11 Spectacular Indian Lakes You Must Trek to Discover

If you're a traveller who lives for the journey as much as the destination, trekking to a high-altitude lake in India should be high on your bucket list. These hidden gems—tucked away in remote Himalayan valleys or deep within alpine forests—aren’t accessible by car or comfort. You earn the view with every uphill step, and once you get there, it's pure magic. Forget the usual tourist trails—these are the 11 most stunning lakes in India you can only reach by trekking, and they’ll reward your sweat with scenes you’ll remember for a lifetime. (Image: Canva)

1. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand – The Skeleton Lake
A lake surrounded by snow… and ancient skeletons? Roopkund is as chilling as it is beautiful. Sitting at over 16,000 ft, it’s a challenging trek, but those haunting views of glacial blue water and ghostly legends are totally worth it. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–June, September–October
Trek difficulty: Moderate to tough

2. Tso Moriri, Ladakh – Ladakh’s Secret Stunner
Pangong gets all the Instagram fame, but Tso Moriri is where true adventurers go. Nestled deep in Ladakh’s Changthang region, this lake’s mirror-like surface reflects an untouched world of wild asses, Himalayan birds, and peace. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: June–September
Trek difficulty: Moderate

3. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Spiritual & Surreal
One of the highest lakes on Earth at 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar feels otherworldly. Snow-covered peaks, sacred legends, and thin air—this trek is tough, but the payoff is a landscape that looks like it was painted by the gods. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: April–June
Trek difficulty: Moderate

4. Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh – Moonlit Perfection
Named after its crescent shape, Chandratal looks like it belongs in a dream. The journey through the barren beauty of Spiti Valley ends with this emerald lake surrounded by soaring peaks and silence. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: June–September
Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate

5. Satopanth Tal, Uttarakhand – Where Gods Are Said to Bathe
Set near Badrinath at 14,500 ft, Satopanth Tal is not just a lake—it’s sacred. Locals believe Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva bathe here. The trek is spiritual, scenic, and steeped in stories passed down through generations. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–October
Trek difficulty: Moderate

6. Beas Kund, Himachal Pradesh – River Origins in a Glacial Bowl
Short on time but big on adventure? The Beas Kund trek is perfect. It’s short, scenic, and ends at the birthplace of the Beas River, with surrounding peaks standing guard like Himalayan giants. (Representative Image of Beas River: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–September
Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate

7. Kareri Lake, Himachal Pradesh – Forest Trails to a Crystal Lake
Just a few hours from Dharamshala, Kareri is one of Himachal’s best-kept secrets. This high-altitude lake is fed by melting snow, and the trail passes pine forests, gurgling streams, and charming mountain villages. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–June, September–October
Trek difficulty: Moderate

8. Bhrigu Lake, Himachal Pradesh – Myth Meets Meadow
Located near Manali, this lake is steeped in mythology and framed by rolling meadows. It’s said that Sage Bhrigu meditated here, and the views feel just as timeless. You’ll find alpine beauty without going too remote. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–October
Trek difficulty: Moderate

9. Kedar Tal, Uttarakhand – The Glacial Jewel of Gangotri
This one’s not for the faint-hearted. The trek to Kedar Tal is steep, wild, and raw—but what awaits is a surreal turquoise lake set against the mighty Thalaysagar peak. Pure mountain magic. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–June, September
Trek difficulty: Tough

10. Tarsar & Marsar Lakes, Kashmir – The Twin Stars of the Valley
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is legendary, and these twin lakes are the crown jewels. Surrounded by lush meadows and misty ridges, Tarsar and Marsar are so pristine, they’ll ruin you for all other lakes. (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: July–September
Trek difficulty: Moderate

11. Suraj Tal Lake, Himachal Pradesh – The Lake of the Sun God
Suraj Tal, located near the Baralacha La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most scenic high-altitude lakes. The lake is considered sacred, and its waters shine bright under the sun, which is why it's known as the "Lake of the Sun God." (Image: Canva)
Best time to visit: May–October
Trek difficulty: Moderate to tough