Chamera Lake is located near the town of Dalhousie in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is part of a hydroelectric plant on the river Ravi, conceived in 1994. Since the lake is artificial, there is a notable absence of aquatic life, which helps promote water sports such as boating, kayaking, sailing, and canoeing, all supported by the local government. An exciting feature of the region is the fluctuating temperature, which varies between 18 and 35 Celsius depending on the time of day.
Chamera Lake: Overview
Situated at 1700 meters above sea level, the Chamera Lake truly feels like a slice of paradise on Earth. Part of the Chamera reservoir, this artificial lake provides a perfect hillside getaway for tourists looking to soak in the serene views of the surrounding Chamba Hills.
Just a short drive from the small town of Dalhousie, the surrounding forests and hills boast splendid views of the lake. It is also a popular destination for trekking and camping. Adventure seekers can soak in the mesmerising views of the Himachal countryside and enjoy the lake’s many aquatic sports activities. Although this reservoir has no natural marine life, the local government has introduced aquatic life into the lake to promote fishing, boost the local economy, and promote tourism in and around the lake.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Dalhousie
Things To Do At Chamera Lake
Image Credit: Arati AK Bhandare for Wikimedia Commons
Discover the best activities to engage in at Chamera Lake for an exhilarating experience.
- Picnicking
Savouring authentic cuisine near the lake is a whole new level of experience. The scenic views, pleasant landscape, and greenery make the perfect atmosphere for a picnic with your loved ones. So, unwind in the haven and feel peaceful while having the best time with family and friends.
- Photography
Visiting Chamera Lake and capturing anything may leave you in regret after heading back home. Pictures or videos definitely take one back to the time, making one feel nostalgic and reliving the happy moments. So, take stunning photographs and capture scenic views of yourselves and the serene atmosphere. Click shots of wildlife, mountains, and the lake.
- Nature Walks
Strolls near Chamera Lake offer a wholesome experience for honeymooners, couples, or families. The trails passing through green forests and hills give travellers an adrenaline rush and thrill. So reconnect with nature, feel peaceful amidst naturescapes, and make the vacation a memorable one.
- Boating
Measure the lake’s vastness via boating and feel thrilled to witness the breathtaking view of the region. Gliding off the azure waters while soaking in the beauty escape you from the daily hustle and make you feel rejoiced and calm for some time.
Places To Stay Near Chamera Lake
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1. AVI Guest House
The 3-star property offers contemporary amenities and cosy stays at affordable prices. Situated conveniently, AVI Guest House offers warm hospitality and quality standards, ensuring guests have the best time with loved ones. Some amenities include a restaurant, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and free parking. So, if you are looking for the best places to stay in Dalhousie, you may plan your stay here.
Distance From Chamera Lake: Approx 19.2 km
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2. Ecstasy Farms Homestay
This couple-friendly property offers a cosy retreat to travellers. From hospitality and customer service to food, everything is top-tier. Not to forget that the place is pet-friendly, too. So, feel free to bring your pets along with you instead of worrying about or missing it during the vacation. Some rooftop parties with BBQ and music are also hosted. So, stay updated before planning a stay here.
Distance From Chamera Lake:Â Approx 17.3 km
3. DLS Ark Holiday Inn
Whether you are looking for a family stay or a romantic retreat, DLS Ark Holiday Inn offers a seamless experience to all guests. The inn provides a range of modern facilities, such as an open roof area, Wi-Fi, food and drinks, and a Business Center. Check-in is around 2:00 p.m., and checkout is at 11:00 a.m. It is nestled near the bus stop, offering convenient and early access to nearby areas. Additionally, you can choose from an array of rooms, including deluxe, premium, and suites. Whether you wish to have private balcony access or not, the choice is yours.
Distance From Chamera Lake:Â Approx 20.4 km
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4. Dalhousie Delight
Nestled in Banikhet, Dalhousie Delight is among the famous accommodation choices among travellers. Free parking, exceptional customer service, cleanliness & hygiene, and polite staff make the stay comfortable and memorable. You can choose from a Standard Double Room and a Deluxe room, at your convenience. There is a common kitchen area and terrace where you can hang out, savour meals, and enjoy the natural allure. If you wish to cook non-veg, no worries. Cook meals and share these with your loved ones for the best staycation.
Distance From Chamera Lake:Â Approx 19.4 km
5. Hotel Forest View
Look for the luxury hotel in Dalhousie, where the management will ensure that it meets your convenience. Book the best family suite and create memories if you are with family. You can opt for the Deluxe Room and Super Deluxe Room. The front desk is available 24*7, so your stay is enjoyable and comfortable. Some other amenities include 24*7 availability of hot/cold water, a parking facility, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a doctor on call. So, book your hotel in advance to avoid hassle at the last minute.
Distance From Chamera Lake:Â Approx 19.2 km
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6. Tilsharit Green Boutique Stay
This 3-star property offers you the best stays at affordable prices. The family-friendly atmosphere, surroundings, and delectable cuisine make the hotel among the best options. As a thick forest reserve surrounds the place, you can enjoy the best views and have unforgettable memories. Additionally, you can choose from an array of rooms, including Attic, The Oak Cottage, The Pine Cottage, and Superior. So, the choice is yours.
Distance From Chamera Lake:Â Approx 19.6 km
 4 Top Tourist Attractions Near Chamera Lake
If visiting Chamera Lake isn’t enough to fulfil your adventurous desires, do not worry—several gorgeous sites are nearby. A visit to Chamera Lake and the Chamba Valley would be incomplete without exploring this beautiful river valley’s captivating surroundings.
1. Bhandal Valley
This beautiful valley, filled with luscious green meadows and cascading waterfalls, is rich with Himalayan flora and fauna. Often dubbed the ‘Garden of Chamba, ’ the Bhandal Valley is a popular trekking route for adventure enthusiasts. If you have extra time, it is a perfect getaway just over 50km from Chamera.
The valley is also home to the Gangul Siabehi Wildlife Sanctuary, which creates the perfect spot for trekking and bird-watching. Also nearby are multiple quaint cottage homestays that blend in with the surroundings and form the ideal getaways for peace.
Related Post: Homestays In Dalhousie
2. Bhalei Temple
The Bhalei Mata Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhadra. Legend has it that Raja Pratap Singh found the idol at this temple and placed it there hundreds of years ago. Situated at over 3800 feet, it is also one of the highest temple constructions in India. The temple is 40km from Chamba.
The deity is in front of an image of a two-foot-high black stone enshrined in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Bhadra Kali draws many pilgrims from far and wide, especially for the big havan ceremony performed during Navaratri.
3. Khajjar
Khajjar is a hillstation just 22km from Chamba. This serene piece of heaven is fondly called ‘mini-Switzerland’ due to its striking topographical similarities to the European country. It is also famous for the Khajji Naga shrine, a temple devoted to the serpent god Naga.
The Khajjar Valley is about 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. It is also part of the Kalatop sanctuary, which is situated nearby. In Khajjiar, HP Tourism runs a hotel and some cottages where tourists can stay. There are also two rest houses, each for P.W.D. and the other for the Forest Department. A couple of private hotels have also opened if travellers have a preference.
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4. Gangul Siabehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The high-altitude wildlife sanctuary of Gamgul is located in the Bhandal valley in Salooni tehsil of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. The state of Jammu and Kashmir adjoins it at the northern end. It’s said that this is the only sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh that has reported Kashmir stag. The refuge is also home to many native and migrating birds that keep it active all year round.
It is a short 2-hour drive from Chamba, but the winding mountain roads and panoramic views of the Himalayas make the drive well worth it.
Best Time To Visit Chamera Lake
Summer happens to be the most popular time to visit Dalhousie, between March and early June. During this time, the weather is quite soothing and offers the perfect relaxing atmosphere compared to the scorching heat of the metropolitan cities. The maximum temperature during these three months never exceeds 30 Celsius. It is recommended to avoid monsoons as the paths can be slippery. If you are a winter enthusiast, you can plan to visit Dalhousie during this time soon. However, checking the weather before planning the trip is recommended to ensure safety and wise packing of the essentials, like clothing.
How To Reach Chamera Lake
Chamera Lake in Himachal is an easy-to-reach destination. The nearest district near the Lake is Pathankot, around 120 kilometres away. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Chamba. After reaching Chamba, you may take a cab or bus to arrive at the destination. During your journey, you come across picturesque vistas of the valleys and mountains and have the best time. Hence, the journey of reaching the destination is enjoyable and thrilling in itself.
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit in Chamba
The Chamera Lake and the quaint little town of Chamba must be a must-visit to anyone with a sense of adventure and appreciation for mother nature. The endless green hills and the bountiful Himalayan fauna captivate the mind and the body alike. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Himachal today, and don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime!
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Cover Image Source: Amit J Sangekar for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Chamera Lake
Is the Chamera Lake deep?
The Chamera Lake has an average depth of 750 metres. So, yes! It is deep.
How can one reach Chamera Lake by public transport?
Chamera Lake is an easy-to-reach destination. One can visit it by either bus or road.
How far is Chamera Lake from Chamba town?
The distance between Chamera Lake and Chamba town is approximately 28 kilometers.
Are there food facilities or restaurants near Chamera Lake?
You can find many stalls and restaurants near the Lake to have the best meals and energise yourself for the rest of the trip. Some of these include The Bridge, Cafe By Mongas, and The Hooch.
Are there any entry fees for Chamera Lake?
There is no entry charge to visit Chamera Lake. However, there are some minimal charges for activities, like boating.
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