The Himalayas, which you can say another earth situated in the earth. The unparalleled landscapes, the jaw-dropping beauty of valleys, meadows, mountains, glaciers, lakes are continuing to attract people from all around the world since the ancient time.
In India, we are gifted one of the precious regions of Himalayas and most of its Glacier lakes. Yes, there are thousands of high altitude lakes in the Himalayas and many of them still unexplored. Well in my life till now I have explored many of those lakes but in this article, I am listing those 10 high altitude lakes which you should visit before you die. Why!? Well, see below –
#10. Changu Lake or Lake Tsomgo
Sikkim | Visited in January 2018
This lake is situated in East Sikkim at the altitude of 3,753 m. The lake is near Indo-China border and from November to May you see this white frozen lake which is definitely a treat of the eyes. Maximum depth of the lake in 15 meters.
The lake is in the distance of 40 km from the Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. Foreigners need a permit to visit this lake.
The fishes like Rainbow trout can be found into this lake’s water.
#9. Tso Moriri
Ladakh | Visited in July 2016
During my Ladakh tour in 2016, I have visited total 6 lakes in Ladakh Himalayas region. Tso moriri is one of the lakes I came across. It is one of the biggest lakes in Ladakh.
This lake is called Mountain Lake and situated at the altitude of 4,522 m. This brackish water lake is fed by Spring and snow-melt from neighboring mountain streams. Those streams include extensive marshes which enter into the lake most of the time.
Travelers can stay at the camps near the lake. The lake is accessible during Summer times.
#8. Brahmatal
Uttarakhand | Visited in December 2017
Brahmatal is a holy lake which is unknown to many. It is mainly popular for the winter brahmatal trek to this lake. During the winter season, the lake turns into a white frozen lake. There is a say that Lord Brahma was meditated at this place.
Brahmatal is situated at the height of 3,182 m.
During the trek, you can see some of the Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and many more.
You can visit Brahmatal from December to March to see the snow and the frozen lake. It is accessible by hiking from a small village called Lohajung in Chamoli District in Uttarakhand.
#7. Khecheopalri Lake
Pelling, West Sikkim | Visited in April 2018
Khecheopalri Lake originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri or the Wishing Lake which is one of the most sacred lakes in India. People use to come to this lake from all around the World to make wishes and pray to the deity. The lake is situated amidst pristine forest and it is situated at the height of 1,700 m.
You can visit it from the Pelling Town which is 30 km away.
#6. Kala Pokhri
Darjeeling | Visited in February 2017
Kala Pokhri is another very underrated lake of Himalayan Region and most popular place during Sandakphu Trek. This lake has a special feature, it is situated at the height of 3,186 m but it never froze anytime not even in Winter season.
The lake is situated in a small village also known as Kalapokhri inside the Singalila National Park.
#5. Nainital
Uttarakhand | Visited in October 2016
Nainital Lake is one of the most popular Lake in the Hill Station of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the altitude of 2,084 meters. Nainital is a mango shaped lake surrounded by mountains.
Nainital is also very popular as honeymoon tourist destination in India. The lake is frozen during the winter season.
You can visit Nainital from Delhi. It is almost 300 km away from Delhi which takes nearly 6 to 7 hours.
#4. Suraj Tal
Himachal Pradesh | Visited in July 2016
Situated at the altitude of 4,883 m, the lake also known as Surya table or the Lake of the Sun God. Most importantly it is the source of the Bhaga River in Himachal Pradesh. It is 65 km away from Keylong which is the district headquarter of Lahaul Spiti.
It is the 3rd highest lake of India and 21st highest in the World. The green water looks so amazing that we didn’t want to leave the place.
on 19th October 2011, a MiG-29 aircraft crashed near this Suraj Tal. It was the 3rd crash in this area of Himachal Pradesh in last 50 years. Last time an army helicopter had crashed near the same place, it was a decade ago. While another aircraft was carrying 60 army personnel had crashed in the early 60s, killing all of them and the aircraft wreckage was found after 15 years.
It is an amazing 6 hours Journey from Manali to visit Suraj Tal Lake.
#3. Chandratal
Himachal Pradesh | Visited in September 2017
The lake of the moon, Chandratal is an important place for those who are traveling to Spiti Valley and going for Hampta Pass trek. Chandratal is the last stay before you are leaving from Spiti region and also while doing Hampta pass, this is the second last camping place for the trekkers.
The Chandratal Lake name was originated for its crescent-like shape. It is situated at the height of 4,250 m from the sea level.
The lake is accessible by foot also. People do the trek from Kunzum Pass, Batal and also from Suraj Tal which is 30 km away from the lake.
Chandratal was declared as world heritage site in 2005.
#2. Pangong Tso
Ladakh | Visited in July 2016
Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is the most popular lake in India as well as in the World. It is situated at the height of 4,350 m and it is 134 km long and extends from India to China. In China, the lake is called “Bāngōng Cuò”.
This grassland lake is arguably one of the highest saltwater lakes. Experts report there is no sign of aquatic life except some small crustaceans.
This brackish water lake has many migratory birds as visitors during Summer like Bar-headed Goose and Brahmini ducks.
It is a 5 hours journey from Leh to Pangong Lake. You can stay in camps near to the lake.
#1. Tso Kiagar
Ladakh | Visited in July 2016
One of the most unknown lake in Ladakh and my favorite is Tso Kiagar. Many tourists don’t know about this lake and even don’t visit this place during their Ladakh road journey.
Before reaching the Tsomoriri and after crossing the Sumdo village where we had our lunch you should see another lake called Tso Kiagar / Kiagar Tso. This was the third lake that we witnessed in our journey. We left our car behind and stepped down near the lake.
Walking down to the lake was like reaching heaven. You can’t believe how beautiful it was. The still water gave away clear reflection of the mountains that made a picture-perfect landscape. We clicked many photos there and came back to our car. Climbing up the road was a bit hard. But we finally reached and left the heavenly Tso Kiagar.
Tso Kiagar is a saltwater lake en route to the Tso Moriri Lake. This lake is located in Rupshu Valley, Changthang plateau and is home to the Changpas or the nomadic Ladakhis. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,000 m above the sea level.
So, here is the list of high altitude Himalayan glacier lakes which I have visited till now. You should also visit these lakes once in your lifetime
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