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Kangra is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning lakes in the Himalayas. These lakes in Kangra, created by glaciers and surrounded by the tall Dhauladhar mountains, offer a mix of natural beauty and adventure. Some lakes are important for religious reasons, while others are lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. Whether you enjoy hiking, are on a spiritual journey, or just want some peace and quiet, the lakes will give you a memorable experience.
Top 10 Lakes In Kangra
Here is a list of the beautiful lakes in Kangra that shape the area’s beautiful scenery and support its diverse wildlife.
1. Kareri Lake
Photo: Lotia57755 / Wikimedia Commons
Kareri Lake stands at a high altitude, high among the clouds, as a glacial lake located in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh. The crystal clear waters flowing through it are kept fresh by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. It is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the region. The trek starts at Kareri village, leading through dense pine and oak forests, alpine meadows, and wooden bridges built over gushing streams. It is a less-travelled path, so the lake remains peaceful, offering trekkers and nature lovers the perfect getaway.
Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, almost 25 km from Dharamshala
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu Waterfall, Triund Trek, and Guna Devi Temple
2. Dal Lake (McLeod Ganj)
Photo: Officialkt / Wikimedia Commons
Dal Lake, close to McLeod Ganj, is a pretty little lake circled by tall deodar trees. Even though it’s not huge, it’s still very important religiously, mainly because there’s an old Shiva temple right on the shore. People know the lake for its still, green waters that mirror the woods around it, giving the place a peaceful, almost magical vibe. Every September, the lake becomes animated with a fair, with locals and Gaddi people getting together to honor Lord Shiva. Plus, Dal Lake is where many treks start if you want to go up higher into the mountains.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, around 11 km from Dharamshala
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Nearby Attractions: Naddi Viewpoint, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Triund Trek
3. Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam Lake)
Photo: Vadobill / Wikimedia Commons
Pong Dam Lake, or Maharana Pratap Sagar, is a big man-made lake in India, covering over 450 sq km in the Kangra district. It was built on the Beas River and is a really important source of water. It’s also a wetland area that attracts birds that move from Siberia and Central Asia. Bird watchers from all over know about it, especially in the winter. Besides the birds, you can also do water sports such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Shivalik hills around the lake and all the green plants make it a pretty place to visit for anyone who likes spending time with nature.
Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, approximately 110 km from Dharamshala
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Maharana Pratap Wildlife Sanctuary, Masroor Rock Cut Temples, and Dadasiba Temple
4. Naguni Mata Lake
Photo: FrankyFromGermany / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Naguni Mata Lake is a cool little secret spot in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away in thick forests and hills. It’s a holy place because of Naguni Mata, a local goddess that the villagers pray to. There’s a small temple for her by the lake, and people go there to get blessings. It’s not like those crowded tourist places, Naguni Mata Lake is quiet and peaceful, just right for chilling out, meditating, and walking in nature. The area has lots of pine and deodar trees all around, so it feels kind of magical and calm.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, in a secluded valley near forested hills
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Nearby Attractions: Local village temples, forest trails, and viewpoints offering panoramic Himalayan views
5. Lam Dal Lake
Photo: Leolo212 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Lam Dal Lake is a huge lake high up in the Dhauladhar mountains, about 12,800 feet above sea level. People think it’s a sacred place for Lord Shiva. If you’re trekking the Lam Dal route, you’ll definitely stop here. You have to hike through rough land, up steep hills, and across icy valleys to reach the lake. Many think the lake is special. During the Manimahesh Yatra, some pilgrims even take a dip in the freezing water. The clear water of Lam Dal mirrors the snowy mountains around it, so it’s a beautiful view for hikers.
Location: Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh, accessible via trek from Gaj Pass or Minkiani Pass
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Nearby Attractions: Manimahesh Lake, Chamba Valley, and Indrahar Pass Trek
6. Nag Dal Lake
Photo: ChiemSeherin / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Nag Dal Lake, or Cobra Lake as some call it, is way up in the mountains. Think rocky cliffs and meadows all around. The locals have stories about snake gods connected to the lake, so it’s a holy place for them. The views of the Himalayas are amazing. It’s pretty untouched since it’s so far out there, making it perfect if you want to be alone with nature or you’re a serious trekker. The water is super clear and reflects the mountains like a mirror, it’s a really magical sight.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, deep within the Dhauladhar range, accessible via trek from Bharmour or Minkiani Pass
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Minkiani Pass, Kareri Lake, and the sacred temples of Bharmour
7. Chander Koop Lake
Photo: Anwic / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Chander Koop Lake is this out-of-the-way glacial lake that’s famous for its super clear water and gorgeous scenery. The name means Moon Well, which fits because the lake is so calm and pure. It’s way out there in a tough, lonely area, so people haven’t messed with it much, keeping it really pretty. Getting to Chander Koop is a challenge, with lots of steep climbs, icy valleys, and meadows way up high. But if you make the trip, you can see amazing views of snowy mountains and feel totally at peace. They say the lake gets its water from secret underground springs, so it stays freezing cold even in the summer.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, hidden in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, accessible via trekking routes
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Glacial trekking routes and alpine meadows
8. Ghada Khar Lake
Photo: tonywuphotography / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Ghada Khar Lake is an alpine lake hidden way up in the Himalayas. Because it’s so out of the way, it hasn’t been messed up by businesses, so it’s a great escape for people wanting real, untouched nature. Local stories give the place a magical feel, which draws in people who like mythology. To reach Ghost Lake you have to go through tough trails, thick plants, and rocky ground, which makes it hard but worth it for hikers. People think Ghada Khar Lake gets its water from melting glaciers and secret springs under the ground, which keeps the water super clear all year.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, situated in a high-altitude, remote valley
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: High-altitude trekking routes, dense forests, and hidden mountain viewpoints
9. Seh Lake
Photo: YangGuangWu / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Seh Lake is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Kangra, hidden way up in the Himalayas. It’s got these huge mountains all around and grassy fields. It’s still pretty much unexplored, so it’s great if you’re up for some discovery or just want to get away from it all. The locals think the lake is special like its water has some kind of power. It’s super quiet and pretty, so it’s an awesome spot to chill out, meditate, or take some photos. The water in Seh Lake is so clear that it reflects the sky, and it looks different all day long.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, hidden in the upper Himalayan ranges, requiring a moderate to difficult trek
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Alpine trekking trails, hidden waterfalls, and remote Himalayan villages
10. Kumarwah Lake
Photo: hansbenn / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kumarwah Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake famous for its clear water and natural setting. You can find it way out in Himachal Pradesh, so not many people go there. That makes it great if you like hiking and being in nature. The area has lots of different plants and animals, including rare alpine flowers and, if you’re lucky, some Himalayan wildlife. Locals think the lake is holy. You can see incredible views of the Himalayas. The lake’s calm water reflects the mountains like a mirror, so photographers love it.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, in a remote high-altitude region, requiring a challenging trek
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Alpine meadows, wildlife spotting areas, and scenic trekking routes
The lakes in Kangra provide a special mix of nature, adventure, and spirituality. Whether you want a calm getaway or an exciting hike, these lakes have something for everyone. Plan a trip with TripXL for easy travel plans and expert help, making sure you have a smooth and unforgettable experience in the beautiful landscapes of Kangra.
Cover Photo: Amit J Sangekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
