Famous Lakes of Uttarakhand
Experience the amazing discovery of nature’s bounties tucked away securely in the hills of Uttaranchal. The sheer beauty of these enchanting lakes casts a magic spell on all onlookers, compelling them to forget the arduous trk that they have to undertake to reach them.
The calm and serene lakes amidst lofty peaks of the mighty Himalayas and verdant forests are a breathtaking sight to behold and are ample rewards for nature and adventure lovers alike.
Come … experience the ecstasy!
Dodi Tal (3307 mts.)
Season: Round the year except during heavy snows.
The origin of this Tal is from the natural springs and the sources of river ‘Asi Ganga’. The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, bifurcates after 4 kms. At Gangori from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go upto Kalyani, 7 kms. futher up, from where Agoda is 5 kms. away at an altitude of 2286 metres. Ths trek from there ascends gradually through thick forests and beautiful mountainous scenery. Dodi Tal is 16kms. further from Agoda, situated at an elevation of 3307 mts. The lake is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by forests. The famous Himalayan trouts are found in abundance in the lake. Permit for fishing can be had from the Divisional Forest Office, Uttarkash.
There is a Forest Rest House and a Log Cabin by the side of the lake. From there one can trek and Hanuman Chatti (32 kms.) and then to Yamunotri.
Saptrishi Kund
Season: June to October.
Saptrishi Kund is situated in the lap of the Bandar Punchh Massif (6135 mts.) The Kund is situated amidst magnificent and enchanting surroundings of the lofty rock strewn glacier. The 8 kms. Trek to Saptrishi Kund Starts from Yamunotri temple. The whole trek passess through dense forests & rugged mountainous terrain.
Nachiketa Tal (1219 mts.)
Season : Round the year.
A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangikhal, a place 29 kms. from Uttarkashi. From there a 3 kms. trek through lush green forests takes one to Nachiketa Tal, A tranquil spot. There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lake gives a serene look to the beautiful surrounding. Nachiketa, the devout son os Sage Uddalak, is said to have created this lake, hence the name. For accommodation facility, visitors have to either come back to Uttarkashi or stay at the PWD Inspection House at Chaurangikhal.
Kedar Tal (4000 mts.)
Season: Junt to October.
This spectacular and enchanting lake is situated at a distance of about 18 kms. from Gangotri, negotiable through a rough and tough mountain trail. The trek is tiring and there are testing moments enen for a heardy trekker. There is no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements in advance. A local guide is a must.
The lake is crystal clear with the mighty thalaiyasagar peak forming a plendid backdrop. The place is about 4000 mts. Above sear level and is the base camp of trekking to the thalaiyasagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks.
Sahastra Tal & Masar Tal (4135 mts.)
Season: June to October.
The Khatling glacier is a lateral glacier, at the source of river Bhilangna. Sahastra Tal and Masar Tal are on the west and east of it. The valley of Bhilangna affords a panoramic view of snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers, viz. Jogin group, Kirti Stambh and Meru are sublime and magnificent. The trek to these lakes passes through thick forests and beautifl lush green meadows. In the rainy season, the meadows burst with splendid flowers. Trekkers will have to cross scores of small streams on improvised log-bridges on this route.
The trek to Sahastra Tal bifurcates from Kalyani. It is 25 kms. from Ghuttu.
Vasuki Tal (4135 mts.)
Season: June to October.
8 kms. away from Kedarnath, at a height of 4135 mts., the lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Devaria Tal (2438 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
Situated on the Chamoli-Ukhimath route about 2 kms. from the road head at Sari Village, this lake has captivating surroundings with forests all around. The lakes has a diameter of about 700 mts. The reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak in the lake presents a beautiful sight.
The road is motorable upto Sari, 14 kms. from Ukhimath and from there one has to trek about 2 kms. All arrangements have to be made for a night halt at the spot. There is another trekking route from Ukhimath to Devaria Tal which is 8 kms. by steep climb.
Hemkund Sahib (4329 mts.)
Season: May end to October.
A steep trek from Ghangria, leads to the high-altitude Lokpal lake, known as Hemkund(4329 mts.) and takes about 4-6 hours. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, the lake reflects its surroundings enchantingly in its serene crystal-clear water. The glaciers of Hathi Parvat and Sapt Shring peaks feed the lake and small stream, the Laxman Ganga, flows from the lake.
It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. It is a place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs as well as the Hindus and people of other faiths too. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple on the bank of the lake. It is believed the Lakshman was brought here after he fell unconscious in the war with Ravana.
Kagbhusandi Tal (5230 mts.)
Season: July to September.
This is a small oblong lake with emerald green waters. It is at an altitude of 5230 mts., near Kankul Pass (5230 mts.), and is almost a kilometer in length. Myriad blossoms decorate its banks during the season, a wildest profusion of colours make the trekker forget the hardships and the exhaustion of the trek.
Set in the lap of Hathi Parvat (6730 mts.), the lake can be approached either from Bhiundar village, near Ghangaria, or from Vishnu Priyag. The trek from the former is a little easier in gradient, but is longer. The trek from Bhiundhar passes through thick bear-infested, forests and stretches of stinging nettles. The only shelters hare are the shepherd huts. This trek also involves walking long distances across glacial moraines and over slippery rocks. Local guides are available at Bhiundhar village.
Two huge rocks on the spur of Hathi Parvat are described as a crow (Kaga) and an Eagle (Garuda). The locals believe that the crow is animatedly conversion with Garuda on the affairs of the universe. Another version has it that a learned Brahmin a Ayodhya once incurred the warth of the sage Lomas who lived here and was changed into the form of crow by the sage.
The approach to the lake from Vishnu-Prayag is along ridges and involves steep climbing. Shepherds’ huts are the only shelter in the area.
Satopanth Lake (4402 mts.)
Season: July to September.
This triangular lake of serene waters and a perimeter of about half a kilometer. It is about 25 kms. from Badrinath. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, the Hindu trinity are believed to occupy one corner each, and which are named after them. The trek is hazardous, but full of dramatic scenery. A guide is advisable. There is no place to rest in between, except caves. Cooked food stove etc. have to be carried from Badrinath itself.
Arwa Tal (3980 mts.)
Season: June to October.
For the more enterprising, a trek to Arwa Tal (3980 mts.) via Mana, Ghastoli and Arwa nala is a rewarding experience. A number of strems have to be crossed while trekking through the hazardous icy and snowy terrain. Badrinath to Ghastoli is 13 kms, and Arwa Tal is another 12 kms. away.
Roop Kund (5029 mts.)
Season: July to mid October.
Roop Kund is situated in the eastern part of Chamoli District (in the lap of the Trishul Massif, 7122 mts.) The high-altitude (5029 mts.), kund is on the Nanda Jat route to Hom Kund. It is not a very large kund and is rather shallow, having a depth of only about 2 metres. The edges are snow covered for most parts of the year.
When the snow melts, human and equine skeletal remains can be seen.
Other than the Nanda Rat Jat route via Wan, Roopkund may be approached from Ghat, (motorable from Nandprayag). The trek touches Ramni (jeepable in fair weather) and Sutol on the way. Wan is approached either from Tharali or Gwaldam (both motorable). Thereafter, there is a choice between reaching Roopkund via Ali Bugyal to the Bedni. A local guide will help with many short cuts and with dramatic views of nature. The tranquil lakes of Brahmatel and Bhainkaltal off the route from Mandoli or Wan, can also be visited.
Khurpatal (1635 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
A real paradise for anglers, the lake is inhabitaed by numerous fishes. It is 10 kms. from Nainital and is surrounded by green terraced fields.
Naini Lake (Nainital) - 1930 mts.
Season: Round the year.
Located in the heart of Nainital, it offers boating facilities on its emerald waters. Boat Club provides strip-sailed yachts with a professional yachtsman to do the sailing. One can also enjoy horse riding on the tree-shaded bridle path around the lake. Legend has it that while Loard Shiva was carrying the body of his consort Sati, who jumped into the sacrificial fire or Havankund which was organized by her father Daksha Prajapath, her (Sati’s) eyes dropped out at this place and thus and place came to be known as Nayana Tal or Nainital. Permits for angling can be obtained from Executive officer, Nagar Palika, Nainital.
Sat Tal (1371 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
At a distance of 22 kms from Nainital, Sat Tal, Constitues of seven interconnecting lakes and forms one of the most picturesque resorts in the Kumaon hills. It is well connected by bus services and conducted tours from Nainital.
Bhim Tal (1371 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
The town of Bhim Tal is situated around a huge lake. It is 11 kms. from Bhowali. The lake is with an island. The name of Bhim Tal is linked to the legendary Pandava Prince, Bhima and Lord Shiva. Boating facilities are available. Tourist Rest Hose and Zila Parishad Dak Bunglow exist.
Naukuchia Tal (1219 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
Situated at an altitude to 1219 mts., it is a beautiful nine-cornered lake ideal for fishing and watching migratory birds. Accommodation is available in tourist Rest House & private resorts.
Shyamla Tal (5029 mts.)
Season: Round the year.
Shyamla Tal is 132 kms. from Pithoragarh and 58 kms. for champawat. Swami Vivekanand Ashram is located here at the bank of the lake. The blue coloured lake of Shyamla Tal is spread over an area of about one & a half sq. kms. This place has some ruins dating back of the days of the early Chand rulers and others which are associated with the Pandavas.
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