Discover the Top 10 Marvelous Lakes in the Himalayas

Suraj Tal Lake in India, known as the Lake of the Sun God, is nestled in the Lahaul and Spiti valley, a breathtaking stopover on the route from Manali to Leh. Travelers by car, motorcycle, and even on foot often can't resist the opportunity to visit this stunningly clear lake amidst these majestic mountains.

Suraj Tal Lake, surrounded by year-round snow, is not only one of the marvelously beautiful lakes in the Himalayas but also considered a profoundly sacred water source. Without even considering the spiritual aspects, just looking at the landscape photos taken here, anyone would believe that paradise on earth is real. You will never be disappointed choosing this destination for yourself.

Chandra Taal Lake, also known as the Moon Lake, is a marvel of stunning and extraordinary natural beauty. Visitors will be mesmerized by this enchanting wonder. The lake's azure water reflects the surrounding mountains, skies, and the water's hue varies depending on the sky above.

Chandra Taal Lake is situated in the Spiti Valley, between India and Tibet, at an altitude of 4300m. The lake's beauty continues to attract trekking enthusiasts seeking to explore the majestic nature by walking on trails or climbing mountains. Camping at Chandra Taal Lake is a delightful experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sweet and pristine beauty of nature.

Yamdrok Tso Lake lies between the capital city Lhasa of Tibet and the town of Gyants. It is one of the most sacred places in the world. This freshwater lake spans 72km, surrounded by incredibly majestic natural scenery. Yamdrok Tso Lake is among the marvelously beautiful lakes in the Himalayas with a serene and dreamy landscape that easily captivates every visitor.

Yamdrok Tso Lake exudes a charming and mystical beauty. From a distance, the lake appears deep blue under the sunlight and the clear sky. As you get closer, the water gradually turns to emerald green. The winding road resembles a gentle scarf wrapped around the lake. Along the shore are small stone piles arranged by pilgrims who come here on a pilgrimage.

Yamdrok Tso Lake freezes completely in winter. When summer arrives, the ice melts, and this is the best time to visit Yamdrok. During this period, visitors can fully enjoy the intense blue expanse of water and sky.

When mentioning the land of Tibet, one envisions the Holy Land of Buddhism, home to the world's roof with the legendary Everest peak... The highest plateau in the world is not only famous for its splendid palaces, monasteries, and historically significant structures but also renowned for its incredibly beautiful sacred lakes. One of them is Namtso Lake.

Namtso Lake is a place spiritually connected to both the material and spiritual life of the Tibetan people. A marvelous destination that water enthusiasts should not miss. Namtso Lake boasts a miraculously turquoise water source, with stunning scenery contrasting against the silhouettes of distant towering mountains.

In reality, Namtso Lake is formed by the melting snow from the Nyantsentanglha peaks. This process has contributed to Holy Namtso Lake having an incredibly pure water source. Whenever a high plateau wind blows, the lake water ripples, creating waves that reflect sparkling shades of green. From a distance, Namtso Lake resembles a giant mirror reflecting the earth and sky of nature. The road to Namtso is as beautiful as a dream, with golden sunlight, white clouds, and a sky that seems impossibly blue.

Gurudongmar Lake boasts the most breathtaking scenery in India and is recognized as one of the highest lakes in the world, captivating every gaze. Remarkably, it stands as one of the marvelously beautiful lakes in the Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 5,430m above sea level, it sparkles like a crystal, reflecting the majestic rocky peaks that surround it.

Gurudongmar Lake, located in the northern part of Sikkim, is considered a Sacred Lake in both Buddhism and Hinduism. It serves as a pilgrimage site and witnesses various religious ceremonies of the Indian people. Surrounding the lake is another spiritual tourist spot, attracting peace enthusiasts; it's known as Sarva Dharma Sthala, renowned as a temple embracing all religions.

6. Gosaikunda Lake, Nepal

Gosaikunda Lake stands as one of the marvelously beautiful lakes in the Himalayas. Similar to many other lakes in the Himalayas, Gosaikunda Lake is considered a sacred and spiritual lake. Annually, around the full moon of August, Hindu pilgrims visit here as they believe the image of Lord Mahadev (Lord Shiva) will appear in the middle of the lake during this time. Hindus believe that their deities Shiva and Gauri were born here.

Gosaikunda Lake is located on the Dhunche-Helambu trekking route. Hence, travelers can easily witness the enchanting fairy-like beauty of this incredibly sacred natural lake. The water in Gosaikunda Lake usually freezes from around October to June. When the lake's water melts into a vibrant turquoise stream amidst vast landscapes, it forms the Trishuli River. This is the time when thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims come to Gosaikunda Lake in search of the 'holy water.' The majestic mountain scenery around this lake is equally captivating and worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

7. Gokyo Cho Lake (or Dudh Pokhari), Nepal

Gokyo Cho Lake is part of the Gokyo Lake system in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. The main water supply for the lake comes from the surrounding glacial streams. The vibrant and beautiful colors of Gokyo Cho Lake have made it one of the most fantastic destinations for every traveler visiting Sagarmatha National Park.

On average, about 7,000 tourists visit Gokyo Cho Lake annually to admire its enchanting scenery. The lake holds significant spiritual importance in the culture of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Coming here in August, visitors have the opportunity to participate in the pilgrimage festival of both religions: Hinduism and Buddhism. It is believed that Gokyo Cho Lake is the place where the deity Mahadev (Lord Shiva) was created, and the image of the deity will appear in the middle of the lake during this time. This pilgrimage festival attracts millions of visitors to Gokyo Cho Lake every year.

8. Pangong Tso Lake, India

Pangong Tso Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,350m above sea level in the Himalayas with a length of 134 km. This natural freshwater lake also serves as the border between India and Tibet. Pangong Tso Lake is favored by nature with its crystal-clear water, offering a breathtaking panorama stretching from India to Tibet.

Pangong originates from the Tibetan language, meaning 'high grassland lake.' What captivates at Pangong Tso Lake is the ability to change its colors when sunlight hits, displaying various shades of green.

This place not only attracts international tourists but also serves as a backdrop for numerous films, notably the Bollywood blockbuster - Three Idiots. Following the film's tremendous success, the impressive emerald green hues of the lake have drawn a multitude of domestic and international travelers to witness the beauty of Pangong Tso Lake.

9. Tso Kar Lake, India

Tso Kar Lake situated in the Rupshu Plateau valley of India is not your typical freshwater lake. This is a natural saltwater lake surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, creating a picturesque landscape of stunning contrast.

As one of the marvels on the Himalayan range, Tso Kar Lake attracts a multitude of tourists, both domestic and international, who come to admire the pristine beauty of the untouched nature, observe wild animals, and witness rare bird species inhabiting the area. Travelers from afar often find themselves reluctant to leave, enchanted by the captivating surroundings.

10. Tsomgo Lake (or Changu Lake), India

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Icy Changu Lake, is a masterpiece of nature sculpted in the Himalayas, considered the purest and most sacred lake in this mountainous region. From Icy Changu Lake, you can marvel at the pristine and untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

Tsomgo Lake is particularly unique as it changes colors with the seasons. In winter, the color of Tsomgo Lake transitions from emerald green to azure blue. In spring and summer, the surrounding scenery is like an ethereal watercolor painting reflected on the crystal-clear lake, creating a dazzling natural spectacle. Buddhist monks believe that the water color of Tsomgo Lake can foretell the future and destiny of their country.