Gobind Sagar

An artificial reservoir on the River Sutlej, Gobind Sagar Lake is a beautiful water body in Himachal Pradesh. Founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, the tenth guru of Sikhs, the lake is an important place of Sikh worship. The water is mostly stagnant here, therefore a favorite among anglers. The water is home to almost 51 species and subspecies of fishes. Boating is a pleasant experience, mostly motorboats are available. One can also try out the speed boats or the paddle boats for a peaceful experience.

Named after the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh and Gobind Sagar was confirmed as a water fowl harbor in 1962. Numerous ornithologists and nature lovers are thereby attracted to this place.

Dashir Lake

Lake formation consists of an integral part of the Himachal landscape. Some are millions of years old formed due to the Tectonic movements, others are relatively new. These perennial lakes are also different in character. If one lake is frozen throughout the year, others still are hot geysers where temperature reaches to 50 degree centigrade.

Dashir Lake situated at a high altitude, is one of the most beautiful lakes that can be found in the Himachali region. Located near Rohtang pass (which connects Kulu district with Lahaul) this lake is a veritable treasure trove for nature lover. Crystal clear cobalt water makes you see right through the lake.

Khajjiar Lake

In the shadow of the snow-covered Himalayas, Khajjiar Lake is the most spectacular of lakes. Surrounded by cedar forest, the lake is located at an elevation of 1920 m. The small water streams of the Himalaya act as a source for the Khajjiar Lake. One can also visit the Khajinag temple which features fine wood carvings and a gold dome.

The lake is a popular tourist spot of Khajjiar where people can enjoy numerous recreational activities or can enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The site is perfect to spend some moments of solitude far away from the hustle and bustle of the modern crowd. It offers peace and tranquillity to the visitors.

Khajjiar Lake holds a strong association with the legends. The lake is a paradise which makes one realize that there is no place like it in the whole world. On a clear and sunny day, tourist can enjoy the amazing view of Mount Kailash from the Khajjiar Lake. The main attraction of the lake is the floating island which is actually a cluster of grass and weed growing on the surface of the lake.

Manimahesh Lake

Manimahesh Lake is commonly known as the 'Dal Lake', and is nestled at an elevation of 4080 m on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The peak of Manimahesh Kailash is regarded as one of the mythical abodes of Shiva.

One can see the traces and stories of the pious lake in many mythological. Manimahesh lake is revered by the people of Gaddi tribe and Hindus. People of Gaddi tribe know the lake as 'Shiv Bhumi' (Land of Shiva). The lake is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the mighty peak is the abode of the Hindu deity.

Legends say that the lake was created by Lord Shiva after he married Goddess Parvati. As per another account, it is also claimed that Lord Shiva performed penance here for seven hundred years, and the water started flowing from his tangled hair which later took the form of a lake. The lake is in the shape of the saucer and is divided into 2 major parts. The larger part is known as 'Shiv Karotri' (the bathing place of Lord Shiva); meanwhile the lower part is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, 'Gauri Kund' (the bathing place of Parvati).

Dal Lake

Quaint and clam, Dal lake is filled with greenish water. The lake is shielded by the rugged mountains and luscious forest of deodar trees. On the bank of the Dal lake, tourists can see the famous Shiva temple.

Dal lake is mostly visited by tourist during the month of September as a fair is organized on the bank of the lake which is attended by the people of the Gaddi tribe in a large number. The fair is celebrated to mark the presence of Lord Shiva. Dal lake is a perfect site to laze around with picnic baskets as one can enjoy boating and many other activities.

Flanked by lush greenery and blooming trees, the placid Dal Lake is counted amongst the major tourist attractions of McLeod Ganj.

Renuka Lake

While most of the lakes in Himachal Pradesh are famous for their untouched beauty, Renuka Lake in Sirmaur district is famous for its cultural and historical connection. The tourist can experience some of the breathtaking views when they reach the ridge of the lake while passing through the dense alpine forest. The lake is located at an elevation of 672 m above sea level. Renuka Lake is the largest lake (area wise) in Himachal Pradesh, covering a circumference of about 3214 m.

It is believed that the lake is an embodiment of Renukaji, the mother of Parshurama - one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu –and wife of the sage Jamadagini. As per the stories told by the locals, once an evil named Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini (Renuka ji's husband), and attempted to abduct his wife Renuka, but she threw herself in the lake to escape from him. Many gods and goddesses tried to bring Renuka out of the lake, but she decided to stay permanently in the river. After her death, Lake Renuka was formed.

Chandertal Lake

Chandertal lake alias the moon lake is a crescent-shaped basin, surrounded by the gigantic Himalayan Mountains on all the sides. The lake is located in Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 14100 ft. Earlier, the lake was the resting point for the traders and voyagers who used to come from Tibet or Ladakh.

The Chandertal Lake is accessible only during the summer months i.e. June, July, August and September, and for the rest of the year the lake remains frozen. One will get awestruck when they will see that the color of the lake keeps on changing with the color of the sky. The shimmering lake is flanked by the green-carpeted Chandra Baga mountain range.

As per the legends, it is the spot from where Lord Indra took the eldest Pandava brother, Yudhishtra in his human form to Swarga, in his chariot. People of the neighbouring villages believe that the lake is often visited by fairies at midnight.

Nako Lake

Nako Lake is a small secluded reservoir which can charm anyone with its pristine natural beauty and cultural innocence. The spiritual lake is the secret hideaway in the mystical land of the Himalaya. The lake is nestled at an elevation of 3662 m, surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Groves of willow trees surround the lake, making for a fascinating sight.

Nako lake is bounded by 4 Tibetan temples. Close to the temple, there are four caves which are believed to be the meditation site of saint Padmasambhava. These were the caves from where Guru Padmasambhava gave disclosure to his followers.

There is a waterfall nearby the lake which as per legends and locals is regarded as the heavenly abode of fairies. It is also said that, it's not at all easy to find the waterfall as there is no marked trail leading to it. During the month of September, tourist can enjoy boating on the shimmering lake or relish the beauty of the enchanting mountains.

Parashar Lake

The pristine blue Parashar Lake is located amidst the Dhauladhar ranges of Kullu. Other than its charismatic beauty, the place is famous for the three storied temple which is located on the bank of the lake. The temple is dedicated to the sage Parashara, and it is also believed that the saint meditated here for quite a long time. Bansen the king of Mandi got this temple built in the 13th century in Pagoda style. It is believed that the local temple of Prashar Rishi is made of one Deodar tree. The riveting "Himachali" architecture of the temple blends perfectly with the landscape.

As per the legends, when the Mahabharata ended, the Pandavas made their way with Dev Kamrunag to find a suitable place for their deity. They landed at this place where the lake is currently located. When the deity and Dev Kamrunag saw the place, they were enchanted by its beauty and decided to stay there for the rest of their lives.

Suraj Tal Lake

Suraj Tal Lake is quite close to the Baralacha Pass, which is considered as the meeting point of the roads leading to Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar. The Baralacha Pass is also known as "the pass with crossroads on the summit." The name, Suraj Tal, is derived from 2 Hindi words; Suraj meaning Sun and Tal meaning lake. This is the reason the basin is revered as the "lake of the Sun God." Legends say that a holy dip in the Suraj Tal Lake can purify one from all the sins.

Suraj Tal Lake is created by the streams of the Bhaga river (based on which this entire valley is known by the name Bhaga Valley today). During the month of summer, the water is drawn from the surrounding mountains and nearby glaciers. Bhanga valley on which the lake is situated is an enthralling and divine sight for the eyes. In the valley, two rivers: Bhaga River and Tandi River mingles and make their way to the narrow and slandered hills of the region. Close to Suraj Tal, the small Deepak Lake is yet another important stopover.

Pandoh Lake

Himachal Pradesh has been a popular retreat for generations of British officials, and later, scores of city-dwellers. Think of Himachal Pradesh and visualize luscious alpine forest, gigantic mountains and sparkling serene lakes. There are endless destinations in this vivacious land which tourist can't afford to miss; one such place is Pandoh Lake. The deep blue lake is a delight for all the photographers.

The major source of lake water is Pandoh dam which helps in diverting the river for power generation. Pandon Lake acts as a basin for Pandoh dam and comes under the administration of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Pandoh Lake is a major attraction for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.