Difficult
Uttarakhand
Roopkund Trek
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.
8 days 5,029 mSep – Nov
Turquoise alpine water
Lake Treks in India
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.
9
Treks in category
3
Prime regions
India wide
Coverage
Turquoise alpine water
Why choose lake treks?
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.
Top lake treks
Moderate–Difficult
Himachal Pradesh
Tarsar Marsar Trek
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a 6–7 day, ~50 km alpine lake circuit in Kashmir's Pahalgam Wildlife Sanctuary, reaching 4,100 m via Tarsar Pass.
7 days 4,100 mJul – Sep
Very Difficult
Ladakh
Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek
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
8 days 5,460 mJul – Sep
Difficult
Uttarakhand
Kedartal Trek
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.
5 days 4,750 mSep – Nov
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Kareri Lake Trek
Plan your Kareri Lake trek with our 2026 guide covering route, difficulty, permits, cost, packing list, best time to visit, and day-wise itinerary.
3 days 2,934 m (9,626 ft)Sep – Nov
Moderate–Difficult
Jammu & Kashmir
Naranag Gangabal Trek
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).
5 days 3,570 mJul – Sep
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Prashar Lake Trek
The Prashar Lake trek is a 7–8 km, easy-to-moderate trail in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, reaching 2730 m (8,957 ft). Best time: April–June or October–November.
3 days 2730 m (8,957 ft)Oct – Dec
Moderate–Difficult
Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an 8-day, 72 km moderate-difficult route from Sonamarg to Naranag, crossing 7 alpine lakes and 4 passes up to 4,191 m, open July-mid-September.
8 days 4,191 mJul – Sep
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Uttarakhand
Brahmatal Trek
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
6 days 3,682 m (12,090 ft)Dec – Apr
Compare lake treks
How these lake treks compare on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Roopkund Trek | Difficult | 8 days |
| Tarsar Marsar Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 7 days |
| Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek | Very Difficult | 8 days |
| Kedartal Trek | Difficult | 5 days |
| Kareri Lake Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Naranag Gangabal Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 5 days |
| Prashar Lake Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Kashmir Great Lakes Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 8 days |
| Brahmatal Trek | Easy–Moderate | 6 days |
Planning your lake treks
- Trek from summer through autumn once the lakes have thawed
- Camp well back from the shoreline to protect the fragile lake ecology
- Carry a filter or purification for glacial melt water
- Expect cold nights because most alpine lakes sit above 3,500 metres
lake treks, frequently asked questions
9 lake treks across India, each with a full route breakdown, difficulty, permits, cost estimates and live trail conditions.
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