Lakes in Spiti Valley to Visit On Your Next Trip

Have you ever imagined standing beside crystal-clear lakes with high mountains and quietness all around? If yes, then the lakes in Spiti Valley await you for an experience of a lifetime. These beautiful lakes at high altitudes are like the secrets of nature that remain untouched and pristine. You see them, and it seems that time has slowed for you. Various travellers suggest that the Lakes in Spiti form the real core of the valley, and they both give beauty, calm and adventure simultaneously.

This guide will help you check the best lakes, how to get there, at the right time of the year, and some important facts that you must know before visiting them. And this is where to begin any dream journey into the Himalayas with the Spiti Valley tour package, if you have ever dreamt of such a journey.

Essential Information About Lakes in Spiti Valley

You should know some facts about the Lakes of Spiti Valley before you visit them. The terrain is very high-altitude, so the weather, travel time, and facilities differ from normal hill stations. There is low mobile coverage, limited ATMs, and the air is thin; therefore, be ready. Such information will save you the trouble, and you can simply enjoy being at the lakes.

Mobile Network: The best network is the BSNL, which has a very weak signal in most places.
Altitude: The lakes range in altitude between 3,200 and 4,400 meters.
Precaution: Take time to prevent altitude sickness.
Climate: Even during summer, nights are very cold, so pack accordingly.
Permits: Indian tourists do not require a permit to access Spiti.
Facilities: Some lakes have very limited facilities in terms of food and accommodation.

The lakes in Spiti Valley are not just some places to visit; they are the experiences that you will never forget. Each lake has its own beauty, story, and charm. Every moment is serene, every place unforgettable, from the blue waters of Chandratal to the serene beauty of Nako Lake. It is the best place to be in case you want to escape noise, inhale fresh mountain air, and be more in touch with nature.

Whether you are an adventure lover, a lover of photography, trekking, or of sitting, relaxing, and doing nothing beside water, Spiti provides everything to you in the purest form, and that’s why you should visit Spiti at least once in your lifetime. The mountains are waiting for you to come and are always ready to embrace you with open arms.

Best Time To Visit Lakes in Spiti Valley

The time to go to see the lakes in Spiti Valley may matter. Spiti is a desert of high altitude and coldness; hence, the weather affects both the appearance of the lakes and the difficulty of reaching them. The majority of travellers visit between May through October when roads are open and lakes are at their best. The months are clear, the skies are bright, and the scenery is peaceful in those months.

In case you are an adventure lover, visit it during the first half of summer when you will see the melting of snow by the lakes. July through September is good when you wish to have good weather and an easy time travelling. During winter, several lakes are frozen and roads are shut, thus setting the conditions as difficult. Experienced travellers are the only ones who can travel during winter.

Best months: May to October
Ideal to take photos: June to September.
Best for trekking: Months of July to August
Winters(Nov-Apr): Lakes are still frozen, roads are still shut.

How To Reach Spiti Valley

Reaching Spiti Valley is a journey through high mountains, remote villages and long winding roads. The valley can be reached mainly by road, through two routes: via Shimla (open most of the year) and via Manali (open only in summer). There are no direct airports or railway lines in Spiti, so the final leg of the journey is always by road.

By Road

Road travel is the only direct way to enter Spiti Valley.

1. From Shimla

Usually open throughout the year, with occasional closures in winter due to snowfall.
Suitable for gradual acclimatization to high altitude.
Major stops: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Reckong Peo → Tabo → Kaza

2. From Manali

Open roughly from late May to early October, depending on snow clearance at Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass.
Shorter but steeper and more challenging.
Major stops: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Gramphu → Batal → Kunzum Pass → Kaza
A permit is required to cross Rohtang Pass when coming from Manali.

By Air

Spiti Valley does not have an airport. The nearest airports are:

Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) — About 235 km from Kaza; suitable only when the Manali route is open.
Shimla Airport — About 445 km from Kaza; works well for the Shimla route but has limited flights.
Chandigarh Airport — About 500 km from Kaza; best connectivity from major Indian cities, after which travel continues by road.

After reaching any of these airports, travelers must hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Spiti.

By Train

There is no railway station in Spiti. The closest railway options are:

Shimla (Narrow Gauge) — Scenic route, connects from Kalka.
Kalka — Well connected to major cities.
Chandigarh — Easiest option for road travel towards Spiti.

From these stations, one must travel by road to reach the Spiti valley, buses and taxis are available direct to Spiti from the station.

The 5 Best Lakes in Spiti Valley

Before beginning your journey to the most beautiful lakes in Spiti Valley, here is a brief glimpse of the same. These are not ordinary lakes; these lakes are experiences. All lakes are unique in terms of stories, colour and magic. Be it a nature lover, trekker, photographer or just a person who wants to have a bit of peace, these Famous lakes in Spiti Valley will leave you in love at first sight. The best 5 lakes in Spiti Valley have their unique offerings as given below.

1. Chandratal Lake

One of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Spiti Valley is called Chandratal Lake or the Moon Lake. It is painted in bright blue, has crystal-clear water, and is of the shape of a flawless crescent; hence, it appears as a painting. If you go there at sunset or sunrise, you will witness that the mountains and sky are reflected in the lake so well that it seems like a fantasy. It is among the most famous Lakes in Spiti, which is well known by trekkers and campers. It is also referred to as the most cherished frozen lake in Spiti Valley during the winter times, since it becomes pure white and appears to be enchanted.

How to Reach: You can go through the Manali-Batal road and then take a 1.5 km walk from the parking.
Highlights:
Altitude: 4,300+ metres
Famous for camping
Perfect for photography
Spiti is a good trekking location.

2. Dhankar Lake

Dhankar Lake is located on a hill, and the Dhankar Monastery is very old. It is a little uphill walk to this lake, but it is worth the walk. Dhankar Lake is a serene place that every tourist can enjoy due to the presence of rugged brown mountains. It is not known to many people, and thus, you can explore the place nearly all to yourself, which makes it one of the most relaxing lakes in the Spiti Valley. The lake is a refuge of nature, which is claimed by many travellers due to the calm environment and the golden reflections at sunset.

How to Reach: After reaching the Dhankar village, you have to trek for 40- 60 minutes to reach the lake.
Highlights:
Ideal for trekkers who are beginners.
Near the renowned Dhankar Monastery.
Exquisite to take a stroll in the woods.
It has panoramic views of the Spiti area.

3. Suraj Tal

Suraj Tal is a lake of the highest altitude in India and can be considered in the list of the best lakes in Spiti Valley. This lake is situated close to the Baralacha Pass, and it resembles a shining mirror under the sun. The Suraj Tal is translated to Lake of the Sun, and the water literally shines in the clear sunlight. The bikers and road trippers love the lake, as it is situated along the Leh-Manali road. During winter, it transforms into a beautiful frozen lake in Spiti Valley, which is totally covered in ice.

How to Reach: You can reach here directly by road. It is situated beside the Manali-Leh Highway near Baralacha Pass.
Highlights:
India's third‑highest lake
Very popular among bikers
Close to Baralacha Pass
Best for adventure lovers

4. Nako Lake

This lake is located in a serene village called Nako, which resembles a postcard come to life. Nako Lake has a serene and soothing effect because of all those tall willows and poplars. Everything in the surroundings, the trees, mountains and the clear blue sky is reflected in the still water, making it one of the most photogenic lakes in Spiti Valley. Small temples also surround the lake, making it a good place to be in if you are interested in the culture. Nako Lake is a place where people usually come to rest, meditate, or simply appreciate the serenity of nature.

How to Reach: You will find the lake sitting right in the centre of the Nako Village after driving through the NH-505.

Highlights:
Situated in a religious village
Great for peaceful evenings
Very easy to access
Beautiful reflections of boats and trees on the water.

5. Sopona Lake

Sopona Lake is a mystical high lake, which is located near Mane village. The unique thing about this lake is that it does not exist all year round, and it is a seasonal lake that can be seen only in certain months. The hiking trip to Sopona is among the best adventures since one gets to see green fields, tiny streams, and local villages. The lake presents unbelievable landscapes of the Manirang Range, thus being among the lakes that are a must-visit in Spiti. Due to its natural and unadulterated beauty, several travellers would refer to it as one of the least known lakes in Spiti Valley.

How to Reach: You have to trek for around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake after reaching the Mane village by road.

Highlights:
It is characterised by seasonality.
Boasts of breathtaking Manirang view.
Perfect for adventure and trekking enthusiasts.
Less crowded and peaceful

Conclusion

The lakes in Spiti Valley are not just some places to visit; they are the experiences that you will never forget. Each lake has its own beauty, story, and charm. Every moment is serene, every place unforgettable, from the blue waters of Chandratal to the serene beauty of Nako Lake. It is the best place to be in case you want to escape noise, inhale fresh mountain air, and be more in touch with nature.