• .
  • info@earthtrip.in
    • INR

    • USD

📍 Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
🏛️ Sightseeing Attraction

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a serene high altitude oval lake tucked at 5,820 feet (1,775 metres) surrounded by towering deodar forests near Tota Rani village in McLeod Gan...

  1. Home
  2. India
  3. Himachal Pradesh
  4. Dharamshala
  5. Dal Lake
About Attraction

About Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a serene high altitude oval lake tucked at 5,820 feet (1,775 metres) surrounded by towering deodar forests near Tota Rani village in McLeod Ganj, 11 km from Dharamshala. Named after Kashmir's legendary lake, it is a sacred pilgrimage stop in Himachal Pradesh.

Dal Lake McLeod Ganj Dharamshala

Durveshwar Shiva Temple and Holy Dip

On the eastern shore of the lake sits a historic stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built according to sage Durvasa folklore. The green tinted lake water is considered deeply sacred by Gaddi shepherds and local villagers who gather to take a ritual holy bath on Radha Ashtami.

Deodar Canopy Trails and Sunset Walks

Truth is, the walking promenade encircling Dal Lake provides a peaceful nature escape from bustling town markets. Travelers feed golden carp swimming along the edge, relax on shaded stone benches, and take the scenic forest trail connecting to Naddi sunset viewpoint.

How to Reach Dal Lake

  • Location: Situated near Tota Rani village, 4 km ahead of McLeod Ganj square along Naddi road.
  • By Cab / Auto: Easily reached by local taxis or auto rickshaws from McLeod Ganj in 15 minutes.
  • Forest Hike: A scenic 45 minute uphill walking trail through deodar woods from McLeod Ganj market.
  • Connecting Excursions: Can be easily combined with Naddi Sunset Point (1.5 km) and St John in the Wilderness Church.

Best Time to Visit Dal Lake

  • March to June (Summer Season): Pleasant weather (18°C to 28°C); perfect for family picnics and forest walking trails.
  • July to September (Monsoon Months): Swollen water level with floating mist clouds rolling across the surrounding deodar woods.
  • Radha Ashtami Fair (September): Annual grand religious fair where thousands of Gaddi devotees congregate for sacred holy baths and prayers.
  • October to February (Autumn & Winter): Sunny crisp days and chilly evenings; quiet, uncrowded atmosphere with golden autumn light.
Tour Packages

Tour Packages for Dharamshala

Dharamshala Package Family

Dharamshala Package

Dharamshala  •  10 Nights / 11 Days

Explore Package
Dharamshala Tours Family

Dharamshala Tours

Dharamshala  •  11 Nights / 12 Days

Explore Package
Dharamshala Tour Package Family

Dharamshala Tour Package

Dharamshala  •  9 Nights / 10 Days

Explore Package
Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour Family

Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour

Dharamshala  •  5 Night/ 6 Days

Explore Package
Accommodation

Hotels Near Dal Lake

Meditative Meadows ★ Hotel

Meditative Meadows

Located in 8 km from Dharamshala, Meditative Meadows features a restaurant and free WiFi t…

View Hotel Details
East Homestay ★ Hotel

East Homestay

East Home Stay is a domestic stay and wonderland enclosed by using snow capped Dhauladhar …

View Hotel Details
Hotel Bliss Valley ★★★ Hotel

Hotel Bliss Valley

Bliss Valley is situated in the most beautiful and natural landscape of Dharamshala, a sma…

View Hotel Details
Whispering Winds Resorts ★★ Hotel

Whispering Winds Resorts

Whispering Winds Resorts, Dharamshala has spacious and nicely-appointed rooms which have c…

View Hotel Details
Explore More

Other Attractions in Dharamshala

McLeod Ganj Attraction

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj, globally celebrated as Little Lhasa, is a vibrant mountain suburb perched at …

Explore McLeod Ganj
Masrur Attraction

Masrur

Masrur Rock Cut Temples, popularly hailed as the Ellora of the North, is an extraordinary …

Explore Masrur
Kangra Museum Attraction

Kangra Museum

The Kangra Museum, officially known as the Kangra Art Museum, is a treasure house of Pahar…

Explore Kangra Museum
Kangra Fort Attraction

Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort, historically known as Nagarkot or Kot Kangra, is the oldest surviving fort in…

Explore Kangra Fort
Namgyal Monastery Attraction

Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery, also celebrated as the personal monastery of His Holiness the 14th Dala…

Explore Namgyal Monastery
Chamunda Devi Temple Attraction

Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi Temple, revered as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, is a 700 year old sacred shri…

Explore Chamunda Devi Temple
Tsuglagkhang Complex Religious

Tsuglagkhang Complex

The Tsuglagkhang Complex, serving as the official residence and global spiritual headquart…

Explore Tsuglagkhang Complex
Bhagsu Nag Temple & Waterfall Nature

Bhagsu Nag Temple & Waterfall

Bhagsu Nag Temple & Waterfall, tucked into the shadow of the towering Dhauladhar mountain …

Explore Bhagsu Nag Temple & Waterfall
War Memorial Heritage

War Memorial

The War Memorial, set amidst towering Himalayan deodar and chir pine forests at the entran…

Explore War Memorial
📸 Photo Gallery

Dal Lake & Dharamshala Photo Gallery

6 Photos • Click to View

Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic landmarks, temples, and scenic spots in Dharamshala.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Dal Lake

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Dharamshala.

It gets its name due to its natural beauty and sacredness, reminiscent of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir.

An ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Durveshwar Mahadev) sits right on the lake shoreline.

The grand Dal Lake Fair is celebrated every year on Radha Ashtami (August/September), attracting Gaddi tribal devotees.

It is located about 4 km from McLeod Ganj square and takes roughly 15 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes on foot.

Boating operations are periodic depending on seasonal water conservation, but walking along the lakeside trail is always open.

Plan Your Trip to Dal Lake

Get a customized itinerary and the best deals on packages and hotels.

Enquire Now
Share