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 novel expertise to guests. So in the event you’re planning to embark on a journey to witness these frozen wonders, we’ve curated an inventory for an unforgettable winter journey.

1. Cholamu Lake, Sikkim

Perched at an altitude of 18,000 toes above sea stage, Cholamu Lake, often known 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 circumstances contribute to the lake’s attribute freezing through the winter months.

Guests should receive particular permission to entry the world attributable to its proximity to worldwide borders. And given the sub-zero temperatures skilled within the area, it’s advisable to examine the climate circumstances earlier than planning a visit right here.

2. Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh

Tso Moriri, often known 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 affords an enormous expanse of water set towards the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.

As a much less frequented vacation spot amongst vacationers, Tso Moriri is prone to have fewer crowds, particularly through 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 skilled trekking fans. 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, primarily based 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 attributable to a sudden and extreme hailstorm.

Also known as the Skeleton Lake, Roopkund could also be comparatively small, however it’s set towards 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, often known as Tsomgo Lake. This glacial lake is located in East Sikkim and stays frozen through the winter months, making a picturesque scene towards 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 affords extra than simply scenic magnificence. Vacationers can have interaction in actions equivalent 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 known as 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 by 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 remodeled 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 common 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 novel expertise. The lake can 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, positioned close to the border with China. It stands as one of many highest lakes on the planet, 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 by 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 together with his strolling stick blessing it to by no means freeze. To at the present time, 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 numerous 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 likely one of the lesser-known gems in Arunachal Pradesh. Located close to the Sela Go, the lake takes its title from this mountain go.

Each Sela Go 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 towards the backdrop of towering mountains. Nevertheless, 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 type of pure magnificence that makes you’re 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 through the winter giving a novel view of the panorama.

Pangong Tso is likely one of the highest saltwater lakes on the planet. Its excessive altitude and the encircling panorama contribute to the distinctive allure of the place. Ensure you pack heat garments and regulate restrictions, equivalent to roadblocks attributable to heavy snowfalls, if you’re 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 go, Suraj Tal holds sacred significance for the locals. It’s believed that taking a dip in its waters can cleanse one among their sins. The lake can be a frequented vacation spot for trekkers and journey fans as a part of their journey alongside the Manali-Leh Freeway.

(Edited by Pranita Bhat)