Little known lakes of Dhauladhars

With Triund saturating and concerns being raised regarding the damage to ecology due to the heavy flow of tourists and commercial exploitation of the summit pristine lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges can act as ideal trekking sites that can attract highend tourists and adventure seekers from across the world

Updated At : 01:35 PM Jul 27, 2019 IST

There are eight lakes in the Dhauladhar mountains. Lamdal lake is located at a height of 13,200 feet from the sea level. Tribune Photo

Lalit Mohan

With Triund saturating and concerns being raised regarding the damage to ecology due to the heavy flow of tourists and commercial exploitation of the summit, pristine lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges can act as ideal trekking sites that can attract high-end tourists and adventure seekers from across the world.

The lakes in case exploited, keeping in view the fragile ecology of higher mountain ranges, can also provide employment to the local youth and help in improving the economy of remote villages en route. They can attract trekkers, who love adventure and mountaineering, from across the world.

RS Rana, an advocate and a trekker who has rambled across the virgin areas in high-altitude ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, says: “Some lakes in Dhauldhars stretch across kilometres and can be easily reached by trekkers. A visit to these lakes is treated like Mansarovar yatra by local gaddi tribals. The tribals visit some of these lakes every year. They are so sensitive to the ecology of the area that they do not touch any vegetation around the lake for the fear of divine wrath.”

He said there are eight lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges along Dharamsala that can be reached within one or two days on foot. While three lakes are small, the other three are of good size.

The Lam Dal lake located at an altitude of 13,200 feet is biggest of all lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The lake stretches to an area of about 2 square kilometre. Having such huge lake at such an altitude is mesmerising. To add to it, it is surrounded by perennial glaciers. The local Gaddi tribals visit the lake on Janamashtami.

“There are three treks to reach the lake from Dharamsala. The first trek goes from Kareri lake, about 8 km from Dharamsala. The base camp for the said trek can be made at Bagga village, near the lake. The trek comprises steep gradient after Bagga village and trekkers reach the lake in two days,” said Rahul Rana, another trekker who frequents the area from Dharamsala.

The other tracks to the lake are from Ghera village and Triund. Rana said: “The lake is so beautiful that its colour changes as one sees it after 10 paces. This might be due to the reflection of mountains overlooking the lake. The orchid plants are in full blossom this season around the lake.”

The other major lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges that attract trekkers and adventure seekers include Kalika lake and Chander Kup lake. Chander Kup is located at the highest altitude. It is located at an altitude of above 14,000 feet from the sea level.

The state government has been talking of promoting eco-tourism in the state. However, in the name of ecotourism, just a few roadside sites have been developed. In case the eight lakes in Dhauladhar mountains are developed, these can attract adventure seeking tourists from across the world.

Some lakes in Dhauldhars stretch across kilometres and can be easily reached by trekkers. A visit to these lakes is treated like Mansarovar yatra by local gaddi tribals. The tribals visit some of these lakes every year. They are so sensitive to the ecology of the area that they do not touch any vegetation around the lake for the fear of divine wrath. RS Rana, A trekker