Lakes in Uttarakhand – Himalayan Tals, High-Altitude Tarns & Boating

Q: Which region in Uttarakhand is known as the Lake District?

The Kumaon region around Nainital is officially known as the 'Lake District of India' (Chhakhata), comprising Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, and several smaller freshwater bodies.

Q: Which lake in Uttarakhand offers water sports like jet skiing and speed boating?

Tehri Lake (New Tehri) is the premier water sports destination in Uttarakhand, offering jet skiing, speed boating, banana boat rides, surfing, and floating houseboats on the massive reservoir of the Tehri Dam.

Q: What is the highest altitude accessible lake in Uttarakhand?

Hemkund Lake (located at 4,329 m / 14,202 ft in Chamoli district beside the revered Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara) and Roopkund (5,029 m) are among the highest glacial lakes in the state.

Freshwater Paradises

The Jewel Lakes of Devbhoomi

Revered as sacred "Tals", Uttarakhand’s lakes range from tranquil resort waters surrounded by cedar woods to glacial tarns nestled in alpine cirques.

Natural Splendor

From the Kumaon Lake District to Alpine Tarns

In lower Kumaon, the famous Lake District (Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal) is world-renowned for its emerald boating waters, lakeside cafes, and international birding biodiversity.

High up in Garhwal, alpine jewels like Deoria Tal mirror the towering Chaukhamba peaks in mirror-still waters, while sacred Hemkund Lake (4,329 m) reflects snow-capped crags beside the highest Gurudwara in the world.

Celebrated Lakes Across Uttarakhand

Explore elevation, location, key activities, and travel logistics for each famous lake.

Nainital · Kumaon Lake District

Naini Lake

Altitude: 1,938 m (6,358 ft) | Type: Natural tectonic eye-shaped tal

Category: Leisure Boating

Mythology: Formed where Goddess Sati's emerald eye fell during Shiva's Tandava

Highlights: Colorful gondola-style rowboats, paddle boats, yacht club, and evening strolls along the bustling Mall Road.

Explore Nainital Guide

Bhimtal · Nainital District

Bhimtal Lake

Altitude: 1,370 m (4,495 ft) | Type: Largest lake in Kumaon

Category: Island Cafe

Key Feature: Center island housing a walk-in aquarium and open-air cafe reached by ferry

Highlights: Quieter, more spacious ambiance than Nainital; ideal for kayaking, paddle boating, and lakeside resorts.

Explore Bhimtal Guide

Near Bhimtal · Kumaon

Sattal (Seven Lakes)

Altitude: 1,370 m | Cluster of 7 interconnected freshwater lakes

Category: Birding Hotspot

Biodiversity: Over 500 resident & migratory bird species; dense oak-pine cover

Highlights: Forest camping, peaceful kayaking, butterfly watching, and silent nature photography trails.

Explore Sattal Guide

Kumaon · 4 km from Bhimtal

Naukuchiatal (9 Corners)

Altitude: 1,220 m | Deepest lake in Kumaon region (40.3 m)

Category: Adventure & Peace

Lore: Myth says viewing all 9 corners simultaneously brings spiritual liberation

Highlights: Premier paragliding site in Kumaon, peaceful shikara rides, angling, and boutique forest retreats.

Explore Naukuchiatal

Sari Village · Rudraprayag District

Deoria Tal

Altitude: 2,438 m (7,998 ft) | Access: 2.5 km uphill trek from Sari

Category: Mirror Mountain Tal

Mythology: Sacred lake of the Yaksha Prashna dialogue with Yudhishthira

Highlights: Flawless crystal reflection of Mt. Chaukhamba; forest camping among blooming rhododendron woods.

Explore Chopta & Deoria Tal

Uttarkashi District · Garhwal

Dodital Lake

Altitude: 3,024 m (9,921 ft) | Access: 22 km trek from Sangamchatti

Category: Ganesha Birthplace

Fauna: Renowned sanctuary for the rare Golden Himalayan Trout

Highlights: Shaded by dense deodar and pine trees; temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha; onward trail to Darba Top.

Explore Dodital Trek

Water Sports Capital

Tehri Lake: India's Premier Mountain Inland Sea

Created by the colossal Tehri Dam impounding the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, this 42 sq km turquoise reservoir has transformed Uttarakhand tourism.

42 Sq Km Reservoir

Jet Skiing, Houseboats & Aerial Water Sports

Tehri Lake is designed for high-adrenaline adventure seekers. Visitors can zip across the emerald waters on high-powered jet skis, ride banana boats and donut tubes, try wakeboarding, or parasail over the water with views of snow-dusted peaks.

For a leisurely experience, luxury floating houseboats and eco-huts let travelers sleep directly on the water, waking up to misty sunrises over the Garhwal hills.

Summary Table

Uttarakhand Lakes Comparison Matrix

Compare altitudes, road accessibility, activity highlights, and nearby towns across the state.

Lake Name	District & Region	Altitude	Accessibility	Key Highlights & Activities
Naini Lake	Nainital (Kumaon)	1,938 m	Direct road access	Rowing, yachting, Mall Road promenade, Naina Devi temple
Bhimtal Lake	Nainital (Kumaon)	1,370 m	Direct road access	Island aquarium cafe, kayaking, paddle boats, quieter resorts
Sattal	Nainital (Kumaon)	1,370 m	Direct road access	World-class birdwatching (500+ species), kayaking, forest camping
Naukuchiatal	Nainital (Kumaon)	1,220 m	Direct road access	9-cornered mystic lake, paragliding over valley, shikara rides
Deoria Tal	Rudraprayag (Garhwal)	2,438 m	2.5 km uphill trek from Sari	Chaukhamba mirror reflection, forest camping, star gazing
Dodital	Uttarkashi (Garhwal)	3,024 m	22 km trek from Sangamchatti	Golden Himalayan Trout, Ganesha birthplace shrine, oak woods
Hemkund Lake	Chamoli (Garhwal)	4,329 m	6 km steep trek from Ghangaria	Glacial holy dip, Brahma Kamal wildflowers, Gurudwara
Tehri Lake	New Tehri (Garhwal)	850 m	Direct road access	Jet skiing, speed boats, banana rides, houseboats, parasailing

Eco-Tourism

Responsible Lake Tourism & Conservation

Mountain lakes are delicate ecological habitats. Follow these simple guidelines to safeguard Devbhoomi's waters.

Zero Plastic Tolerance

Disposing single-use plastics, water bottles, or wrappers into lake basins is strictly banned with heavy spot fines in Nainital and Bhimtal. Carry reusable insulated flasks.

Mandatory Life Jackets

Local administrations require all passengers on rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, and speedboats to strap on certified life jackets before boarding.

Protecting Avian Habitats

At Sattal and Naukuchiatal, avoid loud music and low-altitude drone flights over the dense oak canopies where migratory birds feed and breed.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers on visiting Uttarakhand's lakes, boating tickets, and optimal seasons.

The Kumaon region around Nainital is officially known as the "Lake District of India" (Chhakhata), comprising Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, and several smaller freshwater bodies nestled among cedar and oak hills.

Tehri Lake (New Tehri) is the premier water sports destination in Uttarakhand, offering jet skiing, speed boating, banana boat rides, surfing, and floating houseboats on the massive reservoir of the Tehri Dam.

Hemkund Lake (located at 4,329 m / 14,202 ft in Chamoli district beside the revered Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara) and Roopkund (5,029 m) are among the highest glacial lakes in the state.