Lakes in Uttarakhand: Top 12 Must-See lakes of the Himalayas

In Uttarakhand, several lakes in Uttarakhand are not only habitats for aquatic animals but also offer thrilling activities like trekking and hiking. Sattal, Kanatal, Roopkund, and Deoria Tal are prime examples. Roopkund, known for its mysterious skeletons, holds historical intrigue. Naukuchiatal, near Nainital. These all lakes in Uttarakhand are steeped in legend, with tales of achieving Nirvana by sighting all nine corners of the lake.

Additionally, man-made lakes like Tehri Lake offer adventure activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, attracting travelers in search of nature’s best and thrilling experiences.

Here are the top lakes in Uttarakhand that you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your tour:

1. Tehri Lake

Tehri Lake is in Garhwal at an elevation of 770 meters above sea level, is renowned for the iconic Tehri Dam, a hydro-electric project near Tehri Town. This colossal dam, nestled on the Bhagirathi River, ranks as the fifth-highest globally. Adjacent to the dam lies Tehri Lake, acclaimed as one of Asia’s largest man-made lakes. Today, it’s a hub for adventure tourism, offering an array of thrilling activities such as jet skiing, hot air balloon rides, boating, zorbing, paragliding, hotdog rides, bandwagon boat rides, banana boat rides, and more.

Suggested Read: Sattal lake Nainital nature Lover’s Paradise

2. Sattal

Sattal, meaning “Seven Lakes,” comprises interconnected freshwater lakes near Bhimtal. Enveloped by dense forests and hills, Sattal provides a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can partake in nature walks, birdwatching trails, and boating activities on the lakes.

Suggested Read: top 10 places to visit in Nainital Uttarakhand

3. Naini Lake

Nestled in the heart of Nainital, Naini Lake stands as one of Uttarakhand’s most renowned lakes. With lush green hills as its backdrop, this pear-shaped lake invites visitors to enjoy various boating options, from paddleboats to yachts. The Mall Road, a lakeside promenade, offers captivating vistas of the encircling mountains.

Suggested Read: Why it is known as Glittering Lake in India

4. Bhimtal Lake

Situated near Nainital, Bhimtal Lake captivates with its tranquil ambiance. As the largest lake in the Nainital district, it offers a range of water sports such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple located on an island within the lake.

5. Naukuchiatal

Known as the “Lake of Nine Corners,” Naukuchiatal is embraced by verdant landscapes, exuding pristine beauty. It holds the distinction of being the deepest lake in the Nainital region, providing opportunities for boating, paragliding, and angling. Its scenic surroundings make it an ideal destination for picnics and relaxation.

Suggested Read: Roopkund: Why it is known as Skeleton Lake

6. Roopkund Lake

Also dubbed the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake lies in the Himalayas. While its challenging trekking trails may not appeal to casual explorers, Roopkund is renowned for its mysterious skeletons dating back to the 9th century. The trek to Roopkund offers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.

Suggested Read: Kedartal Trek: how to conquer this epic adventure?

7. Kedar Tal

Positioned at an altitude of approximately 4,750 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedar Tal beckons adventure enthusiasts seeking a thrilling trekking experience. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and unspoiled wilderness, Kedar Tal promises a surreal and unforgettable journey for trekkers.

8. Deoria Tal

Tucked amidst dense forests and lush greenery within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Deoria Tal sits at an altitude of around 2,438 meters. It mirrors the stunning reflections of nearby snow-capped peaks, including Chaukhamba and Kedar Range. Accessible via a trek from the village of Sari, camping by the lakeside is a popular activity here.

Suggested Read: Deoria Tal: Trekkers Paradise

9. Hemkund Lake

Also known as Lokpal Lake, Hemkund Lake is a pristine glacial lake lies at an altitude of approximately 4,329 meters in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and vibrant meadows adorned with colorful flowers during summer, Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine, stands on its banks, drawing pilgrims and trekkers from across the globe.

Suggested Read: Best Time visit Hemkund Sahib

10. Nanak Sagar

Nanak Sagar is an artificial lake situated alongside the dam constructed on the River Deoha, within the sacred Sikh town of Nanakmatta. In recent years, Nanak Sagar has emerged as a notable attraction on the tourist map of Kumaon. The town of Nanakmatta itself holds significance as the site of one of the world’s most revered Sikh shrines, Gurudwara Sri Nanakmatta Sahib. This spiritual prominence contributes to the increasing number of visitors to the area, drawn by both the natural beauty of Nanak Sagar and the spiritual aura of Nanakmatta.

Suggested Read: Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek: Beyond Kedarnath Temple

11. Vasuki Tal

Perched at an altitude of 4,135 meters, Vasuki Tal is located approximately 5 kilometers from Kedarnath. This pristine lake is fed by the melting snow from the surrounding peaks, including the Vasuki Glacier.

Suggested Read: Satopanth Galcier: Palnning for high altitude trek?

12. Satopanth Lake

Satopanth is a glacial lakes in Uttarakhand in the Gangotri region, sits majestically at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters. Its name, derived from the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), reflects its sacred significance. This glacial lake is revered by devotees for its auspiciousness. The trek to Satopanth Lake is arduous, demanding thorough preparation. However, the breathtaking beauty of the lake and its environs make it a profoundly rewarding experience for trekkers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lakes of Uttarakhand offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. From the iconic Nainital Lake to the secluded charm of Deoria Tal, each waterbody holds its own unique allure, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the serenity of Uttarakhand’s pristine landscapes.