Dhankhar Lake is located in Dhankhar village in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Dhankhar Lake Located at an altitude of 4300 meters above sea level is picturesque as it is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas and has water coming to it from a glacier. The lake is frozen for about eight months of the year and is only accessible from mid-May to September. The lake is surrounded by shrubs that are characteristic of the region. The lake appears blue and green from different angles.
It is a 5 km uphill trek from the Dhankhar village along a barren, muddy and dusty path across the mountain range. This is the only way to get to the lake and yes it is a difficult trek. The trek is a true test of fitness and stamina as both are needed to go from a height of 3750 meters to 4200 meters in a matter of hours. The trek witnesses a change of temperature for which extreme endurance is needed as it goes from warm to windy to very cold.
Once up there, this magical lake changes colors, shimmers in the sun and plays multiple tricks on the mind all with a superb calming effect. From here you can also get a wonderful view of Manirang Peak (6593 meters)– the highest peak of Himachal Pradesh lying on the border of Kinnaur and Spiti dirtrict.
“Less to be said about this enchanting lake, more to experience “