5 most captivating frozen lakes in India

As winter arrives, snow-covered landscapes start to catch our eye. Many of us feel the urge to escape the city and relax in places with fresh air and beautiful weather. Among the many beautiful places in India, the frozen lakes stand out. Here are a few you should consider adding to your travel plans for your next vacation: Sikkim lake (Photo: Wikipedia)

Situated at a staggering elevation of around 5,430 m in North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is not just one of India’s highest lakes — it’s also one of the most spiritual. From November to mid-May, the lake freezes completely, forming a striking sheet of ice. But according to local legends, a portion of the lake never freezes. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) blessed the lake, ensuring a spot of open water even in the bitterest cold — a source of life and water for local villagers and yaks. The lake is also important in Sikh tradition. Guru Nanak is believed to have broken the ice with his staff and said that anyone who drinks from the lake will be blessed. Aside from its spiritual significance, Gurudongmar is ecologically important, as it contributes to the source streams of the Teesta River.

Changu Lake (Photo: Wikipedia)

Also known as Changu Lake, Tsomgo sits at an elevation of about 3,753 m in the Gangtok district of Sikkim. This glacial lake freezes during the harsh winter months, sometimes until May. Beyond its frozen beauty, the lake holds cultural importance for the local Sikkimese people. Monks believe the lake reflects spiritual omens, and its colours change with the seasons — all the more dramatic when surrounded by ice and snow.

Suraj Tal lake (Photo: Wikipedia)

Located in the Lahaul and Spiti district, Suraj Tal (Surya Tal) lies just below the Baralacha La Pass at an elevation of around 4,890 m. Glaciers feed this long, narrow lake and freeze over in winter, creating a hauntingly beautiful frozen plain. Due to its altitude and proximity to glacier sources, Suraj Tal offers a crystalline, isolated winter landscape that appeals to adventurers and trekkers seeking high-altitude serenity.

Chandratal Lake (Photo: Wikipedia)

Often called the “Moon Lake” for its crescent shape, Chandratal lies at an elevation of approximately 4,300 m in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley. The lake freezes solidly from December through March. Chandratal is especially popular among trekkers and campers. But its beauty in winter is otherworldly: surrounded by snow-draped mountains and under a cold, clear sky, the frozen surface gives way to silent reflections — a truly magical Himalayan winter scene.

Roopkund (Photo: Wikipedia)

Nicknamed Skeleton Lake, Roopkund sits at an altitude of approximately 5,020 meters in Uttarakhand, nestled between the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. In winter, Roopkund is completely frozen, buried beneath snow and ice. What makes this lake particularly intriguing are the hundreds of mysterious human skeletons lying around its edges — a chilling yet fascinating sight that draws trekkers on the Roopkund trek. The frozen lake, combined with its mysterious origins, gives Roopkund an eerie yet compelling appeal.