Trek · Dhankar, Spiti & Lahaul

Hike to Dhankar Lake

A steep climb of about an hour from Dhankar village to a small high lake with views of the Manirang peaks. Short, hard at altitude, and rewarding on a still morning.

Takes: 2.5–3.5 hours return
Best time: 8–11 am, Jun–Sep
Altitude: 3,894 m

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

The trail starts above the village and climbs steadily on a dusty path, gaining roughly 250 m to the lake. It is not long, about 2–3 km each way, but at nearly 4,000 m every step counts. Most people take an hour up and 45 minutes down.

Go in the morning. The water is calm before the wind rises, and the reflections of the Manirang range are best. Carry water, a warm layer, sunscreen and a snack. There are no shops or shelters on the way.

Stay on the path, take your rubbish back, and do not swim or wash in the lake, which local people regard as sacred. If you feel dizzy or develop a strong headache, turn back; the lake will be there next time.

Good for

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The Dhankar guide

Photo: John Hill · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons

Dhankar · 1.5 hours

Inside the cliff-top gompa of Dhankar

Climb through the narrow rooms of Spiti's old capital monastery, perched 300 m above two rivers, and see why conservati…

Small fee or donation, about ₹50–100

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Dhankar · Half day

Lhalung village and its old temple

A quiet side valley above Dhankar leads to Lhalung, a farming village with an old temple full of clay figures. Few visi…

Taxi from Dhankar ₹1,500–2,500 return; donation at the temple

Trips through Dhankar

Do this on a trip

Each of these trips stops in Dhankar. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons Saver

Spiti & Lahaul · 9 nights · sleeps to 4,420 m

Spiti village homestays: Dhankar to Langza

Shared car to Kaza, then local buses and short taxi transfers

From, per person₹25,500Jun – Jul · Sep

Questions

Before you book

How difficult is the Dhankar Lake trek?

Short but steep, about an hour up at nearly 4,000 m. Fit walkers manage it easily after acclimatising in Kaza or Tabo.

Do I need a guide for Dhankar Lake?

No, the path is clear in summer. A guide is useful if snow covers the trail early or late in the season.

Can I camp at Dhankar Lake?

Ask locally. We recommend sleeping in the village instead to protect the lake and its fragile surroundings.