 species of birds and was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1983. You can spend a peaceful afternoon on the banks of the lake with a book, binoculars, and a picnic basket. Also one can try water sports like canoeing, rowing, sailing, and water skiing, apart from swimming.
17. Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake is a high-altitude lake in Himachal Pradesh. It is nestled at an elevation of 4,080 m close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The lake is considered very holy by Hindus as it is close to the Holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The lake is the venue of a highly revered pilgrimage trek to take the blessings of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. During the month of August and September, the annual ‘Manimahesh Yatra’ is organized. Endowed with blessings of the divine, the lake is one of the must-visit places in Himachal.
