Himalayan treks with swimable lakes?

[Manav]

Hey, I've done a few treks in Uttarakhand and most of the lakes there are considered sacred, so you're not allowed to touch them. I totally respect that, but I'm still looking for a beautiful, crisp alpine lake where I can actually take a dip! Please share your recommendations!! Also, does Sikkim have any such lakes?

P.S. – the pictures are from Pinterest, not mine.

[Tarun]

LOL, you want to swim in icy Himalayan lakes? It's possible but risky because of the cold. Based on tourism info and GPT, here are some options:

1. Bhimtal Lake – you can take a dip, just watch the boats and follow local rules.
2. Sattal – quiet spots are available; check depth and surroundings before jumping.
3. Naukuchiatal – deep water; only a short, careful entry is advised.
4. Tso Moriri – extremely cold and high altitude; stay in for only 30-60 seconds max.
5. White Lake – very cold, not recommended for swimming.
6. Dal Lake – polluted with lots of boats, not suitable for swimming.

Overall, it's safer to avoid swimming. A cold plunge is for the brave, but it will hit you like a brick.

[Dinesh]

Kashmir has plenty of lakes you can swim in.

[Ananya]

There's a lake near Sattal called Garud Taal; you should be able to swim there.

[Subhash]

I think the dive shown in the second picture could still be dangerous because a rock juts out into the water.

[Aarti]

If you're up for a dip in an ice-cold Himalayan lake, start with the pond called Sangla Kanda in Kinnaur. It's uncrowded, and the friends you meet on the trek will guide you to other spots. It's about a 13-14 km trek to reach, but the scenery is gorgeous.

[Tarun]

Bro, you're trying to become a statistic.

[Atharv]

It may not look as majestic as the photos you shared, and it's not exactly a lake, but you can check out Bhalugadh Waterfalls near Mukteshwar. There's a small pool at the bottom, big enough for a swim. The depth is too much to stand in, but you can rent a life jacket for ₹100 (official arrangement on site) and take a dip. The water will be ice-cold, so good luck if you decide to jump in.

[Harish]

Mantalai Lake is considered sacred, but locals do take a dip there, so swimming should be fine. Just remember the altitude and freezing temperatures.

[Ramesh]

Sarutal is more of a pond than a lake, but it's still beautiful.

[Namrata]

You can swim in most lakes as long as they're not strictly holy. Just be aware of the cold. Hemkund Sahib lake is an option – if you're very brave you can take a quick dip, but don't stay long or you risk hypothermia. Many people take a holy dip there.