Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand is full of cultural heritage known as the ‘Kashi of the North’. It is a spiritual abode with splendid mountainous views, lush greenery, and several revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and more. A hidden gem in Uttarkashi is the Nachiketa Tal, a gorgeous lake with clear waters situated among the rhododendron and oak trees and enveloped by the Himalayan peaks in a picture-perfect manner. The lake is pristine, with ample tranquillity, and beckons visitors from all over the country. Perched at 2,850 metres above sea level, the Nachiketa Tal is anything but ordinary.
About Nachiketa Tal And Mythology
Nachiketa Tal is one of the high-altitude lakes in Uttarakhand known for its natural, untouched beauty. Even though many visitors come to the lake for its peaceful ambience, the lake remains a lovely mystery. The dense forests encapsulate the lake, bringing forward a naturally alluring colour palette. From the clear blue waters to the contrasting dark green of the forests, the lake is enchanting beyond imagination.
The lake is also immersed in Hindu mythology and folklore, making it an even more intriguing visit. A highly skilled and revered sage known as Uddalak is believed to have created this magnificent lake. He named the lake Nachiketa Tal after his son. For this reason, the lake is culturally and religiously significant to the people of Uttarkashi and remains important to this day.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Uttarkashi
Things To Do At Nachiketa Tal
1. Picnic
Want to enjoy a tranquil time with your loved ones? Get your picnic basket ready with home-cooked delicacies and bring it here. Eating amidst nature is better than in any 5-star restaurant! The Nachiketa Tal offers unmatched views of the Himalayas, so you can eat and spend a few hours in great company.
Best Time For Picnic: April to November
Location: Nachiketa Tal, Dodital
2. Trekking
Trek to the Nachiketa Lake because it will be one of the most rewarding experiences. While the trek is beginner-friendly, you must walk at least 3 km if you start from Chaurangi Khal. You can also trek from Uttarkashi, but this route is only recommended for moderate-level experienced trekkers. If you have kids, the shorter route is better.
Best Time For Trekking: April to June
Best Trekking Trails: Naag Tibba Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Hathipaon Hike & Nature Walk, Benog Tibba Nature Trail, Har Ki dun Trek
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Nainital
3. Exploring Villages
When you have lots of time, you can trek to the nearby villages of Uttarkashi to explore new regions. If you truly want to immerse yourself in the local culture, you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. The villagers are quite friendly; you can learn much about their customs, traditions, and more.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Villages To Visit: Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Harshil
4. Birdwatching
Birdwatching is an amazing activity, especially for people with children. As the lake is situated at such an altitude, you can find some pretty cool birds if you sit around long enough. One of the most elegant birds is the Himalayan Monal. You can find other birds, such as the flycatcher, woodpecker, Blue Whistling Thrush, and other Himalayan birds.
Best Time For Birdwatching: April to September
Things To Do: Photography, find different species of birds
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Rishikesh
5. Photography
You cannot help but photograph the scenic beauty, so make sure you have your DSLR ready! The lake, the forests, the peaks around the lake, and the birds provide ample opportunities to capture the essence of Uttarkashi. It doesn’t matter when you visit the lake because you will always find it captivating beyond belief.
Best Places For Photography: Villages, lakes
Timing: Morning (if you want to avoid tourists), evening
How To Reach Nachiketa Tal
- By Air or Train: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, 135.6 km from the lake. Dehradun Railway Station is the closest train station, 154.3 km from the lake. You can hire a taxi from the airport/railway station to Chaurangi Khal.
- By Road or Foot: Chaurangi Khal is the nearest town, and it is just 3 km away from the beautiful lake. Many people opt to trek to the lake as they are met with some of the most gorgeous forest trees, such as oak and rhododendron trees.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Uttarkashi
Best Time To Visit Nachiketa Tal
Nachiketa Tal can be visited throughout the year as you see the lake’s many sides. During April and June, the skies are clear, and the weather is optimal. It is ideal for trekking during these months as the temperatures range between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Another great time to visit the lake is from September to November, just after the end of monsoons. The weather is much cooler, with temperatures hovering between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. You will see a lot of lush greenery now, and the lake is full of water. The only time to avoid visiting the lake is during the monsoon.
Tips For Visiting Nachiketa Tal
Follow these tips for a memorable trip to Nachiketa Lake.
- Nachiketa Tal can become crowded, so you can visit it early in the morning to avoid the tourists.
- Bring water to stay hydrated if you are going to trek to the lake.
- Make sure you are following trail markers.
- Avoid going during snowfall and monsoons, as it can get slippery and dangerous if you are not used to the weather.
- For safety, it is best to go with someone rather than solo if you are going to trek to the Nachiketa Tal.
- Apply sunscreen and wear goggles. You can also carry a hat with you to protect yourself from the sun.
- The weather is unpredictable there, so it is best to carry some warm clothing, especially in the mornings and late evenings.
- Trekkers should take their trekking gear with them.
Further Read: Dehradun Travel Guide
Elevate your trip to Uttarakhand by adding Uttarkashi’s Nachiketa Tal to your itinerary. Visit this stunning lake by yourself, with friends, or with family, and experience adventure and spiritual enlightenment. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the lake, where you can meditate, birdwatch, trek, and much more!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nachiketa Tal
Is there an entry fee to visit Nachiketa?
The entry is free.
Why is Uttarkashi famous?
It is famous for housing various temples including the revered ancient Lord Shiva temple.
How long is the trek to reach Nachiketa Lake?
It depends on where you start. The shortest distance is 3 km from Chaurangi Khal in Uttarkashi.
What is the story of Nachiketa?
The lake was named after a sage’s son who found the gateway to hell giving him enlightenment.
What is the Nachiketa Tal timing?
The lake is always open so you can visit it anytime you want. It is advisable to visit it anytime between 6 am and 7 pm
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