Lakes of Himachal Pradesh

Lakes of Himachal Pradesh are glossy, reflective, shimmering, and even dotted with flowers on the shoreline. Most of the lakes are nestled at high elevations and provides picturesque views of Himalayan Mountains; however, the rest are man-made reservoirs and basins which are flanked by nature. Altogether there are more than 25 lakes and reservoirs in Himachal. Most of the lakes in Himachal Pradesh are filled to the brim during the months of summer. The List of Lakes in Himachal Pradesh is given below;

Some of the famous Lakes in Himachal Pradesh’s are:

Maharana Pratap Sagar 

• It is made of Beas River.
• In 1960, a dam was built on the Beas river and this dam resulted in a huge Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake (once known as Pong Lake).
• This huge mass of water varies from 180 sq. km. to 400 sq. km.
• This lake was declared sanctuary in 1983.

Gobind Sagar Lake

• It is an artificial lake formed as a result of the world famous Bhakra Dam on the river Sutlej in district Bilaspur.
• It is one of the world’s highest gravity dams, the Bhakra rises 225.5 m above its lowest foundations.
• Under the supervision of the famous American dam-builder, Harvey Slocum, work began in 1955 and was completed in 1962.

Khajjiar Lake

• Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag – after whom the place is named.
• Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide.
• Khajjiar is also called “Mini Switzerland“.
• The lake remains full of water in all the seasons and requires no rain water for survival.

Manimahesh Lake

• Held sacred to Lord Shiva this lies in the Budhil valley at the foot of Mount Kailash (5,660 metres above sea level), which is perhaps the highest of sacred waters in Chamba district.
• This lake is supposed to bless by Goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva.

Prashar Lake 

• This lake is situated in a cup like valley. A three-tiered Pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage lies by the lake – and he (Prashar Rishi) is regarded to have meditated here.
• No other temple in the Western Himalayas can rival the grandeur of the settings of Prashar Rishi.

Chandra Tal Lake

• Surrounded by snows and acres of scree, this deep blue-water lake has a circumference of 2.5 km. This is the source of the river Chandra.
• It is also called the ‘Lake of the moon’ . Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang called this lake Lohitya Sarover.

Suraj Tal Lake

• The Barachala connects Manali and Lahaul to Ladakh. The name Baralacha means ‘Pass with cross roads on summit’ (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join on the top of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists.
• This pass is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. And the lake which draws a considerable number of visitors – especially in summer – lies by its head. This is the source of the river Bhaga.

Dashir Lake

• Dashir ( also known as Dashaur and Sarkund ) is a very beautiful lake lies near the Rohtang Pass.
• This attractive lake has a depth of 3 to 4 m.

Nako Lake

• The lake is surrounded by willow and polar trees. On the water’s northern side, are four Buddhist temples with stucco images and murals.
• Near Nako is a footprint-like impression ascribed to the saint Padmasambhava. It freezes in winter and people enjoy skating on this lake.

Rewalsar Lake

• The lake is also associated with Nag cult or serpent worshipping.
• The lake water is believed to be flowing underground from Rewalsar to ‘Nagchala’ ( a place 10 km from Mandi on the Mandi-Shimla National Highway ).
• The Hindus believe that it was here that the ‘Lomas Rishi’ held his penance in devotion to lord Shiva. Overwhelmed, Shiva gave the rishi, the seven floating islands in reward. This is a very sacred place.

Lama Dal Lake 

• Held sacred to Lord Shiva, this lake lies amidst bare rock.
• ‘Lama Dal’ means a long lake. It is in the inner slopes of Dhauladhar range. This is a group of seven lakes, the largest of all is Lama Dal. I t is 20 km from Dainkund (Dayankund). It is said to have unknown depth.

Also Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.

External References:

• DisttMandi site

• Himachal World