15 Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes In India

Located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, this is one of the most beautiful high-altitude alpine lakes in India. It is situated at a height of almost 4,300 meters above sea level and is flanked by snow-covered mountains on all sides. Chandratal is a very popular lake amongst hikers for its serene beauty and is also considered one of the top trekking destinations in the country. Adventure seekers find it particularly interesting as it stands in a quiet and remote corner amid barren landscapes. The sparkling crystal clear blue water of the lake and the vast variety of birds that you can spot here attract visitors from across the country.

This is yet another of the famous high-altitude alpine lakes that is situated in the Kashmir Valley. Set at a breathtaking height of almost 3,800 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded on all sides by beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks. Known for its magnificent scenic beauty and is highly popular amongst trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Trekking to Tarsar Lake takes you through some of the most scenic trails past quaint countrysides and lush green forests. Camping near the lake is very popular for the excellent views and the gentle sound of water from the streams. 

Kedartal Lake is a glacial lake that is located in the state of Uttarakhand at a height of about 4,750 meters above sea level. The lake attracts trekkers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world as it is among the most challenging trekking destinations and picturesque alpine lakes in India. The lake is surrounded on all sides by some of the most magnificent peaks in the country such as Mt Gangotri, Mt Jogin, Mt Thalay Sagar, Mt Bhrigupanth, and Manda Parvat. The view of the serene lake which almost seems to stretch till it meets the glacier at Mt Thalaysagar’s feet is simply marvelous.

The Gadsar Lake which is an important part of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in India. It is also a popular choice among seasoned trekkers for the sheer beauty of the lake surrounded by tall mountains. The turquoise-blue waters of the lake make it stand apart and an absolutely stunning sight. This lake is also referred to as the ‘Demon’s Lake’ by many of the local population as it is believed that if you get too close to it, it may suck you in. This also adds an element of mystery to the lake. 

The Pangong Tso is known for its immense visual beauty which has also made it a part of several popular movies. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies, the lake forms a picturesque sight that will take your breath away. It is also among the prime alpine lakes in India that boasts stunning crystal clear waters. Situated at an elevation of almost 4,225 meters above sea level, the lake is spread across the area between eastern Ladakh and West Tibet. The massive lake runs about 134 km long and is divided into five sub-lakes. 

One of the highest alpine lakes in the world, the Gurudongmar Lake is situated at a height of almost 5,430 meters above sea level. It is situated in the Indian state of Sikkim to the northeast of the Kangchenjunga range and is merely 5 km from the Chinese border. There are several legends associated with the lake, one of which states that a part of it was touched by the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche. It is said that this part of the lake to this day does not freeze no matter how low the temperature dips. 

This lake is also known as a birdwatcher’s paradise as you can witness a vast variety of migratory birds here including geese, cranes, and grebe grace. The lake attracts a variety of wildlife including marmots and sometimes even the Tibetan wolf. Located at a distance of almost 250 km from Leh, Tso Moriri lies in the Changthang Plateau. It is popularly known as the ‘Mountain Lake’ surrounded by lofty mountains and perched at a height of almost 4,000 meters above sea level. Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake in India that is entirely within the Indian Territory.

The beautiful turquoise waters of the Samiti Lake draw visitors and trekkers to it from various parts of the country. It is situated at an elevation of 4250 meters above sea level and is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains on all sides. It is a relatively small sized lake but is extremely significant as this is where the Teesta River takes birth as a stream that is barely a foot wide. In the winter season, the water of the lake freezes and it attracts a variety of rare and migratory birds from countries like Russia, and China, as well as other parts of India. 

This beautiful lake is actually a combination of seven small alpine lakes and is situated in the Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley. You will come across this lake during the Great Lakes of Kashmir trek but cannot directly see it during the trek. It comes into view once you reach the top and although it is relatively a smaller lake, its beauty is simply spectacular. The lake is a popular camping site for hikers for the beautiful meadows and the breathtaking rocky hills of the mighty Himalayas that surround it. You will also find a variety of flora and fauna around the lake when you camp here. 

This is the last lake of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and is located right on the foothills of Mount Harmukh. It is yet another popular lake on the list of the most beautiful alpine lakes in India which is also known for being a great campsite for trekkers. It is surrounded by stunning meadows and the waters of the lake seem to magically change colors throughout the day. This is because of the cold temperatures and the presence of moss, algae, and other microscopic organisms in the water. If you visit the lake around July, you will still find several floating icebergs in the water lending it a dramatic effect. 

Marsar is one of the alpine lakes in the country that is known for being away from the regular trekking route lending it an air of mystery and allure. While it falls on the Tarsar Marsar Trek, you cannot view it up close but only from above once you reach the height of 1,500 feet. The lake is often hidden by a cover of clouds and can be seen once the weather clears. The area around the lake is not used by trekkers for camping largely because of the legends associated with it. This also prevents the locals from going very close to it or touching its waters.

This is yet another one of the most beautiful alpine lakes that you can find on the Tarsar Marsar Trek. You can easily reach the banks of Sunderesar Lake by walking across the gorgeous meadows surrounding it. As a trekker, you can also camp very close to this beautiful lake and enjoy the striking views and gurgling sound of the water. The waters of the lake are crystal clear and you can also enjoy seeing the reflection of the night sky in it. The stark blue color of the water set against the lush greenery will simply take your breath away. 

You will come across this extraordinarily beautiful lake against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas during the Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Tal Trek. The stunning lake is surrounded by grasslands and white mountains with snow patches that also feed it. If you are here in the evening, you will also see a riot of colors reflecting off the waters of the lake as the rays of the sun glistening on it. There are also a number of mythical stories that are associated with this lake, one of which suggests that this was the path that the Pandavas took. 

Tso Kar is a high-altitude saltwater lake that is located in the Rupshu Valley of the Ladakh region. It is also known as the “White Lake” because its shores are marked with white salt from the water deposits. The lake lies at a height of almost 4,595 meters above sea level. The immense natural beauty of the lake draws visitors from all over the world to it. Travelers also come here to catch a glimpse of the diverse flora and fauna which includes a variety of migratory birds. The lake holds special religious significance amongst the local communities, who believe that the lake has healing properties and visit it for pilgrimage purposes.

Located in the Uttarkashi district, this is a freshwater lake that holds a lot of religious significance as well. It is here where the Assi Ganga rises and later joins the Bhagirathi and is a popular trekking location as well. The gentle Dodhi trek takes you all the way to the scenic Dodital through small settlements, villages, and lush greenery. Also known as the Lake of Ganesha, the Dodital is wrapped in mythology according to which it is the birthplace of the Hindu god Lord Ganesha. Tucked amidst thick woodlands and lush meadows, the lake offers magnificent views from a height of over 3,000 meters above sea level.