5 highest lakes in India that will 'heighten' your excitement
What's the story
The Himalayas is home to many highest lakes in India that are waiting to be explored. During the winter season, these high-altitude lakes get completely covered with snow, making them way too stunning than you can even imagine! Having said that, here are the five highest lakes in India that you must plan a visit to.
High altitude
Gurudongmar Lake
Located in Sikkim at an altitude of 5,425 meter, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in India. It is believed that Indian Buddhist master Guru Padmasambhava visited a village nearby and found the local people unable to get fresh drinking water. Padmasambhava thawed a large area of this frozen lake. The lake is also termed one of the 108 "Tso-Chen" of Sikkim.
Religious importance
Suraj Tal
Located at an altitude of 4,890 meters above sea level, just below the Baralacha Pass, Suraj Tal is a holy lake from where the Bhaga River originates. The Bhaga River flows downstream in Tandi to form Chandrabhaga. Having religious importance for locals, this crystal clear lake offers a beautiful reflection of the snow-capped mountains. Dawn is the best time to visit this beautiful lake.
Popular tourist spot
Tsongmo Lake
Surrounded by forests and magnificent hills, Tsongmo Lake is located close to Gangtok and sits at an altitude of 3,658 meter above sea level. A popular spot among tourists, this lake has a great value attached to both Hinduism and Buddhism. It changes colors according to different seasons due to natural reasons. It is sapphire blue in spring and ink green in winter!
Highest lakes in the world
Tso Lhamo Lake
Known as one of the highest lakes in the world, Tso Lhamo Lake or Cholamu Lake in North Sikkim is nestled at an altitude of 6,187 meters. Located close to the Tibetan border, one needs an Army-approved permit to visit this freshwater lake. Listed as one of the "Tso Chen" of Sikkim, the lake is also the origin of the Teesta River.
Scenic lake
Pangong Lake
Do you remember the beautiful scenic lake from the 2009 film 3 Idiots? Yes, that's Pangong Lake located at an elevation of 4,225 meters above sea level! Known as the world's highest saltwater lake, it lies close to the Sino-Indian border with 50% of the lake being in Tibet and 40% in Ladakh. You would need a permit to visit this lake.