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By beauty, some of the best lakes in India are located in Uttarakhand, the “Land of Gods,” which lies in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. These crystal-clear famous lakes in Uttarakhand are renowned for their clear reflections, mythological importance and scenic beauty. Some lakes become popular for boating, while others are revered pilgrimage sites or are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Uttarakhand has some brilliant alpine lakes that are an ideal escape for trekkers and nature lovers who want to lose themselves in solitude. These lakes make for an unforgettable experience of escape, from a place to have a wild adventure or a spiritual retreat.
10 Famous Lakes In Uttarakhand
From the famous Nainital Lake, which forms the heart of the hill station, to the sacred Hemkund Lake, located at a staggering 4,329 meters, each lake has a unique story.
1. Nainital Lake
Photo: Shivansh Singh / Unsplash
The lifeline of the Nainital town is the kidney-shaped freshwater Nainital Lake. Surrounded by verdant hills and colonial buildings, it holds great mythological importance as one of the Shakti Peeths, where Goddess Sati’s eye supposedly dropped. The lake is split into Tallital, on the southern side, and Mallital, on the northern side, the two connected by the bustling Mall Road. A must-do here is boating, and there is everything from traditional wooden rowboats to super yachts.
Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Nearby Attractions: Naina Devi Temple, The Mall Road, Snow View Point
2. Bhimtal Lake
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
If you are not a fan of massive crowds and huge lakes, Bhimtal Lake near Nainital is yet another natural lake in Uttarakhand and bigger than Nainital Lake. On an island in the middle of the lake, accessible by boat, is an aquarium featuring exotic fish species. Unlike other famous lakes in Uttarakhand, Bhimtal is still less commercialised, which makes it perfect for those who are fond of nature and tranquil surroundings. The adjacent dense oak and pine woods create fabulous bird habitat, making it a birders’ paradise. The legend is that when Bhim (from the Mahabharata) struck the ground with his mace to get water for the Pandavas, a lake was formed.
Location: Bhimtal, Kumaon region
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Nearby Attractions: Bhimeshwar Temple, Butterfly Research Centre, Victoria Dam
3. Sattal Lake
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Sattal, or “seven lakes,” is a beautiful chain of interlinked freshwater lakes nestled amidst dense oak and pine forests. Untouched by urbanisation, these lakes near Bhimtal are a treat to get a flavour of Uttarakhand in its raw, natural form. The seven lakes, Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukha Tal and Garud Tal are ecologically important, attracting over 500 species of birds and 20 species of butterflies. British missionaries once likened the beauty of Sattal to England’s Lake District, and it still has that unpolished feel. The lake is known for eco-friendly kayaking and angling, as use of motorboats is forbidden.
Location: Near Bhimtal, Kumaon region
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Nearby Attractions: Methodist Ashram, Subhash Dhara
4. Naukuchiatal Lake
Photo: SHUVADIP / Wikimedia Commons
Naukuchiatal, or “lake with nine corners,” is one of the more mysterious lakes in Uttarakhand, ringed by oak and pine forests. Even though one of the famous lakes in Uttarakhand, it remains less crowded, making it perfect for travellers looking for solitude. It is relatively deep, up to 40 meters, and it is said that those who can see all nine corners of the lake at once achieve nirvana, which is nearly impossible. Situated right by the edge of the lake, the place serves as a base for good adventure activities, including paragliding, kayaking, and zorbing. Anglers can cast their lines, while nature lovers can do some bird watching because the area is a refuge for migratory birds.
Location: 26 km from Nainital, Kumaon region
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Temple, Jungliagaon, Kainchi Dham
5. Hemkund Lake
Photo: Amareshwara Sainadh / Wikimedia Commons
Perched at a spectacular height of 4,329 meters, Hemkund Lake is among the most sacred and beautiful lakes in Uttarakhand. The lake is frozen for most of the year, only becoming accessible via a two-day trek from Govindghat between June and September, and is surrounded by seven soaring Himalayan peaks. The lake is held in high regard by Sikhs since Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, is said to have meditated there. It is also sacred in Hinduism, associated with the Ramayana’s Lakshmana. The nearby Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, at the highest altitude of any Sikh shrine, sits next to the lake, where it serves free meals (langar) to devotees.
Location: Chamoli district, Garhwal region
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Valley of Flowers, Ghangaria, Govindghat
6. Roopkund Lake
Photo: Schwiki / Wikimedia Commons
At a shocking 5,029 meters above sea level, Roopkund Lake is both one of the strangest yet captivating lakes on the entire planet. Known sometimes as the “Skeleton Lake,” it features hundreds of human skeletons visible at the bottom when the ice melts. Dating back more than 1,200 years, the skeletons were found in the 1940s and are thought to have belonged to a group of travellers caught in a violent hailstorm. The lake can be reached through the Roopkund Trek, which guides travellers through thick forests, meadows, and glaciers covered in snow.
Location: Chamoli district, Garhwal region
Best Time To Visit: May to June, September to October
Nearby Attractions: Bedni Bugyal, Ali Bugyal, Nanda Devi Temple
7. Dodital Lake
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Dodital Lake, a fresh water high-altitude lake at 3,024 meters, is supposedly the mythological birthplace of Lord Ganesha. The lake stores its name after the Doda fish, a kind of rare trout fish that’s only found in this water. Encircled by thick deodar, rhododendron, and oak forests, it is an ideal destination for natural world enthusiasts and trekking aficionados. Getting back to the trek, the Dodital Trek from Sangam Chatti is an untouched flora and fauna. The Ganesh Temple along the lake has a spiritual aspect, attracting peace seekers and pilgrims. In winter, the lake is completely frozen, which creates a surreal icy scenery.
Location: Uttarkashi district, Garhwal region
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Nearby Attractions: Darwa Pass, Dayara Bugyal, Sangam Chatti
8. Tehri Lake
Photo: Clara & James / Wikimedia Commons
Tehri Lake is the largest man-made lake in India and among the most famous lakes in Uttarakhand, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is the enormous storage reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam, which is the highest dam in India. Spread over 42 sq km, it is the largest lake in Uttarakhand and has emerged as a centre for water sports and eco-tourism. Set at the junction of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, the lake itself formed during the submerging of the old town of Tehri, displacing thousands of villagers. Now a popular adventure spot with paragliding, jet skiing, speed boating, river rafting and kayaking.
Location: Tehri Garhwal district
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
Nearby Attractions: Tehri Dam, Koti Colony, Surkanda Devi Temple
9. Kedar Tal
Photo: Kailas98 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kedar Tal, a colossal glacial lake at 4,750 m high, is one of the highest parts of a glacial lake in Uttarakhand. Fed by the Kedar Glacier, it is a sacred site for devotees of Lord Shiva and a trekking paradise. The lake’s glassy blue waters mirror Thalay Sagar Peak, offering a stunning view. The Kedar Tal Trek is one of the most demanding treks in Uttarakhand, starting from Gangotri with its rocky mountains, steep ridges and glaciers. This trail is popular for regular sightings of blue sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan black bears.
Location: Gangotri National Park, Garhwal region
Best Time To Visit: May to June, September to October
Nearby Attractions: Gangotri Temple, Gaumukh Glacier, Bhojbasa
10. Khurpatal Lake
Photo: आशीष भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
Khurpatal Lake is a lesser-known emerald-green lake located near Nainital. The Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road in Nainital is located amidst copious cedar and pine forests. Unlike the touristy Nainital Lake, the place is quiet and peaceful, ideal for offbeat lovers. The lake, whose shape resembles a hoof (“Khurpa” means hoof in Hindi), is also known for freshwater angling. It has the region’s third-highest water quality rating and feeds the water supply of Nainital town. The lake is a great place for picnics, strolls in nature, and birdwatching with kingfishers, woodpeckers, and Himalayan eagles, all common sightings.
Location: Khurpatal, Smanora range
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Nearby Attractions: Pangot, Naina Peak, Snow View Point
The famous lakes in Uttarakhand are an amalgamation of natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality. If you want to go for a boat ride, hike to high-altitude glacial lakes, or just spend time in the tranquillity of nature, these lakes have something for everyone. The myth and magic of these gems of the Himalayas lie in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. So plan your trip with TripXL and visit an ocean to the soul of Uttarakhand.
Cover Photo: Umang Garg / Unsplash
