15 Highest Lakes In India Which Are An Icy Spectacle

When it comes to water bodies India is a land of many. The country has rivers, lakes, oceans, and seas, and these attract tons of tourists throughout the year. Though travelers tend to gravitate towards these destinations to cool off during summer, India also has stunning lakes at high altitudes. The journey to these lakes may need some effort but their beauty makes it all worth it. These lakes which are frozen through the winter are nestled between snow-clad mountains which make a stunning vista.

Here Are Some Of The Highest Lakes In India.

Suraj Tal

Suraj Tal which translates to Sun God’s lake is an 8 km (5.0 mi) long lake that lies just below the 16,040 ft high Bara-lacha-la pass in Lahaul and Spiti valley of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and is the third highest lake in India. Being located in Himachal Pradesh this lake is surrounded by scenic beauty.  Suraj Tal has religious importance for locals of the area and is best seen at dawn as the sun is reflected beautifully on the surface of the lake. Lahaul Spiti Valley is a common destination for Indian and foreign tourists for road trips, trekking, and motorcycling which covers the Lake and the Bara-lacha-la pass, en-route from Manali to Leh.

Gurudongmar Lake

Located at an altitude of 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is the highest lake in the country. This beautiful lake in Sikkim has a legend behind it as well. An Indian Buddhist master named Guru Padmasambhava came to a village nearby and saw its people troubled because of the lack of fresh drinking water. He went to the lake, which was completely frozen and struck the ground, thawing a large area of the lake. It is said that till this day during winter, the entire lake freezes, except for one little corner. To date, Gurudongmar is revered as one of the 108 “Tso-Chen” of Sikkim where holy deities reside.

Tso Lhamo Lake

Tso Lhamo Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 19,898 ft. It is situated in North Sikkim, India, about 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of the international border with China. The lake is a haven for nature lovers, who would love to lose themselves in its beauty.  Photography is of course the best thing to do here. Also, known as Cholamu Lake, it is difficult to get permits to visit this lake and it is advisable not to visit this place in monsoons or winters.

Tso Moriri

The stunning Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake in India. Located at a height of 15000 feet the lake can be visited only during the summer months starting from April when the lake starts to melt. Tso Moriri remains inaccessible and entirely frozen from January to March. Flanked by mountains, measuring about 28 km in length from north to south, and 8 km wide the lake offers a scenic vista to travelers. Numerous birds and Himalayan hares can be spotted around Tso Moriri. 

Sela Lake

The Sela Pass, more appropriately called Se La, is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border between the Tawang and West Kameng Districts of Arunachal Pradesh state in India. There are close to 101 lakes in Sela One of these 101 lakes is the decently large Sela Lake which is located right on the top of Sela Pa.
ss. This lake is so stunning that it’s also called Paradise Lake. 

Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso is the most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh. Located at a height of 14000 feet, this lake is famous for being the spot where the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” was shot. A fascinating feature about this lake is that its color is constantly changing. It changes colors from azure to light blue to green and grey too

Roopkund Lake

Roopkund Lake, locally known as Mystery Lake or Skeletons Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Uttarakhand state of India. Nestled in the Himalayas there is a baffling mystery attached to it wherein hundreds of human skeletons were discovered near it which had been discovered be of the 9^th century. 

Tsongmo Lake

Located 35 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,000 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo Lake is a must on every visitor’s itinerary. Associated with many legends and myths, Tsomgo is revered as a holy lake by the people of Sikkim. Embedded in steep and rugged mountain terrain, the lake is covered with snow cover from early winter to late spring but provides a perfect backdrop for an amazing photo. 

Dal Lake

The list of high-altitude lakes wouldn’t be complete without Dal Lake. The jewel of Srinagar spread over 15 km it is the second largest lake in Jammu& Kashmir. The mirror-like Dal Lake reflects the snow-dusted peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains while the colorful shikaras (gondolas) float around. The Dal Lake of Srinagar is also popular for the floating market known as Raad where vendors in their Shikaras approach tourists with their most endearing ware.

Bhrigu Lake

Tucked away towards the east of Rohtang Pass in Kullu Valley is the spectacular Bhrigu Lake.  Unknown to many tourists know Bhrigu Lake is surrounded by beautiful meadows which are compared with the alpine meadows of Switzerland. If you are looking for a destination to cut off from city life, Bhrigu Lake is perfect for you. 

Gadsar Lake

Known as the Valley of Powers Gadsar Lake is a picturesque, alpine high-altitude oligotrophic lake located at approximately 13000 feet. The bluish-green waters of the lakes are so crystal clear that the clouds, mountains & surroundings are perfectly reflected in them. Gadsar Lake is also a part of the famous Great Lakes Trek, which is arrived at after crossing the Gadsar Pass.

Tarsar Lake

Kashmir Valley is home to another one of the highest lakes in India, Tarsar lake is an almond-shaped spectacle. This lake is also part of the Great Lakes Trek and is separated from its twin water body Marsar Lake by a mountain. Located at 14000 feet this lake has become a haven for trekkers. 

Gangabal Lake

Gangabal Lake is the highest lake in the Kashmir Valley. Located midway on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek this stunning lake is fed by precipitation, glaciers, and springs. This is an alpine high-altitude oligotrophic lake, home to many species of fish, including brown trout. The lake can be reached from Sonamarg via Krishnasar and Vishansar, after an enjoyable trek through some enchanting scenery. 

Prashar Lake

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Prashar Lake is a crystal-clear water body with a three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. Located at an altitude of 8900 feet this lake with its deep blue waters is surrounded by snow-topped peaks and looks down on the fast-flowing river Beas.

Kedartal

Also known as Shiva’s Lake, Kedartal is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 15,580 ft in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. It is a popular trekking destination in India due to the thrilling trek opportunities it offers to visitors. One of the most beautiful lakes amongst the highest lakes in India.

Perfect Destination

If you are an ardent trekker and enjoy a vacation that cuts you off from city life, these highest lakes in India are the perfect destination for you. Located amidst snow-capped mountains these lakes are an opportunity for adventurous travelers to enjoy mother nature’s ethereal beauty. 

Also Read: Which Are The Largest Lakes In The World?