Dhankar Lake

A High-Altitude Picturesque Lake

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Overview

A steep trek from the Dhankar Monastery rewards you with a magical view of this beautiful lake. With the change of tint from blue to orange and then to emerald green, this lake is a mystical sight to behold. Surrounded by wild shrubs and cool breeze throughout the year, it’s the perfect spot for a rendezvous with nature!

Suggested Duration - 1 day

What To Expect?

Admire the highest point of Himachal Pradesh – the glorious Manirang peak. If you feel like trekking, then embark on a soulful journey from the Dhankar monastery and capture the magical views. And for a truly memorable experience, make sure to look out for the elusive Himalayan Ibex.

Tips

Wear the sturdiest shoes you have if you plan to trek your way up to the lake
It is advisable to carry a walking stick to maintain balance and minimize the effort required for the steep and rocky trail here
Carry high-energy bars to nourish yourself with, after the challenging trek
You might also want to carry bananas and dry fruits that are easily accessible on the way up and don’t take up much space

Dhankar Lake Overview

Dhankar Lake is located in the Spiti Valley, in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and high-altitude villages, Spiti Valley is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

Dhankar Lake is a high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of 4,270 metres above sea level. The lake is a 2 km uphill trek from the Dhankar village, famous for its 1000-year-old Dhankar Monastery. The lake is known for its serene beauty and crystal clear waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Known for	Its stunning natural beauty and tranquillity.
Timings	The lake is accessible throughout the day.
Entry Fee	There is no entry fee to visit Dhankar Lake.
Tips	Carry water and snacks as there are no shops near the lake.
Required Time	Approximately 2-3 hours are needed to visit Dhankar Lake, including the trek.
Restricted Items	Littering is strictly prohibited to maintain the cleanliness of the area.

More About Dhankar Lake

The trek to Dhankar Lake is a rewarding experience, offering stunning views of the Spiti Valley. The lake itself is a peaceful spot perfect for meditation and relaxation.

Water Sports at Dhankar Lake

Due to its high altitude and cold temperatures, water sports are not conducted at Dhankar Lake.

Restaurant Near Dhankar Lake

There are no restaurants near the lake. The nearest eateries can be found in Dhankar village.

Best Time to Visit Dhankar Lake

The best time to visit Dhankar Lake is from June to September when the weather is pleasant.

How to Reach Dhankar Lake

Dhankar Lake can be reached by a 2 km trek from Dhankar village, which is well-connected by road to other parts of Spiti Valley.

Tips for Visiting Dhankar Lake

Wear comfortable shoes for the trek. Also, due to the high altitude, it's important to stay hydrated and take regular breaks to avoid altitude sickness.

Nearby Tourist Spots

Other nearby tourist spots include the Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley National Park, and the Tabo Monastery.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Dhankar Lake

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -

Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant

Learn The Public Transportation Routes

Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory

Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park

Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour

Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden

Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :

Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.

Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling

Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities

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When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice

Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination

Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates

Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy

How to choose a destination to travel to?

Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :

Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities

Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them

Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there

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