Lake Treks in Himachal Pradesh: Best Himalayan Lake Treks

Also known as 'Land of Snowy Mountains, Himachal Pradesh has trekking routes to offer for trek lovers at every level. Be it shady pine forests, stretched out alpine pastures, glacial valleys, or high altitude lakes;trekking experiences in Himachal are abundant and caters to every age-group and every trekker, be he a novice or a pro. Nevertheless, despite offering numberless routes the most popular treks in Himachal Pradesh include lake treks as they are a blend of adventure, the magnificent view of mountains and motionless water. Best of all the picturesque lake treks in Himachal Pradesh include Bhrigu Lake trek, Beas Kund trek, Chandratal lake trek and among few others. While on all these routes you pass through lush green meadows and coarse mountain terrain, glacial terrains and views of Himalaya ranges to be cherished for lifetime.Table of ContentsOverviewLake Treks in Himachal PradeshTips for Lake Treks in Himachal PradeshConclusionHimachal Pradesh's lake treks are just as satisfying. Here is where you should go for a good measure of adventure, mountains and nature. The trails are of varying degrees of difficulty, all except one requires moderately good trekking aptitude due to altitude and trails. A lake trek will have a fair mix of meadows, forests and trails through rocky sections, glacial fields and stark high altitude scenery. Trek to the Beautiful Bhrigu Lake (close to Manali) will traverse through mesmerizing alpine meadows and an alpine lake at high altitude. Beas Kund trek will walk towards the glacial stream the Beas, amidst the highest peaks near Solang Valley and trek to spectacular Chandratal where Moon Lake shines vibrantly, enwrapped with the harsh Spiti desert landscape. Best for photography, nature and adventure junkies.Lake Treks in Himachal Pradesh1. Bhrigu Lake TrekSTARTING POINT: GulabaENDING POINT: Bhrigu LakeDIFFICULTY LEVEL: ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 14–16 KM (Round Trip)BEST TIME: May to OctoberAmong the popular treks, one of the best high altitude lake treks close to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Bhrigu Lake Trek is listed one. The Bhrigu Lake is about 4300 meters above sea level and it is situated amidst tall Himalayan peaks as well as splendid alpine meadows. Bhrigu lake trek in Manali is very renowned for its wonderful green grasslands and that makes it such attractive and enjoyable trek for most of the trekkers, most especially during summers and early autumn season. This most liked and celebrated Bhrigu Lake treks is normally begun from a gorgeous location nearby Manali known as Gulaba. As one would climb up slowly with gradual ascent, the walk from forested paths to the open green grasslands are something. The Bhrigu Lake trek pass through amazing meadows that makes this path the part of most famous Manali treks. The hikers/trekkers can see great view of close peaks that surround the valley, if sky is clear enough. The Bhrigu Lake is wonderful and stunningly beautiful high altitude lake set by lofty rocky mountains, and it varies in structure and appears during varied seasons and also can be seen as snowy/frozen lake at the time of winter season. It is the most chosen destination for many trekkers due to different landscapes they pass through on just small stretch of trekking route that takes through vegetation regions, lush green meadows as well as rocky paths towards elevated region. Even though, it’s just moderate trek it still feels taxing sometimes because the hike will reach 4300m height and that’s how trekkers should befit in reasonable shape to successfully have trekking trip experience along Manali with excellent view of Bhrigu lake. It won’t take much time.2. Beas Kund TrekSTARTING POINT: Solang ValleyENDING POINT: Beas KundDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 15–16 KM (Round Trip)BEST TIME: May to OctoberDeep in a spectacular part of the Indian Himalayas outside the hill-resort of Manali lie the trekking trails to the Beas Kund a shimmering glacial lake said to be the mythical birthplace of the river Beas. Surrounded by alpine ranges snow-capped mountains glaciers and with incredible panoramas along the route a trek into the high-altitude country of Himachal Pradesh this is a trail accessible for all those willing to venture to high altitudes. In most commonly followed itineraries of the trek the route to the Beas Kund begins at the intrepid gateway at Solang valley one of Manali’s more favourite portals into the high mountain altitudes of the region. Starting the day from Solang valley the trek rises in the forms of well-trodden routes snaking through streams verdant pastures boulder fields and gradually begins to enter into what is the character of this mountain terrain. After several hours of hiking trekkers enter the higher more arid and rocky section of the hike. Clearly one of the more evident splendours of this hike to the Beas Kund has to be the truly overwhelming natural beauty it affords. Panoramic views of many great Himalayan peaks that surround this stretch include those of Hanuman Tibba and many other great giants surrounding the whole Solang valley area. It simply comes out a treat to see the snow clad monoliths under a bright Himalayan blue. And of course the Beas Kund itself an isolated high altitude glacial lake in a secluded natural amphitheatre fringed by rough rocks glacial debris snow and the dramatic glacial wall and that in itself stands contrasting in its rustic nature to the green rolling hills that can be found at the lower elevations of the trek. This indeed will offer remarkable chances to the visitor to behold the originating point of the great Beas river a phenomenon. Considering the shortness of the total length the hike to the Beas Kund has an altitude gain that demands significant attention and preparation as nature of mountain weather can change significantly throughout the day and season. Ideally the season for trekking to the Beas Kund Trek starts from late spring summer and can be extended into early autumn, though nature of condition under foot changes with season. The journey through the Beas Kund trekking trail shall offer the vista like no other you can imagine in a lifetime to those venturing into nature’s pristine abode.3. Chandratal TrekSTARTING POINT: BatalENDING POINT: Chandratal LakeDIFFICULTY LEVEL: ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 14–16 KM (Round Trip)BEST TIME: June to SeptemberThe Chandratal Trek, one of the most beautiful lake trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh, lies in the Spiti Valley in the upper Lahaul at an elevation of over 14,100 ft (4,300 m). Chandratal is better known as the "Moon Lake" on account of its crescent shape and is a stunningly clear blue lake surrounded by high mountains with barren terrain and wide-open valleys adding a lot of contrasts with green valleys around Manali. This trail is famed for its splendid high-mountain scenery. Most treks in Himachal are well forested; Chandratal being different has more barren, cold-desert like terrain. A combination of blue waters and brown mountains mixed with white-capped peaks make for a wonderful trek and photograph. As trekkers reach the lake after traversing rocky slopes and high altitude landscape, they will feel very close to heaven with towering mountains defining the valley in which Chandratal glistens. Chandratal Lake itself being the focal point is an immense high-altitude lake with clear blue water in good weather which reflects the scenery around it, and holds special significance due to the legends and natural attributes tied to the Spiti Region. The journey up to Chandratal is just as rewarding as the lake itself. One can get a real feel for the unique landscapes and culture of the Spiti Valley as it is very secluded from the rest of Himachal Pradesh, and the clear dark night skies above Chandratal are ideal for astro tourism. Trekkers should be aware that this high-altitude trek will require acclimatization due to the extreme altitudes. As the weather in the mountains can be extremely unpredictable, adequate clothing, warm clothes and other necessary trekking equipment would also be needed.Tips for Lake Treks in Himachal PradeshCheck the weather and trail conditions before starting the trek.Carry warm layers because temperatures can drop quickly at higher altitudes.Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.Stay hydrated throughout the trek.Follow proper acclimatisation practices at high altitudes.Carry basic medicines, first-aid supplies and personal essentials.Avoid littering and carry all waste back with you.Follow local trekking guidelines and respect the environment.Start your trek early to make the most of daylight.Hire a local guide or trek leader when required, especially on unfamiliar routes.ConclusionVarious flavors of Himalayan beauty can be viewed on these Lake treks in Himachal Pradesh. The best part about these trek experiences is that all of them offer something different about Himalayas; from the meadows and alpine settings of Bhrigu Lake, to glacial environment as seen in Beas Kund trek and to experiencing a high-altitude cold desert scenario around Chandratal Lake. If you plan to do nature trek close to Manali then, Bhrigu Lake is worth visiting and on the same logic, if you wish to venture out for rugged terrain of Spiti to witness the beauty of Chandratal Lake, this would provide a true expedition that you crave for. Lake trekking offers you ample opportunity to truly feast in the wonder of mountains, beauty of nature and high altitude panorama if performed by applying appropriate amount of fitness, practice and conscious choices. The trek experiences to Bhrigu Lake, Beas Kund lake and to Chandratal are without any doubt unforgettable episodes of the expedition that goes in the annals of the Himalayas.