Dal Lake — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by lush forest, Dal lake is one of the most popular places in McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is surrounded by nature. The trees are of oak. It also has two temples nearby. One of the temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dal lake is a small-altitude lake. (5,800 feet). The name is taken from Kashmir’s Dal lake. The lake has greenish water (with no crocodiles!)

When you will visit from Dharamshala to McLeod Ganj, the lake will be on the way. Distance from Dharamshala is 11 km.

If you love nature, the place is for you. One can spend around 1 here. You can hear the chiming of birds. The place is less crowded (or may be I got lucky when I visited there)

The place is safe. You can also find 2-3 eatery shops nearby. The place is good for both-family and couples.

There is no problem of parking.

In winters weather is quite cold. In summers, it is pleasant. You can visit here throughout the year.

However, when I visited, there was no boating activity. But you may get lucky.

There is Nadda village nearby. Do visit it when you go to Dal lake. From Nadda village you can see a beautiful view of Himalayas.

People are cooperative. There is no entry fee. In other words, entry is free. The area is neat and clean. Air is fresh. In the morning, when sun rises from behind the trees, it gives altogether a...

In that calm hour by Dal Lake, time seemed to slow down, and the world around softened. Encircled by towering deodar and oak trees, the lake shimmered under gentle sunlight, its still surface reflecting the whisper of clouds overhead  .

We wandered through the grassy edge, camera in hand, clicking casual shots—friends leaning on the roots of ancient trees, grasses swaying at the shoreline, soft ripples marching outward as a trout surfaced for a breadcrumb. These were honest moments, caught unscripted.

On the lake’s northern bank stood a small Shiva temple, whitewashed and unassuming, its bell tinkling now and again in the breeze—a quiet reminder of centuries of devotion .

We lucked upon a local vendor selling roasted corn (bhutta) and fresh burgers, perfect picnic fare by a mountain lake. Each bite, full of smoky sweetness, felt connected to the place—nothing fancy, but completely satisfying.

In that gentle hour, it wasn’t about ticking another tourist box—it was about breathing, letting nature settle in, and seeing beauty in the simplest things: sunlight on water, the taste of corn, and the echo of a temple bell. Dal Lake isn’t grand. It’s a quiet companion on the path, a soft reminder that beauty often arrives when you just...

I visited Dal Lake in McLeod Ganj on a Saturday, and it was a perfect day to explore this serene location. Surrounded by lush pine forests and framed by the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains, the lake provided a tranquil escape from the daily grind.

Dal Lake has a rich history, often associated with the local Tibetan culture and the nearby Dharamshala area. It was named after the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, though it is much smaller.

While the water levels were lower than usual, the lake still offered a picturesque setting. I enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty. The area was busy with several wedding photoshoots, but it never felt overcrowded. The cool, crisp air and the gentle lapping of the water created a soothing ambiance.

Although Dal Lake may not be as large or renowned as some other lakes, its quiet charm and beautiful backdrop made it a memorable part...