We all know that Spiti Valley is famous for its serene villages, high mountains and pretty lakes. But do you know that Spiti has some hidden gems as well that you shouldn't miss out on? One of them is Sopona Lake, which is a serene and beautiful high-altitude lake located close to Mane village. It is located at an altitude of about 13,500 feet and has been formed by the ice melting from the Manirang mountain range. The lake is known for its clean environment, gentle walking paths and friendly locals from whom you will get to know about stories of the area. The short trek to the lake shows wide views of Spiti’s brown hills as well as snowy peaks. Choose the best Spiti Valley Tour Packages and read on to know everything you would need to plan the perfect trip to this quiet and less crowded spot.
About Sopona Lake
The lake is a gorgeous high-altitude lake hidden in the silent side of the Spiti Valley. It appears when the snow from the Manirang mountain range melts during the summer. The lake is close to Mane village. The walk to the lake is very serene with the sight of rocky mountains and open valleys. Because the lake is seasonal, it looks different each time you visit. Its calm surroundings, along with its raw natural beauty, make it a must-visit stop for travellers looking for lakes in Spiti Valley.
Altitude: Around 13,500 ft
Location: Near Mane village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Sopona Lake Trek Start Point: The trek begins from Mane Village in Spiti Valley
Trek Distance: The trail is around 5-6 km
Time Needed for trek: It takes 2.5 to 4 hours to reach the lake
Sopona Lake Hike Difficulty: The trek is moderate, with some steep parts along the way
Best Time to Visit Sopona Lake
The best time to visit Sopona Lake in Spiti Valley is between June and September. This is when the snow in the Manirang mountain range melts and flows into the lake. The weather stays clear, so the hiking is safe and pleasant. Days are sunny, and the mountains appear crystal clear during this time. After October, the temperature starts to drop quickly, the trails become risky, and the lake almost disappears because of the cold. The summer months are typically chosen by travellers who want to travel to Spiti in order to enjoy the lake at its best.
How to Reach Sopona Lake
Reaching this lake is a mix of road travel and a short trek. First, you must reach Kaza. This is the main hub of the Spiti Valley. From Kaza, you can hire a taxi or take a local vehicle to Mane Village. Mane Village is the starting point of the trek. The road to Mane is rough in some parts but open during the summer. Once you reach the village, the rest of the journey continues on foot. The trek is around 5-6 km and takes you through open fields, rocky paths, as well as gentle slopes. As you walk higher, the view becomes wider, and you can see the tall peaks around you. A local guide is helpful, especially for first-time trekkers, as the trail is not marked clearly in some areas.
Best Places to Visit Near Sopona Lake
Apart from the serene lake itself, the area around Sopona has several charming spots worth visiting. From traditional villages to historic monasteries, these places to visit in Spiti Valley near the lake give a deeper glimpse of Spiti Valley’s culture and landscapes.
1. Mane Village
Mane Village is the starting point of the Sopona Lake trek and is a beautiful high-altitude settlement. The village is known for traditional Spitian houses, narrow alleys and scenic grazing meadows and walking around the village before or after your trek gives a peek into local life. The upper parts of the village provide a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A brief stay in Mane helps in acclimatisation while contributing to the peaceful Himalayan atmosphere.
Distance from Lake: 5-6 km (trek from upper Mane)
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
2. Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery is a historic cliff-top monastery overlooking the Spiti River. It has Tibetan-style architecture, ancient murals and prayer halls. Elevated high above the valley, it offers stunning views of the river, villages and snow-covered peaks. Visitors often stop here while travelling between Kaza and Tabo, making it a perfect day trip from Mane Village. The peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere give a glimpse into Spiti's Buddhist heritage.
Distance from Lake: 30 km by road
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3. Key Monastery
Key Monastery is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Spiti Valley. It features ancient murals, prayer rooms and panoramic valley views. Historically, it has been a hub of learning and spiritual guidance, and a visit here helps gain an insight into the regional culture and religious ethos. The drive from Mane Village offers scenic valley views, and this makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination. It’s ideal for travellers who want a mix of culture, architecture and mountains.
Distance from Lake: 50 km by road
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” It is famous for its 1,000-year-old murals and Buddhist scriptures. It is located in Tabo village and hence enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery complex consists of several temples with wall paintings and statues. Basically, it is a site for those very much interested in history, art and spirituality. It is often included in the itinerary after exploring the lake and other Spiti attractions
Distance from Lake: 70 km by road
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5. Langza Village
Langza Village is a small, high-altitude village in Spiti noted for its fossil-rich landscapes and enormous Buddha statue perched on the valley ridge. From the village top, you get wide Himalayan views including peaks and the dry valley landscape. Langza tends to appeal to those visitors whose interests include geology, rural life, or broad, open mountain panoramas.
Entry Fee: Free (villages like Langza do not charge entry)
Timings: Always open - accessible during the daytime
Top Things to Do at Sopona Lake
The lake offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature and relax. From trekking to quiet moments by the water, there are a lot of things to do at Spiti Valley at the lake for every traveller here.
1. Trek and Explore
The trek to the lake represents a notable component of any Spiti Valley itinerary. The route from Mane Village stretches for approximately 5-6 kilometres and generally takes 2-4 hours, depending on individual pace. The path leads through the open fields, gentle slopes and rocky trails that enable travellers to witness Spiti’s pristine landscape. Distant snow-capped peaks and wide valleys are visible, while a willfully slow pace allows the traveller more opportunities to click photographs and take in the serene atmosphere of the Himalayas.
2. Photography
The lake is a perfect site for photography enthusiasts. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the calm water creates a natural mirror-like effect. Sunrise and early morning light give magical colours to the peaks and valleys, creating scenes resembling those from painted landscapes. The relative isolation of the location provides the photographer with less tourist presence, offering extended opportunities to frame and compose shots. Anything from a camera to a smartphone will suffice to capture enduring memories
3. Picnic by the Lake
Carrying snacks and water for a picnic is a wonderful way to spend time at the lake. The area around the lake is quiet, away from crowds and surrounded by mountains. Sitting on rocks or grassy spots allows one to enjoy fresh air and scenic views with refreshments. The water and wind create a very peaceful atmosphere. A picnic allows more time to wander in the area and take short walks, amplifying the feeling of seclusion typical of this Himalayan area
4. Birdwatching and Nature Walks
The area around the lake is home to local Himalayan birds and small flora. Walking slowly around the lake or along the nearby slopes, you can spot birds and appreciate the unique plants of this high-altitude region. Nature walks give you a closer view of Spiti’s natural charm and allow moments of peace and quiet away from busy towns. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the crisp mountain air while observing the beauty of untouched landscapes.
5. Meditate or Relax
Sopona Lake is one of the quietest spots in Spiti, making it perfect for meditation and relaxation. Sit by the water, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the stillness around you. The isolation from roads and crowds allows you to focus on your thoughts, reflect or simply watch the clouds and mountains. Even a short session of sitting quietly near the lake can refresh your mind and spirit. This is an ideal way to experience Spiti’s serenity and connect with nature fully.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sopona Lake
Plan for Summer: The best time to visit Sopona Lake is June to September. Snow melts in these months and makes the trek safer. Avoid winter, as the area is extremely cold, and the trail can be risky
Acclimatise First: Sopona Lake sits at a high altitude, so spend a day or two in Mane Village or Kaza to get used to the high altitude before you go for trekking
Carry Essentials: Bring enough water, snacks and warm clothing. The weather can change quickly at high altitudes, even in summer
Hire a Local Guide: If it’s your first trek, a local guide helps you a lot to navigate the trail safely and provides tips that are really helpful about the area
Start Early: Begin your trek in the morning to enjoy daylight and the best views of the valley. Early mornings are also perfect for photography, as well as for spotting local birds
Footwear & Gear: Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also really important due to the strong mountain sun
Respect Nature: Keep the area clean, don’t litter and avoid disturbing local wildlife or plants. The lake and its surroundings are fragile and pristine
Conclusion
This lake is a hidden gem in the Spiti Valley that will guarantee peace, adventure, and natural beauty. Sopona Lake is an experience to be remembered because of the trek across the Mane Village, the serene waters and the mountainous scenery. Be it photography, nature walks, or a quiet getaway that you enjoy, this lake is perfect for travellers looking for something offbeat. Summer is the best time to plan your trip, follow the travel tips and relax and take time to appreciate the Himalayan scenery. Get ready to explore the beauty of this hidden gem during your next visit to Spiti.
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