New Delhi: As World Lake Day is observed on Aug. 27, India’s lesser-known lakes offer an opportunity to discover landscapes where nature, folklore and local traditions come together. From Ladakh’s stark high-altitude wetlands to Sikkim’s sacred waters, these eight lakes each have a story of their own.
1. Tso Moriri, Ladakh — The Lake Named After A Tragedy
At more than 4,500 meters in Ladakh’s Changthang region, Tso Moriri is a vast blue lake surrounded by mountains and Changpa nomadic settlements. According to local folklore, a young woman named Tsomo chased an escaped yak across the frozen lake, only for the ice to give way. The lake is said to have been named after her.
How to reach: From Leh, travel by road via Chumathang and Mahe to Korzok, the settlement on the lake’s shore. The journey is roughly 240 kilometers, and visitors need the required permits.
2. Tso Kar, Ladakh — The Lake Born From A Divine Sneeze
Known as the “White Lake” because of its salt deposits, Tso Kar is a Ramsar wetland at an altitude of around 4,500 meters. According to local folklore, a wandering lama swallowed a vast lake and later sneezed, with the water that spilled out forming Tso Kar and the nearby Startsapuk Tso.
How to reach: The lake is accessible by road from Leh through the Changthang region.
3. Suraj Tal, Himachal Pradesh — The Lake Of The Sun God
Located near Baralacha La in Lahaul, Suraj Tal is associated with the Sun God and is revered for its striking blue waters. Its name itself means “Lake of the Sun.”
How to reach: The lake lies along the Manali-Leh highway near Baralacha La and can be viewed from the road when the route is open.
4. Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh — Where A Sage Meditated
Perched at 2,730 meters in Mandi district, Prashar Lake is named after sage Prashar, who is believed to have meditated here. One of its most fascinating features is a floating island that slowly moves across the lake.
How to reach: The lake is accessible by road from Mandi, followed by a short approach depending on the route and weather conditions.
5. Khecheopalri Lake, Sikkim — The Wishing Lake
Hidden in the forests of West Sikkim, Khecheopalri is sacred to Buddhists and Hindus and is popularly known as the “Wishing Lake.” According to Lepcha folklore, a girl named Nenjo Asha Lham received a precious gem from the lake goddess. The gem was later lost and is believed to remain in the lake.
How to reach: From Gangtok, travel toward Pelling and then continue by road to Khecheopalri village. The lake is around 34 kilometers from Pelling.
6. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim — The Patch That Never Freezes
At around 5,430 meters, Gurudongmar is among India’s highest lakes. According to Buddhist folklore, Guru Padmasambhava touched a section of the frozen lake, causing that part to remain unfrozen and providing water to local communities.
How to reach: The usual route is from Gangtok to Lachen and then onward to Gurudongmar. Given the high altitude, acclimatization and the required permits are important.
7. Kareri Lake, Himachal Pradesh — Gateway To Seven Sacred Lakes
At 2,934 meters in the Dhauladhar range, Kareri Lake is more than a trekking destination. It serves as the starting point for the Seven Lake Trek, with the surrounding high-altitude lakes traditionally associated with Lord Shiva.
How to reach: Travel from Dharamshala to Kareri village by road and begin the trek from there. The lake is about 14 kilometers from the village.
8. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh — A Lake Linked To Courage
Near Sela Pass on the road to Tawang, Sela Lake is one of the region’s sacred lakes and is often partially or completely frozen in winter. Local folklore associates its name with Sela, a Monpa woman who is said to have helped Indian soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat during the 1962 war.
How to reach: The lake is accessible by road while traveling between Tawang and the Assam side via Sela Pass. The route can be affected by snow and landslides.
These lakes are more than postcard-perfect destinations. Their legends, sacred traditions, wildlife and communities make each one a window into a different part of India’s Himalayan story.
