Lake treks are built around the high alpine lakes of the Himalaya, pools of glacial blue and green set against snow peaks, with some of the most photogenic campsites in the country.
Few sights match a chain of alpine lakes reflecting the peaks above them. These treks combine dramatic scenery with the meditative rhythm of walking from one lake basin to the next.
Few sights match a string of alpine lakes catching the peaks above them. From the Kashmir Great Lakes to Roopkund and Bhrigu Lake, these treks pair dramatic scenery with the calm rhythm of moving from one lake basin to the next. Most sit high, so they read best from summer through autumn once the ice has gone.
The Beas Kund trek is a 22 km round-trip trail in Himachal Pradesh, climbing from Dhundi (2,830 m) to a glacial lake at 3,700 m in 3–4 days. Rated Easy–Moderate and ideal for beginners
Plan your Roopkund trek with our 2026 guide: route, itinerary, permits, costs, best time & packing list for India's mysterious Skeleton Lake at 5,029 m.
The Brahmatal Trek is a 6-day easy-to-moderate winter trek in Uttarakhand reaching 3,682 m (12,090 ft), best done December–February for frozen lakes and Himalay
The Dodital Trek is a moderate 22 km trail in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching a sacred Himalayan lake at 3,307 m altitude — ideal for fit beginners.
Plan your Kareri Lake trek with our 2026 guide covering route, difficulty, permits, cost, packing list, best time to visit, and day-wise itinerary.
Kedartal trek is a 34–36 km round-trip trail from Gangotri to a glacial lake at 4,750 m in the Garhwal Himalayas, completed in 4–5 days, rated Difficult.
The Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek is an ~80 km, 7–8 day strenuous Ladakh trail crossing Kyamar La (~5,460 m) and Polokongka La (~5,190 m), ending at Tso Moriri Lake
The Naranag Gangabal Trek is a 4–5 day moderate-difficult alpine trek in Kashmir, covering ~26–30 km from Naranag (2,150 m) to Gangabal Lake (3,570 m).
Satopanth Lake trek: 48 km round trip from Mana Village to a 4,600 m glacial lake in Uttarakhand, rated Difficult, best done September–October.
How these lake treks compare on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beas Kund Trek | Easy–Moderate | 4 days |
| Roopkund Trek | Difficult | 8 days |
| Brahmatal Trek | Easy–Moderate | 6 days |
| Dodital Trek | Moderate | 5 days |
| Kareri Lake Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Kedartal Trek | Difficult | 5 days |
| Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek | Very Difficult | 8 days |
| Naranag Gangabal Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 5 days |
| Satopanth Lake Trek | Difficult | 5 days |
