Introduction
Himachal, ‘the land of snow,’ tells the story of its beauty in the shape of snowcapped mountains, serene landscapes, and adventure rides, which makes it a dream destination for all travellers. Besides adventure seekers, the town also attracts thousands of nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, pilgrims, and history buffs to travel and explore the undescribed beauty of the hamlets here.
In short, Himachal Pradesh, the state with the most beautiful places to visit in North India, has everything to fulfil your bucket list. Other than the popular Himachal Pradesh hill towns, there are mystical Himalayan lakes that are popular among travellers who wish to experience the serenity of the place.
In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 lakes you must visit while exploring different hill towns in Himachal Pradesh.
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Top 5 Popular Lakes in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh’s lakes are renowned for their natural beauty and cultural and religious significance. Several lakes have mythological tales attached to them. People revere them throughout the year, especially during festivals when the place is packed with pilgrims and devotees who gather around the lakes to showcase their cultural significance. In addition, many tourists visit these lakes to partake in water sports, including boating, fishing, and kayaking.
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Read further to get complete details of the popular lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Prashar Lake, Mandi District
Himachal Pradesh’s Prashar Lake is a popular tourist spot for its scenic surroundings and historical significance.
A modest pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar is located near the banks of Prashar Lake, which the people revere for its natural beauty and status as a sacred location. The temple, which is thought to be over a thousand years old, is more popular among pilgrimage who are followers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
In addition, Prashar Lake is an attractive trekking location where plenty of people camp and trek. The trek to the lake offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and lush green valleys.
Popularly known for: This lake is known for its floating island, a unique natural phenomenon. The island shifts position over time across the lake’s surface, adding to the attractiveness of the setting.
2. Suraj Tal Lake, Spiti District
Suraj Tal Lake is one of India’s highest lakes, located at 4,890 metres above sea level.
Locals consider Suraj Tal Lake was created by the Hindu god, Lord Indra. The lake is named after the Sun God, Suraj, and a dip in the lake’s holy water is said to cleanse one’s sins. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy trekking, camping, and mountaineering. The journey to the lake might be difficult for beginners, as it involves crossing the Bara-lacha pass, which is covered in snow most of the year.
Popularly known for: The lake’s crystal-clear blue water reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The clear blue sky makes this place more popular among tourists.
3. Khajjiar Lake, Chamba District
Khajjiar lake is well-known for its scenic beauty and is often referred to as “India’s Mini Switzerland.” The peaceful surroundings, clear blue sky, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The lake is a popular destination for adventure seekers as it offers a variety of adventure activities such as zorbing, paragliding, and horseback riding.
Popularly known for: Khajjiar Lake is most popular because of the 500 years old lord Shiva’s temple, located near the lake. The temple makes this place a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
4. Dal Lake, Kangra District
The lake is located at an elevation of 1775 metres above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills and deodar trees.
Dal lake is also a popular destination for adventure seekers, with boating and kayaking among the available water sports. The lake is an ideal spot for fishing and angling. The captivating surroundings of the lake are also ideal for hiking and camping. The trek to Triund, a popular Himachal Pradesh trekking destination, begins near Dal Lake.
In short, the lake’s picturesque landscapes, ancient temples, and various adventure activities make it a unique and memorable destination for tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh.
Popularly known for: This lake is one of the few lakes in Himachal Pradesh that is not of glacial origin. It is an artificial lake built in the early 20th century by the British.
5. Dhankar Lake, Spiti Valley
Dhankar Lake is a high-altitude lake found in Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by rough terrain and snow-capped mountains at 4,550 metres above sea level. The lake is regarded as one of the most lovely and tranquil spots, and its unspoiled environs make it the ideal location for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Trekking enthusiasts frequently travel to the lake, but getting there requires navigating rough terrain and steep inclines. Beginners are recommended to learn everything there is to know about the trek before beginning it.
Popularly known for: Dhankar lake is popularly known for its sacred location near the Dhankar Monastery, an ancient monastery. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Spiti River and is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Where to Stay in Himachal Pradesh
Tourists can choose from various lodging alternatives in Himachal Pradesh, including everything from luxurious resorts to affordable guesthouses. Each state’s well-known tourist site offers a wide range of lodging choices. Travellers exploring Dalhousie or Khajjiar lake, just a few km away from the town, can plan their luxurious stay with Elgin Hall – Dalhousie. Located at Mall Road, Subhash chowk, this homestay in the heart of the town has all the popular tourist sites nearby, which saves more of your travel time, allowing you to create some unforgettable moments for life.
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The Bottom Line
One of India’s most adventurous hill states is Himachal Pradesh. Besides the cold breeze that creates goosebumps even at the height of summer and the stunning scenery, visitors visiting this location frequently return differently, as if they learned more about themselves than the location. If you haven’t had a week-long vacation in the state or to one of the lakes mentioned above, you must put it someplace on your bucket list because this opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquilly of lakes’ pure water shouldn’t be missed.