Lakes in Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal is the land of snowy mountains, gushing waterfalls and beautiful lakes. Lakes in Uttaranchal are one of the most famous tourist attractions of this state which allures a number of tourists to this place. Nestled amidst the beautiful Kumaoun hills, Uttaranchal has some of the most scenic places around its lakes and most of them are popular tourist spots of Uttaranchal.

How to Reach Uttaranchal:

Air :- Jolly Grant in Dehradun is one of the important airports and Pant Nagar near Nainital is also another important airport in Uttaranchal.

Rail :- Kathgodam, Haridwar and Dehradun are the major railway stations of Uttaranchal.

Roadways :- Uttaranchal is connected with a good number of roadways throughout the state. These roads connect Uttaranchal to the other regions of the state.

Devaria Tal
This lake lies near Ukhimath in Uttaranchal which is a pilgrimage place. A two kilometer trek will take you to this captivating lake which lays with serenity amongst the mountains. Spread over a diameter of about 700 metres, the reflection of majestic Chaukhamba peak in the lake presents great views. With forests all around, it is a great place for bird watching or you can go for angling. If you are one of those sporty kinds then go for a longer trek route from Ukhimath to Devaria tal, this 8 kilometre trek route is quite steep.

Kedar Tal
This majestic lake is at a height of 4425 mts above the sea level. At a distance of about 18 kms from Gangotri, the lake is very clear and the reflection of Thalaiyasagar peaks comes across as a very beautiful sight. But the trekking to the peak is very difficult and could be tiring even for the experts. Since there are no facilities in the way, you have to go their fully prepared on your own. You will also need a local guide to go to Kedar tal since the route is a bit tricky.

Dodi Tal
Dodital lies close to Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal, Dodital trek is one of the most famous treks of the country. There are many other lakes in Uttaranchal but none like Dodital. Every year hundreds of people come to experience this adventurous trek which can also be quite exhaustive. The name Dodital comes from a particular trout found here in abundance by the name of Dodi. The water of Dodital is also said to be refreshing for skin. Adding to the beauty of this beautiful lake are the snow capped peaks and the oak, deodar and rhododendron trees.

Sahastra Tal & Masar Tal
A trek to Khatlang Glacier will bring you to Sahastra tal and Masar Tal, both of which lie enroute to Khatlang glacier. The lakes lie on the either side of the glacier and the glacier itself is source to river Bhilanga. The best time to take this trek is from June to September. In the trek you are treated to views of the thick forests and meadows. The meadows are laid with flowers in full bloom during the summers.

Nachiketa Tal
29 kilometres from Uttarkashi is Chaurangikhal and a three kilometre trek from here will take you to Nachiketa Tal. You will get an idea of the beauty of the place Nachiketa Tal as you take this pleasant trek through the forests. The lake is located among the tranquility of green surroundings all around and a temple by the lakeside just completes the picture. One can visit this lake anytime round the year.

Bhimtal
Twenty five kilometres from Nainitral, Bhimtal is much more clearer and pristine then Nainital. At a height of 1200 meters, Bhimtal gets slightly warmer in summers (June ) but nonetheless makes a great round the year vacation spot. Spreading over 1701 m by 265 m, it is the largest lake in the Nainital district. There is an island in the center of the lake, where there is a restaurant also. Some ducks have made the lake their home and they blend perfectly with the scenic beauty. You could go for boating here or explore the forests nearby. There are also other sightseeng options like the Victorian Dam, terraced gardens around the lake. A Bhimkeshwar temple nearby, the Museum of Folk Culture and many other such interesting sightseeing options make Bhimtal a good vacation spot.

Sat Tal
On route to Gangotri and 74 kilometers from Uttarkashi is Sat Tal or the seven lakes. These seven interconnecting lakes form one of the most picturesque scenes you will find in Uttaranchal. At an altitude of 1370 meters clustered among the oak forests, Sat tal is a must visit destination. On approaching Sat Tal, the first lake to welcome you is Nal Damyanti followed by the Panna lake and a little ahead are the three lakes by the names of Ram, Laxman and Sita. The best time to be here is eit her in the months of March or April when the trees are loaded with lemons and the aroma fills the air or in September to November when the trees start turning rustic spreading a panoramic view across the forests.

Bhimtal Lake