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The Great Himalayan mountain ranges contains hundreds of beautiful lakes around India and neighbouring countries like Tibet and Nepal. Most of lakes of Himalaya regions are situated at high altitudes of 5,000 mt above the sea level. Some of the lakes are consider sacred in India like Gurudogmar lake in Sikkim, Renuka and Rewalsar Lake of Himachal Pradesh. These lakes add beauty to these magnificent peaks and also are the backbone of many legends and lores. Here is a guide to the 10 Himalayan Lakes of India.
1. Nagin Lake
Nagin Lake is one of the most beautiful lake in the slice of paradise of famous Kashmir. This lake is a part of the famous Dal Lake and is located at the foot of the Zabarwan hills. It is one of the lesser explored lakes in the region and is thus free of tourists. Travellers coming here can enjoy a ride on the shikara with their loved ones here.
A shikara on the Nagin Lake.
Photo Courtesy: McKay Savage
2. Mansar Lake
The Mansar Lake is a popular excursion destination situated in Jammu. The bank of the lake is considered as holy site by Hindus as there is a shrine of Lord Sheshnag and also it is shares the legend and sanctity of sacred Lake Mansarovar. Mansar Lake is one of most visited tourists spot and well known for its flora & fauna along with fishes of different species.
Fishes at Mansar Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Zamsam
3. Pangong Tso
The gorgeous Pangong Tso is a salt water lake situated in the Himalayas of Ladakh. The lake is 134 km long and extends from India to Tibet. Pangong Tso is also known to freeze completely during the winter season. The brackish water of the lake attracts a large number of migratory birds for breeding,the Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks are the most commonly spotted birds on this lake.
A sense of serenity at Pangong Tso.
Photo Courtesy: Kamaljith K V
4. Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake is the largest lake of Himachal Pradesh situated in the Sirmaur district. The lake is named after the goddess Renuka who is believed to have made this lake. There is a annual five day fair held on the banks of the lake in honour of the goddess. It is also a part of the Renuka Sanctuary that is situated here. Travellers coming here can enjoy the scenic view of the lake and head out on a boat ride here.
Scenic view of Renuka Lake
Photo Courtesy: Fred Hsu
5. Rewalsar Lake
Rewalsar Lake is situated at an altitude of 1360 mt above the sea level in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most sacred water body in Mandi for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. This square shaped lake has dark waters and is famous for its small floating islands.
6. Suraj Tal
The sacred water body Suraj Tal which means the Lake of the Sun God is situated in the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is the third highest lake in India after Cholamu and Gurudongmer lakes and the 21st highest lake in the world. The lake is usaully visited by devotees who come to offer their respect to the gods here.
Enjoy the calmness at Suraj Tal.
Photo Courtesy: Anks
7. Sattal Lake
Sattal is a freshwater lake situated in the Mehragaon valley of lower Himalayan range at Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. It is paradise for migratory birds and also one of the best place for trekking and hiking in Kumaon hills. The lake is a haven for photographers and bird lovers who come here to capture a glimpse of the migratory birds.
8. Tsongmo Lake
Lake Tsongmo or Changu Lake is a high altitude glacial lake situated near to high Nathu La passes in the East Sikkim. It is one of the famous tourist attractions of Sikkim and is around 40 km away from the capital city of Gangtok. It is known for its scenic beauty and the wide variety of flowers that grows all over.
Picturesque view of Tsongmo Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Ravinder Singh Gill
9. Sela Lake
The Sela Lake in Tawang is situated at the world's second highest pass, Sela Pass, in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The lake has extremely beautiful crystal blue water which glistens when sunlight falls on it. It is known to freeze up during the winter months and tourists coming here can skate atop this frozen lake.
Scenic view of Sela Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Prashant Ram
10. Sumendu Lake
Sumendu Lake is located in heart of Mirik,a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district. This lake is one of the prime attraction in the young hill station of Mirik along with natural scenic beauty of the tea gardens and valley. Travellers coming here can head out far a picnic with their family on the banks of this lake and also enjoy boating here.
