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Not just for its colonial architecture and breathtaking views, the charming Himachal Pradesh hill station of Dalhousie also boasts some of the most picturesque lakes. Located within lush forests, velvet meadows, and snow-capped mountains, Lakes in Dalhousie are a stellar definition of peace, adventure, and spirituality. Famous for its floating grass islands, adventure hotspots with boating and kayaking, and glacial thrills for trekkers at high altitudes. So, be it a secluded retreat, an unusual trek, or a spiritual experience, the lakes around Dalhousie assure you of an unforgettable experience.
Top 8 Lakes In And Around Dalhousie
Although there are no particular lakes in Dalhousie, there are many lakes surrounding this beautiful hill station.
1. Khajjiar Lake
Photo: SriniG / Wikimedia Commons
Khajjiar Lake, referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is located at an elevation of 1,920 meters, nestled among verdant meadows and thick deodar forests. Its most distinctive feature is the floating grass islands, which create the illusion of a moving water surface. The lake is revered as sacred because of its association with the Khajji Nag Temple, a 12th-century shrine to the serpent god. Since boating is not permitted, you can check out zorbing, horseback riding and paragliding in the surrounding meadows instead.
Location: Khajjiar, 22 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: March to June; December to February
2. Chamera Lake
Photo: Arati AK Bhandare / Wikimedia Commons
The Chamera Lake is a manmade lake in Dalhousie, but it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Unusually, water levels continue to change because of the dam. The lake is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and features boating, kayaking, and canoeing, all of which are hard to come by in Dalhousie. Fishing lovers can spend a serene day on the banks, while adventure lovers can try river rafting in the nearby Ravi River for excitement. The remote location of the lake guarantees that there is very little crowding, so this is for those looking for solitude.
Location: 25 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: October to June
3. Dainkund Lake, Pholani Devi Lake
Photo: Thomas Forer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dainkund Lake is a small yet sacred water body near Pholani Devi Temple at Dainkund Peak, the highest point in Dalhousie. Although not as popular as Khajjiar or Chamera, the lake is culturally and spiritually significant for the locals. The setting of the lake, surrounded by the wind-swept grasslands and dense deodar woods, is magical. A short walk from the parking lot at Dainkund Peak brings you to the lake, making it a great place for hikers. The summit provides panoramic views of the Pir Panjal mountain range, and on clear days, you can glimpse distant snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Location: Dainkund Peak, 12 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: March to October
4. Kalatop Lake
Photo: Ankit Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in the heart of the Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary, the lake is enveloped by thick forests of pine, oak and deodar. Home to Himalayan black bears, barking deer, and pheasants, the sanctuary itself makes this lake a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. The walk to the lake involves a short hike through the woods, but the views and serenity are worth the work. If you are into birdwatching, this place draws some rare Himalayan birds. The best way to experience this lake in Dalhousie is by going for a nature walk, finding a small clearing to have a picnic and strolling around.
Location: Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: March to June; October to February for snowfall
5. Salooni Lake
Photo: SlimMars 13 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Salooni Lake, located in the little town of Salooni, is an offbeat destination that makes you explore untouched natural beauty. Surrounding the lake are rolling green hills and thick forests, making it a dreamy escape from the usual tourist attractions. Salooni is not as developed as other lakes in India and hence not well-known compared to them, which makes it ideal for tourists looking for tranquillity and seclusion. A wooden bridge crosses over a section of the lake and camping along the lake is popular, where night skies are often clear and perfect for stargazing.
Location: Salooni, 55 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: March to June; September to November
6. Manimahesh Lake
Photo: Shivendujha / Wikimedia Commons
Manimahesh is a glacial lake situated at an elevation of 4,080 meters (13,380 feet) at the base of Manimahesh Kailash in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh. Unlike touristy lakes, Manimahesh serves as a spiritual destination and thousands of devotees visit every year during the Manimahesh Yatra, which is celebrated on Radha Ashtami. According to Indian mythology, it is located in the abode of Lord Shiva and the water of the lake is blessed. The lake in Dalhousie is accessible through a tiring trek, with the trail attracting trekkers from Hadsar or Bharmaur.
Location: Manimahesh, 80 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: August to September
7. Gadasru Mahadev Lake
Photo: Kuhnigrafie / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nestled deep in the Pangi Valley of Chamba is hidden Gadasru Mahadev Lake, a high-altitude green glacial lake that is fringed by soaring Himalayan mountains. Packed with evergreen woods, steep edges, and glacier-fed streams, the trek is one of the hardest. This crystal-clear lake, surrounded by mountains, is a photography spot and so deeply blue it warms your heart. It is holy to Lord Shiva, and a small stone temple is located there at the river banks. The region is also home to rare alpine flora, and lucky trekkers can see Himalayan monals or ibex.
Location: Pangi Valley, Chamba, 85 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: June to September
8. Lam Dal Lake
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lam Dal Lake is the biggest glacial lake of the Dhauladhar range (3,960 m) and is extremely important religiously and trekking-wise. The lake is one of the nine glacial lakes of the Minkiani Pass trek, a physically strenuous journey that comes with its own set of local legends. Unlike the small alpine lake in Dalhousie, Lam Dal spans 2.5 km, making it a major component of the landscape. Ice-clad blue waters stretch out for most of the year before becoming partially glazed over, along with snowy weather that can last through early summer.
Location: Dhauladhar range, 95 km from Dalhousie
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Each lake in Dalhousie is a fusion of nature, adventure, and spirituality that must be included in the itinerary. Whether you prefer relaxing at the calm waters of Khajjiar Lake, adventuring on a boat ride at Chamera Lake, or going on a holy trek to Manimahesh Lake, there is something to offer every traveller. With exceptional cuisine and lovely accommodations, as well as stunning landscapes, Dalhousie is an ideal nature getaway. Plan your visit with TripXL and visit these hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh.
Cover Photo: Akshat Jhingran / Unsplash
