Dhankar Lake is a high-altitude picturesque lake in the beautiful Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It has a peaceful and beautiful setting for travel adventurers. It is a great way for travellers to relax and refresh from the hustle and bustle of city life. The lake gets its water from a glacier and remains frozen for about eight months of the year. Sitting by the lake, where time seems to stop, people may find themselves immersed in the beauty of the natural world. Any trip plan for the Spiti Valley must include a visit to Dhankar Lake.
About Dhankar Lake
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It is situated in the Himachal Pradesh state of India at an elevation of 4,140 m (13,580 ft). It is a high-altitude lake about 2 kilometres from Dhankar Village, above Dhankar Monastery. This fantastic freshwater lake is accessible on foot, and it takes easy to rather difficult trails to get there. However, the lake’s beauty pulls tourists and nature lovers on the barren and muddy uphill trek in chilly weather.
It would help if you were prepared for a steep climb to reach the lake, which will test your mental and physical stamina. The weather changes frequently during the day, from windy to chilly to relatively warm.
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Places To Visit Near Dhankar Lake
Dhankar Lake is a beauty in itself, and it is surrounded by many places that are worth visiting. Here is a list of places to visit near Dhankar Lake :
1. Dhankar Monastery
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This is a thousand years old and is built atop a hill in the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers in Himachal Pradesh, India. This is an old monastery that is also famous as Dhangkar Gompa. It was built with mud and offers excellent views of the Spiti Valley. It contains frescoes and carvings displaying Buddhist art of old and other classified relics like religious texts and statues to honour the religious history of the place. The tourists can pray, explore the monastery’s rooms, and get acquainted with the spirituality of this place. Dhankar Monastery is living proof of Buddhism’s architectural history and continues to have in this part of the world.
Entry fees: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2. Lhalung Monastery
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It is popularly referred to as the Golden Temple, and it is one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Spiti Valley. Sitting about 10 kilometres from Dhankar Lake, the village boasts stunning paintings, statues, and carvings representative of Buddhism in the area. This monastery lies in the beautiful village of Lhalung, allowing travellers to participate in meditation sessions or cultural activities. Lhalung Monastery is another major attraction in the valley due to its location and the site’s historical importance.
Entry fees: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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3. Pin Valley
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Pin Valley is perhaps one of the best-explored regions in Spiti, offering adventure as well as natural beauty. This valley is located inside the Pin Valley National Park, which has a rich population of wildlife species, such as the snow leopard and the Siberian ibex. Suitable for trekking and photo shooting, Pin Valley offers the opportunity to escape the civilized world. The calmness and beauty of nature are suitable for those searching for peacefulness and a real Himalayan experience.
Entry fees: Free for general entry. Guided treks and specific activities may have charges.
Timings: Open all day
Best Time To Visit Dhankar Lake
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June to September is the ideal time of year to visit Dhankar Lake. This is a good time to visit because the weather is good with little humidity, and it seldom rains during this time. The surrounding environment, particularly the mountains, can be viewed throughout summer since the skies are normally clear and good visibility. That is why it is crucial to remember that the weather in the mountainous area can be unpredictable.
This is why it is advisable to check the weather in the specific area and plan for the trek likely to be encountered. It is also advisable to avoid trekking during July and August when the monsoon rains begin, as the amount of rain can sometimes be very high, and the trekking trails are slippery.
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How To Reach Dhankar Lake?
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Following are the ways to reach Dhankar Lake:
By Air: The nearest airport to Dhankar Lake is Bhuntar Airport at Kullu, which has regular flights to and from many large Indian cities. After reaching Bhutan via the airport, you may book a taxi or catch a bus to Dhankar village.
By Road: Dhankar can be reached by road transport, but the roads are twisted and curvy. Dhankar can also be reached by bus or taxi from Shimla, Manali, or Kullu valley, but one needs to be prepared for a bumpy ride. The roads are beautiful, but the terrain is difficult, and thus, it is advisable to hire an experienced driver.
By Bus: There are private and regularly operating buses from all the central cities of Himachal Pradesh to Kaza, a central area near Dhankar. The transportation options available at Kaza are taxis or local buses, also available to move towards Dhankar village.
Trekking: The other way to Dhankar Lake is by trek. There is a well-marked trail through valleys, where you can view old monasteries and many other beautiful places. After reaching Dhankar village, you can trek up to Dhankar Lake.
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In the beautiful Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, Dhankar Lake offers travellers and environmental lovers an amazing setting among the magnificent Himalayan Mountains. Dhankar Lake delivers an unforgettable trip for people desiring comfort, adventure, and a beautiful bond with nature. Plan your next trip to Spiti Valley and explore the wonders of Dhankar Lake, where stunning views and cultural highlights await. Make your visit during the pleasant summer months.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhankar Lake
Is a permit required to visit Dhankar Lake for the travellers?
Citizens of India do not require a permit to visit Spiti Valley, this was very helpful. Foreigners, on the other hand, will require a permit that can be acquired in Shimla, Manali, or Kaza.
What is the easiest way of getting to Dhankar Lake?
Dhankar Lake is one of the few which can be approached by car and to get there is something of a treat. One can take taxis or local transport like buses from other cities like Kaza, Tabo and Manali. If you are of the train kind, Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest station to the campus.
At what time of the year is a suitable time to travel to Dhankar Lake?
The ideal period for tourists to visit Dhankar Lake is from May to September which is during the summer holidays. Depending on the time of the year, one can go sightseeing and enjoy the good weather and clear skies during the day.
What are the best options for accommodation close to Dhankar Lake?
There are some accommodation facilities in the area surrounding Dhankar Lake. One can opt to get accommodations at the homestays here. Some of the available hotels around the lake are The Norphel Hotel And Restaurant, Hotel Zhiwa Ling, Bendurya Hotel, Dolma Guest House, Hotel White House and more.
What are the important tips before going to Dhankar Lake?
Dhankar Lake is situated at a higher altitude. Take care of your oxygen level when trekking to reach the lake. Do carry some altitude sickness medicines with you. Expect variations in the weather and pack well with several layers of clothes for the day and night. Decide in advance regarding transportation and other essential commodities because the area of Dhankar is comparatively isolated.
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