Lakes in Himachal Pradesh: Everything you need to know | Himstate "Discovering Himachal Pradesh"

Himachal Pradesh is a state in the Himalayas. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, green valleys and sparkling lakes which attract nature lovers and adventure seekers. These lakes are not only travel destinations but also have cultural, historical and ecological importance. In this article, we will cover the lakes of Himachal Pradesh and everything you need to know about them.

In this article, we will answer some of the most searched questions on the internet about the lakes in Himachal Pradesh. We will explore the popular and important lakes, including district-wise details, as well as fascinating insights about the largest, cleanest, and most famous “lakes of Himachal“. Most of these lakes are located at higher altitudes, offering mesmerizing views of the stunning Himalayan mountains.

The hills and valleys of Himachal Pradesh are adorned with stunning lakes, many of which hold sacred significance, playing a vital role in the social and religious life of the people of Himachal Pradesh. The most famous and major lakes are listed below.

List of the popular lakes of Himachal Pradesh

Lake	Location/District	Altitude from the sea Level	Type	Salient Features
Khajjiar Lake	Khajjiar, Chamba	1951 meters	Natural Lake	*Known as Mini Switzerland.* Temple Devoted to Khajji Naag.
Ghadasaru Lake	Churrah Valley, Chamba	3505 meters	Natural Lake	A Kali Temple is located on its bank.
Lama Lake	Piura Dhar, Chamba	3962 meters	Natural Lake	It is a group of 7 lakes.
Manimahesh Lake	Bharmour, Chamba	3950 meters	Natural Lake	Located at the foot of Mount Kailash It is a key destination for the annual Manimahesh Yatra, a pilgrimage held during August-September.
Chanderkup Tal Lake	Pir Panjal Range, Chamba	3450 meters	Natural Lake	It remains snow covered throughout the year Floating icebergs can be seen in the summers
Chamera lake	Chamba	892 meters	Artificial Lake	It is a water reservoir and dam created on the Ravi River as a result of the 540 MW Chamera Hydel Project.
Mahakali Lake	Churrah Valley, Chamba	3657 meters	Natural Lake	This lake situated near Ghadasaru Lake Devoted to Goddess Kali
Suk-Sar Lake	Rewalsar, Mandi	1760 meters	Natural Lake	It is a beautiful lake on the hilltop of Rewalsar town It is the closest attraction to renowned sites such as Rewalsar Lake and Prashar Lake.
Rewalsar Lake	Rewalsar, Mandi	1360 meters	Natural lake	Known for its unique floating reed islands, which are believed to have a sacred connection Revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs alike, making it a symbol of communal harmony. Associated with Guru Padmasambhava, the Buddhist saint who is said to have meditated here before traveling to Tibet. Linked to the legend of Lomas Rishi, who performed penance here. And Home to a Gurudwara commemorating Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to Rewalsar.
Kunt-Bhayo-Sar lake	Rewalsar, Mandi	1700 meters	Natural lake	Situated at the hill top of the beautiful Rewalsar town. Local folklore suggests that Kunti stayed near the lake during the Pandavas’ exile.
Kamrunag lake	Kamrunag, Mandi	3334 meters	Natural lake	Associated with Lord Kamrunag, the deity of rain and crops, revered by locals and pilgrims. Devotees offer gold, silver, and coins into the lake as a mark of gratitude or to seek blessings.
Kal-Sar Lake	Rewalsar, Mandi	1755 meters	Natural lake	Situated at the top of the Rewalsar town.
Pandoh Lake	Pandoh, Mandi	–	Artificial lake	Forms a reservoir that regulates the flow of the Beas River. Part of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) project. Located on the Beas River, along the Chandigarh-Manali highway, making it easily accessible for tourists. 14 Km in length, Smallest artificial lake in Himachal Pradesh
Prashar Lake	Prashar Dhar, Mandi	2730 meters	Natural lake	The lake is unique due to its floating circular island, which moves around the lake A pagoda-style temple dedicated to Sage Prashar stands near the lake, built during the 13th century.
Machhial Lake	Joginder Nagar, Mandi	850 meters	Natural lake	Dedicated to Machindranath (Matsya Avatar), believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Chander Naun Lake	Pabbar Valley (Rohru), Shimla	4267 meters	Natural lake	*Located on the Chanshal peak. Source of Pabbar river.*
Tanni Jubbar Lake	Narkanda, Shimla	2350 meters	Natural lake	Known for its pristine waters and tranquil surroundings.
Karyali Lake	Shali Peak, Shimla	2930 meters	Natural lake	It is the most polluted lake in Himachal.
Gadakufri Lake	Gada Kuffar, Shimla	–	Natural Lake	–
Bhrigu Lake	Kullu	4235 meters	Natural Lake	Held Sacred to rishi Bhrigu
Mantalai Lake	Kullu	4116 meters	Natural Lake	Source of Parbati river.
Servalsar Lake	Jalori Pass, Kullu	–	Natural Lake	A beautiful lake at top of Jalori Pass
Sareul Sar Lake	Kullu	–	Natural Lake	–
Shringtingu Lake	Kullu	4200 meters	Nattural Lake	It was an “abode of meditation” of Shring rishi.
Dhashahr Lake	Kullu	4270 meters	Natural Lake	“It is believed that bathing in this lake helps cure various bodily ailments.”
Renuka Lake (Ramsar Site)	Renuka ji, Sirmour	660 meters	Natural Lake	It is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh. It is shaped like a sleeping women. Legend has it that this lake war formed when mother Renuka was sacrificed by her son Parshhuram in obedience to his father “Sage Jagdambi.”
Saketi Lake	Shivalik Fossil Park, Sirmour	–	Natural Lake	The lake holds cultural importance for the local community and is associated with traditional beliefs and practices.
Chandra tal Lake (Ramsar Site)	Upper Chandra Valley, Sirmour	4270 meters	Natural Lake	Known as the “Lake of Moon”. *Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang called it “Lahotya Sarovar”.* *Source of Chandra River*
Suraj Tal Lake	Lahul Spiti	4800 meters	Natural lake	It is the 3rd highest lake in India & 21st highest lake in the world. Source of Bhaga river.
Una-So Lake	Lahul Spiti	–	Natural Lake
Tso Moriri Lake	Lahul Spiti	4500 meters	Natural Lake	One of the largest lake of Lahul Sopiti. This lake is almost like ab island sea.
Nako Lake	Kinnaur	3662 meters	Natural Lake	Near the lake is a foot-print like impression ascribed to the Buddhist monk Padmasambhava.
Sorang Lake	Kinnaur	–	Natural Lake	–
Kareri Lake	Kangra	1810 meters	Natural Lake	Kareri lake water falls into Layun river
	Macleodganj, bhagsunath, Kangra	1775 meters	Natural Lake	Also known as Bhagsunath lake Temple dedicated to “Lord Driveshwar” located near the lake. Radha astmi fair is celebrated every year at this place
Macchiyal Lake	Mumta, Kangra	=	Natural Lake	Temples of Mata Santoshi and Machhinder Mahadev located at each side of the lake.
Pong Dam, Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservior (Ramsar Site)	Kangra	440 meters	Artificial Lake	Formed on Beas river due to Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam. 42 KM in length After Bharatpur (Rajsthan) only place in India where rare Red-necked Grabe has been found.

Himachal Pradesh is home to numerous breathtaking lakes, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With over 25 significant lakes, the state boasts natural wonders like Chandratal and artificial creations like Gobind Sagar. If you’ve ever wondered how many lakes are in Himachal Pradesh or which is the largest, the answer lies in exploring gems like Renuka Lake, the largest and most famous water body. Whether you’re drawn by Himachal tourism or looking for information for UPSC, these lakes offer something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of these sparkling Himalayan treasures.

List of the popular lakes of Himachal Pradesh

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