India is residence to greater than a lakh lakes, lots of which bear a magical transformation throughout winters. They flip into pristine white sheets of ice, providing a singular expertise to guests. So in case you’re planning to embark on a journey to witness these frozen wonders, we’ve curated a listing for an unforgettable winter journey.
1. Cholamu Lake, Sikkim
Perched at an altitude of 18,000 toes above sea stage, Cholamu Lake, also referred to as Tso Lhamo Lake, stands as one of many highest lakes in India. Situated in North Sikkim, close to the border with China (Tibet), this frozen magnificence is a testomony to nature’s grandeur.
Surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, the excessive altitude and excessive climate situations contribute to the lake’s attribute freezing throughout the winter months.
Guests should get hold of particular permission to entry the realm as a consequence of its proximity to worldwide borders. And given the sub-zero temperatures skilled within the area, it’s advisable to verify the climate situations earlier than planning a visit right here.
2. Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
Tso Moriri, also referred to as Lake Moriri or Mountain Lake, is a surprising high-altitude lake. Located within the Changthang area of Ladakh at an elevation of roughly 15,075 toes above sea stage, the lake boasts breathtaking environment with snow-capped peaks and barren landscapes.
The awe-inspiring panorama is enhanced by a cold breeze and a pervasive sense of serenity within the air. Spanning about 19 kilometres in size and three to five kilometres in width, the lake gives an unlimited expanse of water set in opposition to the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
As a much less frequented vacation spot amongst vacationers, Tso Moriri is more likely to have fewer crowds, particularly throughout the winter season.
3. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
Perched at a peak of roughly 16,499 toes above sea stage, Roopkund Lake stands as a favorite vacation spot for knowledgeable trekking fanatics. Found by a forest ranger in 1942, the lake, at the moment, was not frozen and revealed an intriguing sight — it was crammed with human skeletons!
This discovery ignited curiosity amongst researchers, historians, and trekkers from varied corners of the world. The origins of those skeletons stay a thriller, including to the attract that continues to captivate trekkers. Probably the most broadly accepted idea, based mostly on radiocarbon relationship and different scientific strategies, signifies that the skeletons date again to the ninth century and could also be related to a gaggle of pilgrims or travellers who met their demise as a consequence of a sudden and extreme hailstorm.
Sometimes called the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund could also be comparatively small, however it’s set in opposition to a surprising backdrop, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rocky terrain.
4. Changu Lake, Sikkim
One other enchanting lake and a well-liked vacationer attraction in Sikkim is Changu Lake, also referred to as Tsomgo Lake. This glacial lake is located in East Sikkim and stays frozen throughout the winter months, making a picturesque scene in opposition to the backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.
Merely 40 km from Gangtok, the lake holds vital non secular significance for the native folks, marked by a small temple devoted to Lord Shiva on its banks.
At an altitude of roughly 12,400 toes above sea stage, Changu Lake gives extra than simply scenic magnificence. Vacationers can have interaction in actions similar to yak rides and store for native handicrafts and souvenirs close to the lake. Fortunate guests would possibly even catch a glimpse of a Himalayan black bear or a leopard within the surrounding space.
5. Manimahesh Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled within the coronary heart of Chamba district, Manimahesh Lake is one other frozen gem, located at an elevation of roughly 13,500 toes above sea stage. This sacred lake holds deep non secular significance for Hindus, is believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva, and is called after the height Manimahesh.
Embraced by snow-capped peaks and rugged mountains, Manimahesh Lake is famend for its breathtaking and serene landscapes. The 13-kilometre trek to the lake from the bottom camp at Hadsar takes guests via lush inexperienced meadows, dense forests, and difficult terrains.
As winter units in, bringing a drop in temperatures, the lake begins to freeze, and its environment are blanketed in snow. The reworked panorama turns into a charming sight, drawing each vacationers and devotees alike to witness the ethereal fantastic thing about Manimahesh Lake throughout this season.
6. Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
It will solely be honest to say this magnificence when discussing frozen lakes. A broadly in style vacationer vacation spot in Jammu and Kashmir, Dal Lake is a sight to behold in winter. The lake, with a median dimension of roughly 5 km in size and 1 km in width, is located at an altitude of greater than 5,000 toes.
Throughout winter, Dal Lake can freeze, remodeling the environment right into a winter wonderland, offering a singular expertise. The lake can also be famend for its houseboats and vibrant native life.
The Mughal gardens, together with Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, add to the allure of Dal Lake with their well-manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and historic structure.
7. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
One other gem from the Northeastern states of India is Gurudongmar Lake, situated close to the border with China. It stands as one of many highest lakes on the earth, located at an altitude of roughly 17,800 toes above sea stage.
Fed by glaciers, the lake serves as a supply of streams for the Teesta River, which flows via Sikkim and West Bengal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Gurudongmar Lake stays partially frozen all through the winter.
The lake holds sacred significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. Legend has it that Guru Nanak visited the lake and blessed its waters, believed to own therapeutic properties. One other legend that goes round is that Guru Padmasambhava, on a number of requests from the locals who confronted an acute scarcity of water, touched part of the lake along with his strolling stick blessing it to by no means freeze. To today, that a part of the lake stays unfrozen in peak winters.
In case you are lucky, you would possibly spot some wildlife, because the area round Gurudongmar Lake is thought for its alpine meadows and is residence to varied species — together with the Himalayan blue sheep, yaks, and varied unique birds.
8. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
Situated at an altitude of greater than 13,000 toes above sea stage, Sela Lake is without doubt one of the lesser-known gems in Arunachal Pradesh. Located close to the Sela Cross, the lake takes its identify from this mountain move.
Each Sela Cross and Sela Lake are integral components of the route resulting in the city of Tawang, famend for its monasteries, pure magnificence, and cultural significance.
Throughout the summer time months, the lake transforms into a surprising magnificence with pristine blue waters set in opposition to the backdrop of towering mountains. Nonetheless, come winter, Sela Lake dons a white blanket, remaining frozen for almost all of the winter season.
9. Pangong Tso, Ladakh
One other well-known vacation spot in Ladakh, Pangong Tso is the sort of pure magnificence that makes you are feeling alive. The lake is at a excessive altitude, roughly 14,270 toes above sea stage within the Japanese Ladakh area close to the Line of Precise Management (LAC) with China. The lake is thought for its pristine blue waters that freeze throughout the winter giving a singular view of the panorama.
Pangong Tso is without doubt one of the highest saltwater lakes on the earth. Its excessive altitude and the encompassing panorama contribute to the distinctive allure of the place. Be sure you pack heat garments and keep watch over restrictions, similar to roadblocks as a consequence of heavy snowfalls, in case you are planning a visit.
10. Suraj Tal, Himachal Pradesh
Suraj Tal, which interprets to ‘Lake of the Solar’, sits at an elevation of roughly 16,040 toes above sea stage, making it one of many highest lakes in India.
Situated within the Himalayan area, particularly within the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, the lake is located on the Manali-Leh Freeway, offering accessibility to travellers alongside this route.
Fed by the glaciers of the Baralacha La move, Suraj Tal holds sacred significance for the locals. It’s believed that taking a dip in its waters can cleanse considered one of their sins. The lake can also be a frequented vacation spot for trekkers and journey fanatics as a part of their journey alongside the Manali-Leh Freeway.
(Edited by Pranita Bhat)