Lakes in Uttarakhand are Sattal Lake, Dodital Lake, Roop Kund Lake, Kedartal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Deoria Taal Lake, Nainital Lake, Hemkunt Lake, Mussorie Lake, and Garur Tal.
Welcome to the enchanting land of Uttarakhand, where nature unveils its true beauty in the form of pristine lakes nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. From crystal-clear waters reflecting snow-capped peaks to tranquil oases hidden deep within lush forests, this stunning state is a haven for lake lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Uttarakhand boasts an impressive array of natural wonders, including some of the most breathtaking lakes in Uttarakhand you'll ever lay your eyes upon. Whether you're seeking solace in the lap of nature or craving thrilling water sports, these magnificent lakes offer something for everyone.
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The state is blessed with numerous pristine lakes that offer breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Here are the Top 10 lakes in Uttarakhand that you must visit:
Sattal Lake is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 1,370 meters above sea level. Surrounded by lush green forests and scenic hills, Sattal Lake offers a tranquil environment to its visitors.
The best time to visit Sattal Lake is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like boating, trekking, and birdwatching. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it a perfect escape from the scorching heat of summers.
Sattal Lake is situated at an elevation of 1,370 meters (4,495 feet) above sea level.
By Air: The nearest airport to Sattal Lake is Pantnagar Airport, which is located at a distance of about 73 km. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sattal.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Sattal Lake is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is about 36 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Sattal.
By Road: Sattal is well-connected by roads and can be easily reached by buses, taxis, or self-driven cars from nearby cities like Nainital (26 km), Bhimtal (9 km), and Kathgodam (36 km).
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Dodital Lake is situated in Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 3,024 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees, making it a peaceful and scenic destination. Dodital Lake is a popular trekking destination among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Dodital Lake is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities.
The elevation of Dodital Lake is 3,024 meters above sea level.
By Air: The nearest airport to Dodital Lake is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 200 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dodital.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Dodital Lake is Haridwar, which is about 180 km away. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dodital.
By Road: Dodital Lake is well-connected by roads from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Dodital.
Trekking Route: The trek to Dodital Lake starts from Sangamchatti, which is about 205 km from Dehradun. The trek is approximately 22 km long and takes about 3-4 days to complete. The trail passes through dense forests, small villages, and meadows, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. There are several camping sites along the way where you can pitch your tents and spend the night.
The trek is moderate in difficulty level, suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The best time to do this trek is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the trail is not covered in snow.
Overall, Dodital Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts looking for a peaceful getaway amidst stunning natural beauty.
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A pilgrimage site for Hindus and a trekker’s paradise, Roop Kund Lake in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is like no other. At an elevation of 5029 meters above sea level, this glacial lake is located at the base of two Himalayan peaks - Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. It is also named Skeletal Lake as it contains ancient human skeletons that have been well-preserved.
The best time to visit Roop Kund Lake is from May to October when the weather is pleasant. The roads leading up to Lohajung are open throughout the year. However, the trek route to Roop Kund is closed during the monsoon season (July-September) due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.
Roop Kund Lake stands at an elevation of 5029 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The lake is nestled amidst beautiful Himalayan peaks like Trishul (7120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6309 m).
To reach Roop Kund, you must first travel to Lohajung village in Uttarakhand which serves as its base camp.
By Air: The nearest airport Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which stands at a distance of about 258 km from Lohajung. You can hire a private cab or take a bus from the airport to Lohajung.
By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station (220 km) and Rishikesh Railway Station (258 km) are the nearest railway stations to Lohajung. You can take a cab or bus from here to reach your destination.
By Road: Lohajung is well-connected by road to major cities like Dehradun, Delhi, and Rishikesh. From Lohajung, you can either trek 48 km up to Roop Kund or hire a jeep.
The traditional route takes trekkers through picturesque villages like Didana and Ali Bugyal. However, there is a shorter route that takes trekkers through Bedni Bugyal via Wan village.
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Kedartal Lake, also known as Shiva's Lake, is a breathtaking high-altitude glacial lake nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This magnificent water body holds great religious significance and attracts trekkers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.
The best time to visit Kedartal Lake is during the summer months of May to June and September to October. During this period, the weather remains pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking and camping.
Situated at an elevation of about 4,750 meters (15,580 feet), Kedartal Lake offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks like Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth Peak, Jogin Group of Peaks, and more. The pristine blue waters reflect these majestic mountains creating a picture-perfect setting that will leave you spellbound.
To reach Kedartal Lake, one must first travel to Gangotri town in Uttarkashi district. From there, start your trek towards Bhoj Kharak via Gangotri National Park. The trail passes through beautiful meadows adorned with vibrant flowers before reaching Tapovan around 4 km from Bhoj Kharak. After crossing several moraines and boulder-strewn paths for another 6 km or so, you'll finally arrive at the enchanting Kedartal Lake.
While this trek can be challenging due to its steep ascents and unpredictable weather conditions at such high altitudes; however, the reward is well worth it once you witness the sheer beauty of this hidden gem amidst nature's grandeur.
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The Bhimtal Lake, also known as the "Lake District of India", is a beautiful natural lake located in the town of Bhimtal in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the largest lakes in the state and is surrounded by lush green mountains, making it a popular tourist destination. You must include Bhimtal Lake on your bucket list of famous lakes in Uttarakhand.
The best time to visit Bhimtal Lake is between March and June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like boating, trekking, and bird watching. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, making it difficult to explore the area. Winter season from October to February can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Bhimtal Lake is situated at an elevation of 1,370 meters (4,495 feet) above sea level.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located about 58 kilometers away from Bhimtal. Taxis are available from the airport to reach Bhimtal.
By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is about 22 kilometers away from Bhimtal. Taxis and buses are available from here to reach Bhimtal.
By Road: Bhimtal is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Nainital, and Dehradun. Regular buses and taxis are available from these cities to reach Bhimtal.
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Deoria Taal Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One of the most famous lakes in Uttarakhand is Deoria Tal.
The best time to visit Deoria Taal is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and camping. The monsoon season should be avoided as heavy rainfall can make the trekking trails slippery and dangerous.
Deoria Taal is located at an elevation of 2,438 meters above sea level.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 220 km away from Deoria Taal. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sari village, which is the starting point for the trek to Deoria Taal.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 210 km away from Deoria Taal. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sari village.
By Road: Deoria Taal is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Nainital, and Almora. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from these cities to reach Sari village.
The trek to Deoria Taal starts from Sari village, which is about 10 km away from Ukhimath. From Sari, it takes around 2-3 hours to reach the lake. The trail is well-marked and moderately easy with some steep sections in between. You will pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees on your way to the lake.
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Nainital Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is a natural freshwater lake located at an elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level and has a surface area of 125 acres. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a picturesque view to its visitors. It is one of the most visited lakes in Uttarakhand.
The best time to visit Nainital Lake is during the summer months from March to June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 27°C, making it perfect for sightseeing, boating, and other recreational activities around the lake.
Nainital Lake is located at an elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level. The surrounding hills add to its beauty and make it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport, located at a distance of 68 km. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital Lake.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Dehradun. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Nainital.
By Road: Nainital is well-connected by road with major cities in North India. You can easily find buses from nearby cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Private taxis are also available from these cities for a more comfortable journey.
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Hemkund Lake is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is surrounded by seven snow-covered peaks and is considered a sacred site by both Hindus and Sikhs.
The best time to visit Hemkund Lake is from June to October when the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible. The monsoon season (July-August) should be avoided as heavy rainfall can make the trek difficult and dangerous.
Hemkund Lake is located at an altitude of 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level.
Hemkund Lake can be reached through a trek from Govindghat or Ghangaria. Govindghat can be reached by road from major cities like Delhi, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. From Govindghat, it is a 19-kilometer trek to Ghangaria which takes around 8-9 hours. From Ghangaria, it is another 6 kilometers trek to Hemkund Lake which takes around 3-4 hours.
The nearest airport to Govindghat is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 292 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 273 kilometers away.
It is also possible to hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh to Govindghat. From Govindghat, one can also opt for a pony or helicopter ride to reach Ghangaria.
Overall, reaching Hemkund Lake requires a combination of road and trekking routes and can take anywhere from 10-12 hours depending on the mode of transportation chosen.
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Mussorie Lake is situated around 6 km before Mussoorie, on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road. It is also known as Mussoorie Lake and is a very popular tourist spot in the region. The lake was developed and maintained by the City Board and the Mussoorie-Dehradun Developmental Authority. Surrounded by lush green hills, this peaceful lake offers breathtaking views of the Doon Valley.
The best time to visit Mussoorie Lake is from March to June when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities like boating, picnicking, and trekking. The monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided as there are chances of landslides and heavy rainfall.
The elevation of Mussorie Lake is around 2,000 meters above sea level.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 60 km away from Mussorie Lake. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the lake.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Mussorie Lake.
By Road: Mussoorie Lake is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by buses, taxis, and private vehicles from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The lake is located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road and is around 6 km before Mussoorie.
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Garur Tal is a high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of 3,200 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by beautiful meadows and snow-capped peaks, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The best time to visit Garur Tal is from May to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the lake is not frozen.
Garur Tal is situated at an elevation of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level.
The best time to visit Garur Tal is from May to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking and camping. The lake may be frozen during winter months, so it is best to avoid visiting during this time.
By Air: The nearest airport to Garur Tal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 241 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gwaldam, which is the base village for Garur Tal.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Garur Tal is Kathgodam, which is around 212 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Gwaldam.
By Road: Gwaldam is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from these cities to reach Gwaldam. From there, Garur Tal is about 5 km away and can be reached by trekking or hiring a local jeep.
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Uttarakhand is blessed with numerous picturesque lakes that are worth visiting. Some of the top lakes include Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake, Roopkund Lake, and Hemkund Sahib.
Most of these lakes in Uttarakhand are easily accessible by road or through short treks. Nainital and Bhimtal have well-connected roads from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. Roopkund requires a trekking expedition while Hemkund Sahib can be reached via a steep trek.
The best time to visit the lakes in Uttarakhand varies depending on the lake you choose. For example, Nainital and Bhimtal can be visited throughout the year, but summers offer pleasant weather for boating activities. Roopkund is accessible only during summer months when snow has melted, usually between May and June.
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near these lakes ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts depending on your preferences.
While some of the larger lakes like Nainital and Bhimtal offer boating facilities under supervision, swimming or indulging in water sports activities may not be advisable due to safety concerns.
Certain high-altitude glacial Lakes in Uttarakhand like Roopkund require permits as they fall under protected areas governed by local authorities.
Camping regulations vary from lake to lake; however, camping is allowed at designated campsites near some of them such as Nainital and Bhimtal.
Yes, these lakes are perfect for family vacations as they offer a peaceful and serene environment to relax and unwind amidst nature.
Yes, there are several nearby tourist attractions such as hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Ranikhet and popular temples like Naina Devi Temple, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, and Neelkanth Mahadev temple that can be combined with a visit to these lakes.
The best way to explore these Lakes is by taking leisurely walks around them or embarking on short hikes or boat rides where available. Some of the lakes also have viewpoints from where you can admire their beauty from a distance.
