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Located in the Himalayas, the Uttarakhand lakes provide beautiful landscapes and peaceful places for nature lovers. With snow-covered peaks reflected in their crystal-clear waters and peaceful places perfect for relaxation, these renowned lakes of Uttarakhand are a paradise for tourists. Adventure or peace, the renowned lakes of Uttarakhand have it all. These prominent lakes of Uttarakhand not only add to the beauty of the state but are also of religious and cultural importance. With this blog, discover the top 10 lakes in Uttarakhand that guarantee a memorable scenic vacation.
Top 10 Lakes In Uttarakhand For A Scenic Retreat
Discover Uttarakhand’s breathtaking beauty with our guide to the top 10 lakes, perfect for a serene and scenic retreat.
1. Nainital Lake
Situated in the central part of Nainital, Naini Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Uttarakhand and a must-see. The lake, shaped like an eye, is surrounded by green hills, making it a picturesque spot for boating and walking. The peaceful waters of the lake mirror the surrounding hills, making it one of the most photographed lakes in Uttarakhand for photographers and nature enthusiasts. A serene boat ride, a visit to the nearby Nainital Mall Road, or a watch of the stunning sunset at the lake is feasible. Naini Lake is also one of the largest lakes in Uttarakhand, as it is a religious site.
Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
2. Bhimtal Lake
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhimtal Lake is the largest of Uttarakhand’s lakes and is located approximately 22 km from Nainital. The picturesque lake features a middle island that houses an aquarium, which makes this one of the most visited lakes in Uttarakhand. The lake is lined with dense oak and pine forests, which add to the beauty of the lake. The tourists can opt for boating, kayaking, and birdwatching in the area around the lake. Bhimtal is less populated than Naini Lake, which makes it one of the most desirable lakes in Uttarakhand for those looking for solitude.
Location: Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free (boating charges apply)
Timings: 24*7 (Boating 9 AM – 6 PM)
3. Sattal Lake
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Sattal Lake is a series of seven interlinked lakes, which is one of the most unique lakes in Uttarakhand. Sattal lies near Bhimtal, and the lake is a serene and calm place amid pine and oak trees. Sattal is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers because it is highly diverse. The lake is pristine and less commercialised compared to other popular lakes of Uttarakhand. Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, paddle boating, and camping around the lake, and therefore Sattal is one of the most desired lakes of Uttarakhand among adventure seekers.
Location: Near Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
4. Naukuchiatal Lake
Photo: Shadabferoz / Wikimedia Commons
Naukuchiatal, or the “Lake of Nine Corners,” is one of the deepest lakes of Uttarakhand, and it is a serene and magical retreat. It is located near Nainital and is famous for its crystal-clear water and serene environment. The lake is encircled by dense forests, and therefore it is one of the most famous lakes of Uttarakhand for nature lovers. It is said that one attains nirvana if he manages to see all nine corners of the lake at the same time. This serene lake is one of the most famous lakes of Uttarakhand for boating, parasailing, and fishing.
Location: Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
5. Khurpatal Lake
Photo: sushanta mohanta sindrani / Wikimedia Commons
Khurpatal Lake is a hidden gem amongst the lakes of Uttarakhand, located a mere 12 km from Nainital. Renowned for its emerald-green waters, one of the lesser-explored but favourite lakes of Uttarakhand is a haven for seclusion from the tourist hotspots. Having been a favourite fisherman’s destination once, Khurpatal still remains one of the favourite lakes of Uttarakhand for angling and trekking trails. Nestled amongst dense cedar and pine forests, it is a photographer’s and birdwatcher’s paradise.
Location: Near Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
6. Dodital Lake
Photo: Nikhilchandra81 / Wikimedia Commons
Dodital Lake, which lies at an elevation of 3,024 meters, is one of the most picturesque lakes in Uttarakhand. This lake is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha and has great religious importance, making it one of the most popular lakes in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by deodar and oak forests, Dodital is a perfect destination for trekking and camping. The lake has the endangered Himalayan golden trout and thus is among the most visited lakes in Uttarakhand for tourists who like angling. The Dodital trek begins from Sangam Chatti and has magnificent vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
7. Hemkund Lake
Photo: Japleenpasricha / Wikimedia Commons
Hemkund Lake is situated at a height of 4,329 meters and is among the highest lakes in Uttarakhand. It is a holy pilgrimage destination for Sikhs, and it has the sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara within it, which makes it one of the most popular lakes in Uttarakhand. The lake is frozen throughout the year, with beautiful blue water visible in summer. The Hemkund trek begins from Govindghat and goes through the scenic Valley of Flowers. It is one of the most visited lakes in Uttarakhand for trekkers and pilgrims looking for spiritual peace.
Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: May to October
8. Roopkund Lake
Photo: Franz26 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Roopkund, or the “Mystery Lake,” is one of the most fascinating lakes in Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 5,029 meters, the lake is renowned for the hundreds of human skeletons lying at its bottom, and it is one of the most renowned lakes in Uttarakhand. The Roopkund trek is one of the most adventurous in Uttarakhand and pulls trekking enthusiasts from all over the globe. It is surrounded by high-altitude snow-clad mountains and happens to be one of the popular lakes in Uttarakhand for trekking and exploring. The lake is frozen for almost the entire year and only discloses its haunted remains in the summer season.
Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: May to October
9. Satopanth Lake
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Satopanth Lake is one of the holiest lakes in Uttarakhand, found at an elevation of 4,600 meters close to the renowned Badrinath Temple. This triangular-shaped lake is said to be the site of meditation of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, rendering it one of the most renowned lakes in Uttarakhand for spiritual travellers. The hike to Satopanth is tough but worthwhile, traversing glaciers and breathtaking scenery. The lake is virgin and one of the least visited but favourite lakes in Uttarakhand among experienced trekkers.
Location: Near Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: May to October
10. Tehri Lake
Photo: Goldi.negi / Wikimedia Commons
Unlike the other lakes in Uttarakhand, which are naturally occurring, Tehri Lake is a human-made reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam. It is one of the most renowned lakes in Uttarakhand, famous for adventure sports such as jet skiing, paragliding, and boating. Tehri Lake has become one of the most sought-after lakes in Uttarakhand in a very short span of time, drawing adventure enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts alike. The sheer body of water, fringed by gigantic mountains, is an ideal location for relaxation as well as adventure activities.
Location: Tehri, Uttarakhand
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 24*7
The lakes of Uttarakhand provide a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and pilgrims. From the enigmatic Roopkund to the peaceful Naini Lake, these renowned lakes of Uttarakhand enthral tourists with their stunning beauty. For trekking, boating, or just relaxing, these popular lakes of Uttarakhand guarantee a refreshing experience. Visit these significant lakes of Uttarakhand and get lost in the serenity and beauty of the Himalayan lakes, book your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Prashant Kumar / Unsplash
