Lakes In Narkanda: Tranquil Getaways In The Himalayas

Located in the lap of the Himalayas, lakes in and around Narkanda are among the prettiest lakes in Himachal Pradesh. From beautiful glacier formations to holy water bodies, every lake in Narkanda has its lustre, adventure, spirituality, and solitude. Nestled amidst pine trees, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains, it offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventurers. From the adventurous treks with mythological importance to just tranquil scenery, the lakes in Narkanda and the surrounding areas will take you on an incredible adventure.

Top 5 Lakes In Narkanda

Narkanda, a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, is a serene hill station renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and secluded alpine lakes:

1. Tanni Jubbar Lake

Photo: Gaurav Kapatia / Wikimedia Commons

A small yet mystical lake in Narkanda flanked by thick cedar trees, the Tanni Jubbar Lake is a must-visit place. It is an oval-shaped sacred lake, which has a Nag Devta Temple to the local snake deity. Tanni Jubbar has not yet made it to the travel maps, offering tranquillity and a little-known escape for nature lovers. The lake’s placid waters reflect the towering deodar trees, giving it an otherworldly feel. The surrounding valley is also filled with colourful wildflowers and dense greenery during the monsoons, making it a popular spot for photographers.

Best Time To Visit: April – October
Nearby Attractions: Hatu Peak, Kotgarh Apple Orchards

2. Hatu Kund

Photo: Wittystef / Wikimedia Commons

Hatu Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake near the summit of Hatu Peak, one of the highest points. This little-known lake of melted snow is generally untouched by tourists making their way to Hatu Mata Temple. The lake is frozen in winter and mirrors trees and cliffs in summer. Getting there involves trekking through lush alpine meadows and forests of rhododendron, making it a haven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts alike. On most days, the lake itself is shrouded in thick fog, which makes it that much more enigmatic.

Best Time To Visit: May – November
Nearby Attractions: Hatu Mata Temple, Jor Bagh Meadows

3. Dhalaun Lake

Photo: Sriharsha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hidden deep inside the dense pine forests, Dhalaun Lake in Narkanda is an unexplored natural marvel. Unlike the more famous Tani Jubbar Lake, Dhalaun is a seasonal lake formed from the melting of glaciers and flows during the monsoon, a lake that rushes between July and October. The hike to the lake, winds through some pretty rugged trails, over rhododendron trees, lush oak forests, and open patches with sweeping views of the valley. Very few travellers visit Dhalaun, for it is a bit of a remote area but a peaceful and nature lover’s destination.

Best Time To Visit: July – October
Nearby Attractions: Thanedar, Kotgarh Valley

4. Khoj Lake Trail

Photo: Sam Costanzo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Khoj Lake Trail is a beautiful but less travelled trekking trail in Narkanda, which takes you to a hidden high-altitude glacial pond. Not a permanent water body, the lake is formed seasonally from melted snow. The trail winds through dense conifer forests and eventually opens to alpine meadows and rocky ridges where the lake is tucked. Despite its beauty, due to its remoteness and lack of signposting, very few trekkers pass through here, making it a paradise for explorers and adventure seekers alike.

Best Time To Visit: May – September
Nearby Attractions: Hatu Peak, Jor Bagh

5. Shilaroo Lake

Photo: Sukhjiwan Singh / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only

Shilaroo Lake in Narkanda is a man-made reservoir near Shilaroo Hockey Stadium, the highest hockey ground in the world. Despite its artificial origins, the lake has grown into a tranquil refuge of thick pine forests and rolling green hills. It is used for irrigation for the background villages, but its quiet and meditative surface provides a relaxing environment for those seeking to connect with the natural world. The area is still relatively undiscovered and offers a peaceful getaway from the throngs. The Best Time To Visit would be sunrise or sunset when the lake reflects a golden colour in the sky.

Best Time To Visit: March – November
Nearby Attractions: Shilaroo Hockey Stadium, Fagu Valley

Top 5 Must Visit Lakes Near Narkanda

Every lake in Narkanda is a hidden adventure, and for those seeking more breathtaking scenery, visit the following lakes near the region:

1. Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake

Photo: Sukhjiwan Singh / Wikimedia Commons

One such pristine waterbody hidden deep within the oak and cedar forests in the vicinity of Jalori Pass is Serolsar Lake. A 5 km trek from the pass takes you to the crystal-clear lake, which is believed to be protected by angels conducting birds, which never allow a solitary leaf to float on its surface. Above the lake is the Budhi Nagin Temple, a shrine devoted to the snake goddess, which adds to the quasi-mythical feel of the place. The trek itself is moderate and passes through rhododendron-lined trails with few panoramic views of the Kullu and Tirthan valleys.

Best Time To Visit: May – October
Nearby Attractions: Jalori Pass, Shoja Village

2. Dodra Kwar Lake

Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Dodra Kwar Lake lies in one of the most remote and unspoiled places in Himachal in the little rugged Chanshal Valley. The lake is reached by following one of the least travelled roads in the Himalayas, which leads through deep gorges, wooden bridges and dense forests. The lakeside town is dotted with century-old wooden temples and terraced fields. Dodra Kwar has completely evaded the tourist lens, making it a natural fit for serious trekkers or anyone looking for solitude. The valley also has some of the oldest wooden houses in the state and a glimpse into Himachali heritage and architecture.

Best Time To Visit: June – October
Nearby Attractions: Dodra Kwar Village, Rupin Pass

3. Rohru Chandernahan Lakes

Photo: Aditya0905 / Wikimedia Commons

The Chandernahan Lakes, in Rohru, are a cluster of seven high-altitude glacial lakes that are believed to be the source of the Pabbar River. Sequestered at the higher slopes in the Chanshal Valley, these lakes are one of the most pious and pristine water bodies existing in Himachal Pradesh. The Lakes excursion commences from Janglik Village basecamp and the trail traverses thick pine and oak woods, open alpine meadows and craggy ridges, giving stunning views of snow-capped peaks and tumbling waterfalls.

Best Time To Visit: June – October
Nearby Attractions: Janglik Village, Chanshal Pass

4. Brighu Lake

Photo: Kartik.a.rokde / Wikimedia Commons

Bhrigu Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake near Manali. This lake is also surrounded by myth, as sage Bhrigu is said to have meditated here thousands of years ago, making it a holy place. Like other glacial lakes, Bhrigu never gets frozen completely and reflects the surrounding peaks in a blue-green colour throughout the year. Starting from Gulaba, the trek to the lake takes you through verdant meadows that catch fire in autumn and demand stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

Best Time To Visit: May – October
Nearby Attractions: Solang Valley, Vashisht Hot Springs

5. Kareri Lake

Photo: Shorya Pathania / Wikimedia Commons

Kareri Lake is a beautiful high-altitude freshwater lake situated in the Dhauladhar Range, near Dharamshala. Nourished by glacial snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, Kareri Lake is yet another contributor to one of the cleanest water bodies in Himachal Pradesh, where the waters take on a crystal quality to reflect the sky and the surrounding pine forests. The Kareri trek starts from Kareri Village and is a beautiful yet strenuous trek, taking you through oak and rhododendron forests, river crossings, and rocky paths.

Best Time To Visit: May – October
Nearby Attractions: Kareri Village, Triund, Dharamshala

The lakes in and around Narkanda offer a glimpse into Himachal’s untamed wilderness, cultural richness, and religious tradition. Be it the mythical vibe or the crystal clear waters, every lake in Narkanda promises a genuine Himalayan experience. These lakes are still unspoiled by mass tourism, making them ideal for those looking for peace and adventure. So plan your journey with TripXL and relish the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

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