Last Updated Jul 09, 2024 Debashree Chakraborty

17 Lakes in Himachal Pradesh Which Make A Perfect Bucket List For Travelers

Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its beauty, bliss, and adventure. The mountain state is blessed with a number of beautiful lakes. Lakes in Himachal Pradesh are beguiling bodies that fascinate their visitors. From mesmerizing ripples to mirror-like reflections, from adventure to spiritual bliss, from picnics to solo musings, the amazing lakes across Himachal Pradesh have so much to offer.

To know more about the mystic to mesmeric lakes, we bring a list of the 17 most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh that promise you a quiet retreat in the lap of the Himalayas.

Here are Some of the Top Scenic Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

Bhrigu Lake
Chamera Lake
Chandratal Lake
Dal Lake
Dashir Lake
Nako Lake
Prashar Lake
Renuka Lake
Rewalsar Lake
Seruvalsar Lake
Suraj Tal Lake
Dhankar Lake
Kareri Lake
Gobind Sagar Lake
Khajjiar Lake
Maharana Pratap Sagar
Manimahesh Lake

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. Bhrigu Lake is one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

Best time to visit: May to October

2. Chamera Lake

The Chamera Lake is an artificial lake surrounded by beautiful greenery. It is one of the popular tourist attractions to vi sit 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.

Best time to visit: March to June

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.

Best time to visit: May to October

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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.

Best time to visit: May to October

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.

Best time to visit: May to October

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.

Best time to visit: May to October

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.

Best time to visit: April to July and September to November

3 Days Tour to Shimla from Delhi
2 Nights / 3 days

3 days tour to Chamba from Amritsar
2 Nights / 3 days

Short Escape to Dalhousie
2 Nights / 3 days

3 Days Tour to Chail
2 Nights / 3 days

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.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

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.

Explore more: How to reach Mandi

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.

Best time to visit: March to October

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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.

Best time to visit: May to October

3 Days Tour to Kasauli
2 Nights /3 days

3 Days Tour to Chail
2 Nights / 3 days

Short Escape to Dalhousie
2 Nights / 3 days

3 Days Tour to Shimla from Delhi
2 Nights / 3 days

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.

Best time to visit: May to October

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.

Best time to visit: May to September

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.

Best time to visit: May to June, September to October

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.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

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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.

Best time to visit: October to June

16. Maharana Pratap Sagar

maharana pratap sagar lake — Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake

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.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

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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.

Best time to visit: April and May, September to mid-November

Check out our Himachal tour packages available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Indore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

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Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com