Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quick Facts About the Lakes of Uttarakhand
- Best Time to Visit
- Weather Guide
- How to Reach
- Getting Around
- Top Things to Do
- Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Accommodation Guide
- Where to Eat
- Budget Breakdown
- Packing Checklist
- Safety Tips & Common Mistakes
- Nearby Attractions
- TripDM Travel Packages
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
I've spent the last decade driving up and down the winding mountain roads of Uttarakhand, and I can tell you straight up: the state's water bodies are its best-kept secret. While most travelers just tick off Nainital and Mussoorie, there is a whole world of emerald tarns and high-altitude glacial waters waiting for you.
Over the years, I've camped by freezing alpine waters, dodged sudden hailstorms near Roopkund, and drunk piping-hot chai from tiny tin stalls overlooking mirror-like waters. In this guide, I'm breaking down the 12 best lakes in Uttarakhand, sharing exact costs, route details, and the mistakes I made so you don't have to.
Quick Facts About the Lakes of Uttarakhand
- Total Major Lakes: Over 20 distinct lakes and tarns spanning Kumaon and Garhwal.
- Highest Lake: Roopkund Lake at roughly 5,029 meters above sea level.
- Deepest Lake: Nainital Lake, plunging down to about 28 meters.
- Primary Regions: Kumaon (known for lake districts like Bhimtal and Sattal) and Garhwal (known for high-altitude trekking lakes like Deoriatal and Hemkund Sahib).
Best Time to Visit
If you want clear skies and green valleys, plan your trip between March and June. The weather is crisp during the day and pleasantly cool at night.
If you're chasing snow and frozen surfaces, head up between December and February. Monsoon (July to August) brings landslides, so I generally advise skipping unless you're an experienced mountain driver.
Weather Guide
| Month | Avg Temp | Crowd Level | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2°C - 12°C | Low | Great for snow, pack heavy woolens |
| Feb | 5°C - 15°C | Low | Clear skies, crisp air |
| Mar | 10°C - 20°C | Medium | Rhododendrons blooming |
| Apr | 15°C - 24°C | Medium | Ideal sightseeing weather |
| May | 18°C - 28°C | High | Peak domestic tourist season |
| Jun | 20°C - 30°C | High | Pre-monsoon showers begin |
| Jul | 18°C - 24°C | Low | Landslide risk, avoid remote treks |
| Aug | 18°C - 24°C | Low | Heavy downpours |
| Sep | 15°C - 23°C | Medium | Lush post-monsoon greens |
| Oct | 10°C - 20°C | Medium | Perfect crisp autumn days |
| Nov | 6°C - 16°C | Low | Temperatures drop sharply |
| Dec | 3°C - 13°C | Low | Early winter chill settles in |
Pro Tip: October is my absolute favorite month for photography. The monsoon haze is completely gone, leaving snow-capped peaks razor-sharp against blue skies.
How to Reach Uttarakhand Lakes
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) serves the Kumaon region (great for Nainital and Bhimtal), while Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun serves Garhwal (best for Tehri and Deoriatal).
- By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station is the main railhead for Kumaon. Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations connect you smoothly to Garhwal.
- By Road: Overnight Volvo and state roadways buses run daily from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Kathgodam, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. From there, renting a cab or driving your own car is your best bet.
Getting Around
Public buses (Roadways) connect major towns, but they run on rigid schedules. If you want to explore offbeat lakes like Naukuchiatia or Khurpatal, hiring a local taxi from Kathgodam or Haldwani for a 3-day round trip will cost around ₹6,000 to ₹8,000.
Top Things to Do
- Boating in Bhimtal: Skip crowded Nainital and rent a kayak or paddleboat at Bhimtal Lake. It's much cleaner and features a cool island aquarium right in the middle.
- Trek to Deoriatal: Hike 3 km from Sari village through dense oak forests to camp by a high-altitude lake that mirrors Chaukhamba peaks.
- Water Sports at Tehri Lake: Go jet skiing, banana boating, and scuba diving at one of Asia's largest reservoir lakes.
- Pay Respects at Hemkund Sahib: Trek to this glacial lake nestled at 4,329 meters surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks.
- Bird Watching at Sattal: Grab binoculars and spot migratory birds around this interconnected freshwater lake system.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Path Lakes
- Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatia (The Lake Trio): While Bhimtal gets busy, Naukuchiatia (the lake with nine corners) has quiet homestays tucked into pine hills.
- Khurpatal: Located just 12 km from Nainital, this emerald-green farming lake is surrounded by terraced fields and offers absolute peace.
- Dodital: A gorgeous freshwater lake at 3,024 meters near Uttarkashi, famous for Himalayan Golden Mahseer fish and serene campsites.
- Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal: Deep trekker lakes in the Garhwal Himalayas that require serious stamina and a registered mountain guide.
Accommodation Guide
| Lake Region | Budget Stay | Mid-Range Hotel | Luxury Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nainital / Khurpatal | ₹800 (Hostels) | ₹2,500 (3-Star) | ₹9,000+ (Heritage Resort) |
| Bhimtal / Sattal | ₹1,000 (Homestay) | ₹3,000 (Lake View Cottage) | ₹10,000+ (Luxury Villas) |
| Deoriatal / Sari | ₹600 (Village Homestay) | ₹1,800 (Swiss Tents) | ₹4,500 (Eco-Lodge) |
| Tehri Lake | ₹1,200 (Guest House) | ₹3,500 (Boating Resort) | ₹12,000+ (Floating Tents/Resorts) |
Where to Eat
Mountain food in Uttarakhand is simple, hearty, and packed with local flavors. When you're visiting these lakes, skip the generic paneer butter masala and try these local staples:
- Bhatt ki Dal: A protein-rich black soybean soup cooked in cast-iron pots.
- Aloo Ke Gutke: Spiced boiled potatoes tossed in mustard oil, turmeric, and local herbs, best served with pahadi chainsoo.
- Mandua Roti: Finger millet flatbread that keeps you warm during chilly lake evenings.
- Recommended Spots: Head to IHeart Café near Bhimtal for great coffee and wood-fired pizza, or stop at roadside dhabas in Sari village for authentic dal and rice.
Budget Breakdown
Planning a 4-day trip covering Bhimtal, Naukuchiatia, and Khurpatal from Delhi? Here is what a realistic mid-range budget looks like for two people:
| Expense Category | Daily Cost (INR) | 4-Day Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹3,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Food & Drinks | ₹1,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Transport (Cabs) | ₹2,500 | ₹10,000 |
| Activities/Boats | ₹800 | ₹3,200 |
| Misc & Snacks | ₹500 | ₹2,000 |
| Total | ₹8,300 | ₹33,200 |
Packing Checklist
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip (crucial for slippery lake shores)
- Windproof and waterproof jacket (mountain weather shifts in minutes)
- Reusable water bottle (say no to plastic bottles near fragile ecosystems)
- Basic first aid kit with altitude sickness tablets and band-aids
- Power bank (temperatures drain phone batteries fast)
Safety Tips & Common Mistakes
Common Mistake: Swimming in unsupervised high-altitude lakes like Deoriatal or Hemkund Sahib. The water is freezing, currents are unpredictable, and many lakes are culturally sacred. Stick to designated boating zones in commercial lakes like Bhimtal.
- Altitude Sickness: If you are trekking to high-altitude lakes like Hemkund or Dodital, ascend slowly and stay hydrated.
- Driving: Mountain roads lack guardrails in certain remote sectors. Avoid night driving unless you know the terrain well.
Nearby Attractions
- Jim Corbett National Park: Just a 2-hour drive south of Nainital, perfect for a tiger safari.
- Mukteshwar: Famous for cliff climbing, apple orchards, and sweeping Himalayan views.
- Rishikesh: The yoga capital of the world, located just downstream from Tehri Lake.
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Conclusion
Uttarakhand's lakes offer everything from lazy afternoon paddleboat sessions to grueling high-altitude expeditions. Pick a couple of spots from this list, pack your bags, and go experience the magic of the mountains for yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cleanest lake in Uttarakhand?
Sattal and Naukuchiatia are widely considered the cleanest and best-maintained lakes, thanks to lower commercial traffic and active local conservation efforts.
Can we camp near the lakes in Uttarakhand?
Yes, designated campsites are available near Deoriatal and Dodital. However, wild camping right on the fragile shores of protected high-altitude lakes is restricted.
Is Nainital Lake safe for boating?
Yes, Nainital Lake has strict safety regulations with mandatory life jackets and licensed boat rowers for all tourists.
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