Famous Lakes of Uttarakhand

Lakes reflect the heavens, and Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, is also blessed with a bounty of lakes, or Tals, as they are known, aptly underlining its importance as a place of indescribable natural beauty.

Some may wonder why certain regions have been so overwhelmingly blessed with the bounties of nature, but we should all be thankful that such places exist, where you can experience nature at its finest, with a profusion of mountains, rivers, forests, valleys, flowers, and lakes. Uttarakhand is one such region that has everything you could possibly desire. If it has mountains and rivers, it also has a collection of lakes that are worth a visit. A few of these are:

1. Bhimtal

• Named after Bhima from the Mahabharata.
• One of the largest lakes in Uttarakhand.
• Located 25 km from Nainital at an altitude of 1,370 meters.
• Boating available, with an island and restaurant in the center.
• Surrounded by nature, including farmhouses, fields, and orchards.

Bhimtal

Named after Bhima of Mahabharata fame, Bhimtal, one of the largest lakes in Uttarakhand, is only 25 kilometers from the scenic Nainital at a height of about 1,370 meters, making it a wonderfully pleasant place to visit. You can go boating and visit the island in the center, where you can enjoy a panoramic view while dining at the restaurant there. The area around is also exquisite for nature lovers, with farmhouses, fields, and orchards.

2. Deoria Tal

• Situated near Ukhimath, at an altitude of 2,438 meters.
• Offers a stunning view of Chaukhamba Mountain.
• Surrounded by forests with abundant birdlife.
• A popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers.

Deoria Tal

A sacred lake, Deoria Tal lies at an elevation of 2,438 meters, near Ukhimath, and offers stunning views of the Chaukhamba Mountain. The area is surrounded by dense forests that are home to chirping birds, making it an idyllic spot for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

3. Hemkund Lake

• Located at 4,632 meters.
• Known for spiritual significance among Sikhs and Hindus.
• Close to the Valley of Flowers (17 km away).
• Features a Lakshman Temple and a Gurudwara.

Hem Kund

Govind Ghat is where you will find the Hem Kund Lake, only 2 kilometers from Pandukeshwar, a starting point for a visit to the incomparably lovely Valley of Flowers, which is 17 kilometers away. Hemkund Lake has spiritual connotations too, located at a height of 4,632 meters, and is a pilgrimage center for Sikhs and Hindus alike. You will find a Lakshman temple and a Gurudwara in the vicinity.

4. Kedar Tal

• Located at a height of 4,750 meters, 18 km from Gangotri.
• Known for its serene, clear waters that reflect snow-capped mountains.
• Requires a challenging trek to reach, rewarding with stunning views.

Kedartal

The mountains tower into the sky, and at a height of 4,750 meters, you will find Kedar Tal, about 18 kilometers from Gangotri. The serene and cool waters reflect the skies and snow-capped mountains, making the arduous climb well worth it.

5. Sahastra Tal and Masar Tal

• Located along the way to the Khatling Glacier.
• Sahastratal is famous for its breathtaking beauty.
• Ideal for trekking to nearby glaciers like Khatling, Meru, and Kirti Stambh.

Masar Tal

You must not miss these two lakes, located on the way to the Khatling Glacier. Sahastratal is one of the most beautiful lakes from where you can continue on to Khatling or the Meru, Kirti Stambh, and Jogin Glaciers.

6. Satopanth Lake

• A triangular lake located 25 km from Badrinath.
• A sacred site where Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva are believed to reside at the three corners.
• Known for the blooming of lotus flowers, adding to its charm.

Satopanth Lake

Only 25 kilometers from Badrinath, this triangular lake is yet another place of religious significance. People believe that Mahesh, Vishnu, and Brahma occupy one corner each of the three-cornered lake. Lotus flowers bloom in abundance, lending this lake a charm all its own.

7. Naini Lake

• Situated in Nainital, stretching over 3.5 km.
• Surrounded by tall mountains, rocks, and forests.
• A holy site with Naina Devi Temple on its shores.
• One of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India.

Naini Lake

Spread over a distance of 3.5 kilometers, this large freshwater lake is bordered by rocks, tall mountains, and forests. It is also a holy place with the Naina Devi temple on its shores, and it has religious significance since it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India.

8. Nachiketa Tal

• Located 32 km from Uttarkashi.
• Known for its peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
• Popular for birdwatching, angling, and boating.
• A religious site with an ancient temple.

Nachiketa Tal

The charming Nachiketa, about 32 kilometers from Uttarkashi, leaves you absolutely stunned with its scenery and the divinely enchanting atmosphere. It is open year-round and, besides being a place of religious significance, is a paradise for birdwatchers and for people who would like to indulge in angling or boating on the calm waters.

9. Dodi Tal

• Located in Uttarkashi, known for abundant freshwater fish.
• The source of the ASI Ganga, which merges with Bhagirathi near Gangotri.
• Offers stunning views of Bandarpoonch mountains.
• Famous for angling and visiting Hanuman Chatti.

Dodi Tal

Located in Uttarkashi, Dodi takes its name from the abundant freshwater fish that populate the lake. The ASI Ganga starts here and merges into the Bhagirathi near Gangotri. This is a scenic destination, one you should not miss—not just for angling but also for the view of the Bandarpoonch mountains and for a visit to Hanuman Chatti.

10. Shyamla Tal

• Located about 132 km from Pithoragarh.
• Historically and religiously significant, associated with the Pandavas.
• Features ruins of ancient monuments.
• Covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers.

Shyamla Tal

Shyamla Tal is a historic and religiously significant lake, covering an area of 1.5 square kilometers. Located about 132 kilometers from Pithoragarh, it is associated with the Pandavas and contains ruins of ancient monuments, adding a sense of mystery to its beauty.

Visit one, a few, or all of these lakes before they become crowded with tourists and lose their magical enchantment.

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