Top 5 High Altitude Lakes in India to Visit in 2025

Panny Fack
Jun 5
2 min read

Woman walking along a pebbled lake shore, surrounded by blue water and rugged mountains under a bright, cloudy sky. Calm and serene mood.

From the glacial heart of Ladakh to the meadows of Himachal, India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful high altitude lakes. Whether you're a biker, trekker, or spiritual seeker, these high altitude lakes in India 2025 are more than just scenic spots—they're once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here’s your guide to five iconic lakes you should definitely visit this year.

Best High Altitude Lakes in India for 2025

1. Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Mountain lake with clear blue sky, surrounded by snowy peaks and grassy shores. Tranquil and scenic landscape.

Altitude: 4,300 m | Best Time to Visit: June to September

Chandratal, or the “Moon Lake,” sits like a sapphire in the rugged landscape of Spiti. Surrounded by barren peaks and alpine meadows, the lake mirrors the sky with an otherworldly clarity. A favorite among trekkers and stargazers, its remote location makes every visit feel like a personal discovery.

Chandratal is often the final camping stop on our Spiti Valley expeditions. The starlit sky here is pure magic.

2. Pangong Tso, Ladakh

Jeep and people on a sandy beach by a serene lake, surrounded by barren mountains under a clear sky, conveying a peaceful mood.

Altitude: 4,350 m | Best Time to Visit: May to October

Straddling India and China, Pangong Tso stretches over 130 km, with only a third in India. The lake’s shimmering blues and high-altitude silence create a surreal atmosphere unmatched anywhere else in Ladakh. Despite its fame, it retains its wild soul.

Crossing Chang La to reach Pangong is a rite of passage for bikers and overlanders alike.

3. Tso Moriri, Ladakh

Sunset over a lake with mountains, casting a warm orange glow on a hill. A solitary building sits near the green foreground, under dramatic clouds.

Altitude: 4,522 m | Best Time to Visit: June to September

More remote and less visited than Pangong, Tso Moriri offers meditative silence, wildlife sightings (look for kiangs and migratory birds), and a complete disconnect from the world. It's part of the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and holds sacred status among locals.

We often pair this lake with Pangong on longer Ladakh routes that go beyond the tourist circuit.

4. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Colorful prayer flags flutter by a serene lake with snow-capped mountains and a vibrant blue sky in the background, evoking tranquility.

Altitude: 5,183 m | Best Time to Visit: April to June & October

Situated close to the Indo-China border in North Sikkim, Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. Revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, it's said that the lake never completely freezes due to its sacredness. The surreal white surroundings and extreme altitude make this a true pilgrimage for adventure lovers.

Proper acclimatization is essential—this lake demands both physical endurance and mental reverence.

5. Suraj Tal, Himachal Pradesh

Mountainous landscape with a lake. A yellow sign reads "BRO Suraj Taal." Colorful prayer flags line the road. Cloudy sky, rugged terrain.

Altitude: 4,883 m | Best Time to Visit: June to September

Suraj Tal, meaning "Lake of the Sun God," is India's third-highest lake and lies just below the famous Baralacha La pass. It’s one of the most untouched alpine lakes—remote, rugged, and revered. Surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks and often half-frozen even in summer, it's a favorite among bikers and adventurers traversing the Leh-Manali highway.

You’ll pass Suraj Tal en route to Leh or Zanskar—make sure to stop and breathe in the raw magic of the high Himalayas.

Ready to Explore These Lakes in 2025?

Mountain road with a sign pointing to Gurudongmar Lake. Snow covers the landscape, revealing a small green-roofed house under a blue sky.

Whether it’s camping beside Chandratal, crossing icy passes to reach Pangong, or sipping kahwa aboard a shikara on Dal Lake, each of these lakes tells a story of its land, people, and silence.

If you're seeking curated Himalayan experiences built for soul-stirrers, bikers, and explorers—👉 Join the journey with Panny Fack India