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Nestled among towering peaks and rugged landscapes, the highest lakes in the world are some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creations. These lakes are situated in far-flung Himalayas, Andes, and other high-altitude mountains, presenting stunning vistas and arduous climbs. These lakes are not only geological marvels but also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Some are frozen for part of the year, while others are water sources for surrounding settlements. Whether you are an adventure-lover or a nature-lover, these world’s highest lakes are an experience you will not forget.
10 Highest Lakes In The World
From Changtse pool to the serene Tilicho lake, here is a list of the top 10 highest lakes in the world:
1. Ojos del Salado Lake
Photo: Garrett Sears / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The highest lake in the world, Ojos del Salado Lake, is found at an incredible 6,390 meters (20,965 feet) on the world’s highest active volcano, Ojos del Salado. In the Andes mountain range, on the Chile-Argentina border, this small crater lake is Earth’s largest permanent body of water. Ojos del Salado Lake is scientifically significant since scientists study its harsh conditions to discover the boundaries of life.
Location: Andes Mountains, Chile-Argentina border
Entry Fees: Permit required for climbing
2. Lhagba Pool
Photo: stoffl6781 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Lhagba Pool, at an elevation of 6,368 meters (20,892 feet) above sea level, is among the world’s highest lakes and lies near the eastern shoulder of Mount Everest in Tibet. It is a small glacial lake and is an important point of reference for climbers and scientists studying the effect of climate change on high-altitude lakes. Because of its sheer height, Lhagba Pool freezes most of the year and only temporarily thaws during warmer months.
Location: Mount Everest region, Tibet, China
Entry Fees: Permit required for Everest region access
3. Changtse Pool
Photo: shogun / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Changtse Pool, which measures 6,216 meters (20,390 feet) high, is another of the highest lakes in the world in the Everest district of Tibet. It is situated between Changtse Mountain and Mount Everest’s North Ridge and is an incredible sight of the Everest landscape. This tiny glacial lake is a hidden treasure because only mountaineers and scientists undertaking high-altitude research visit it. Because of the cold weather and high altitude, the lake is frozen for most of the year, with hardly any melting in summer.
Location: Everest region, Tibet, China
Entry Fees: Permit required for Everest expeditions
4. Nevado Tres Cruces Sur Lake
Photo: Ian / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nevado Tres Cruces Sur Lake, which measures 5,980 meters (19,619 feet) in elevation, is among the world’s highest lakes and is located near Nevado Tres Cruces, a volcanic peak in the Chilean Andes. The remote lake is among the few permanent bodies of water at such an extreme elevation. The landscape is one of the arid, desert-like conditions characteristic of the Atacama Desert. The lake, however, is a vital water source for the region’s sparse fauna. The lake exists at this elevation due to snow melting from the surrounding Tres Cruces peaks.
Location: Andes Mountains, Chile
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Acamarachi Lake
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Acamarachi Lake, at 5,950 meters (19,520 feet) elevation, is one of the world’s highest lakes inside the Acamarachi Volcano crater in Chile. The small, blue-green lake is one of the driest places on the planet, in the Atacama Desert. A trip to the lake involves a challenging ascent of the Acamarachi Volcano.
Location: Atacama Desert, Chile
Entry Fees: N/A
6. Lake Licancabur
Photo: Valdiney Pimenta / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Licancabur, at 5,916 meters (19,409 feet) elevation, is among the highest lakes in the world. It lies within the crater of the Licancabur Volcano. The lake lies on the Chile-Bolivia border and is one of the most hostile aquatic environments. The lake nevertheless supports microbial life under all these extreme conditions, and it is a significant location for astrobiological research because scientists research it to gain insights into possible life on Mars.
Location: Andes Mountains, Chile-Bolivia border
Entry Fees: N/A
7. Tilicho Lake
Photo: Prabeshsdev / Wikimedia Commons
Located at 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) above ground, Tilicho Lake in Nepal is among the highest lakes worldwide, comparatively big and available. The lake lies in the Annapurna range within the Himalayas and is famed for its striking blue water and dramatic surroundings. Tilicho Lake is a sacred place in Hindu mythology, considered a holy site. The challenging hike to the lake, crossing hilly terrain, is a favourite among adventure travellers.
Location: Annapurna region, Nepal
Entry Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area permit required
8. Puma Yumco Lake
Photo: Adam Vradenburg / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Situated at 5,030 meters (16,503 feet), Tibet’s Puma Yumco Lake is one of the globe’s highest bodies of water and is renowned for its intense blue colour and peaceful setting. The lake is situated in the remote Nagqu Prefecture, which is ringed by rolling hills and sweeping Tibetan panoramas. Tourists are rewarded with breathtaking views and a pristine natural paradise at this lake.
Location: Tibet, China
Entry Fees: N/A
9. Gangapurna Lake
Photo: Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons
At 4,620 meters (15,157 feet), Gangapurna Lake is one of the world’s highest lakes near Nepal’s Annapurna region. It is a stunning glacial lake formed by the melting of Gangapurna Glacier, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning Himalayan scenery. Annapurna Circuit climbers also like to visit Gangapurna Lake on their trip. The lake has a quiet resting place, with mountains in the back bearing white crests.
Location: Manang, Nepal
Entry Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area permit required
10. Churup Lake
Photo: Charles Gadbois / Wikimedia Commons
At an elevation of 4,450 meters (14,600 feet), Churup Lake is one of the highest lakes in Peru’s Andes. With its vibrant blue colour, the glacial lake is a top trekking and adventure spot for tourists who visit the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. The hike to Churup Lake is challenging, with steep climbs, rocky paths, and breathtaking vistas. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys.
Location: Cordillera Blanca, Peru
The highest lakes all around the world offer breathtaking views, and incredible adventure opportunities. From the frozen Ojos del Salado Lake in Chile to the sacred Puma Yumco Lake in Tibet, these world’s highest lakes are nature’s wonders at their finest. Whether you’re trekking in the Himalayas, climbing the Andes, or exploring Tibet, visiting these highest lakes in the world provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plan your next adventure with TripXL!
Cover photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
