Landscape is the art of God. A Lake is its most beautiful feature.
There are many beautiful lakes in North India. But there are a few lakes which I would like to visit again and again, where I can spend eternity doing nothing but just sitting and watching different hues day and night.
Going by the famous quote, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”, I find the following lakes most pristine.
CHANDRATAAL
Chandrataal is a very beautiful lake situated in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is in the shape of crescent so it is also famously known as Moon Lake. This sweet water lake is at an altitude of about 4300metres. It is one of the high altitude lakes of India. Chandra River originates from the Turquoise waters of this lake. You are completely mesmerized by the colours and reflections. This lake is a photographer’s delight. Lots of people visit this lake to capture its different shades in their cameras and also for night photography.
The lake can be reached from Manali via Rohtang pass and from Kaza via Kunzum pass. Earlier it was only accessible by trekking 6kms from Kunzum pass. Now you can take your vehicle up till 1 km short of the banks of the lake. It can be visited only from mid June to mid October, depending upon opening of the passes and road leading to it. Stay options are limited to only a few campsites with basic food.
TSO MORIRI
Tso Moriri Lake in the Changthang plateau is the largest high altitude lake which is entirely in India. This freshwater lake, at an altitude of 4522metres, is fed by springs and two streams of melted snow from high mountain peaks surrounding it. Earlier it had an outlet towards the south, but it got blocked. As a result its water is turning brackish. It was once a source of salt. This magical deep blue water lake is the most beautiful and calm of all the lakes. Mystical landscape around the lake gives this place an extremely romantic and breathtaking feel. This lake is very sacred to Ladakhis.
Tso Moriri has been declared as wetland sanctuary and a protected zone. You can see a few migratory birds, Kiangs (Tibetan wild Ass), marmots and red foxes.
The best time to visit Tso Moriri located at 250kms from Leh is from June to September. As it is at high altitude one should be properly acclimatized to visit this lake. You can find basic accommodation and eateries in the village of Karzok. Pitching tent on the banks of the lake is not allowed.