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Suraj Tal Overview

Third highest lake in India and 21st highest in the world, the Suraj Tal is a divine water body surrounded by barbaric bare mountains and soothing valleys. It is a common belief that anyone who takes a dip in the pristine emerald waters of the lake is cleaned off their sins.

Whether you want to visit the Suraj Tal for spiritual reasons or to simply revel in the unsurpassed natural charm – you won’t regret it. An absolute haven for avid trekkers, the lake offers an asylum to refresh and recharge during the hectic Manali-Leh trek. Adrenaline junkie motorcyclists and mountain bikers will find this place a wonderful stopover on their journey.

Location: Lahul Valley, Keylong.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Suraj Tal, also known as Surya Taal, is a divine lake surrounded by breathtaking valleys and splendid mountains. It lies beneath the Bara-lacha-la pass in Lahaul Spiti valley and is known to originate from Bhaga tributary of Chandrabhaga river. This magnificent lake has been entitled as the 21st highest lakes across the world and third highest lake in India. It is also revered as the lake of Sun God, and it is believed that you can cleanse yourself from all the sins by taking a dip in this sacred lake. During winters, the beauty of this lake completely enhances as the mountains surrounding it get covered by layers of snow, and it seems not less than a heavenly abode. Include Suraj Tal in your package for Spiti Valley to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and spiritual significance of this sacred lake.

The regions surrounding it are mostly uninhabited as the climatic conditions prevailing here are akin to those in the Polar region. This lake is not only a scenic paradise for nature lovers and a blissful treat for the divine souls, but it is also a hotspot for trekking and motorcycling enthusiasts. The most prominent reason why this lake has gained immense popularity is that this lake comes en-route of the Manali-Leh path, which is extremely renowned for bike trips and trekking.

It also encompasses Baralacha-La-Pass on the way that is the commencement spot for various thrilling treks. The motorcyclists and adventure lovers often stop at Suraj Tal to give a break to their journey, and they set camps over here for a pleasant stay. This sacred and stunningly beautiful lake is also a dream for every photographer as the scenic beauty prevailing over here seems to be something straight out of a storybook.

How To Reach



Suraj Tal doesn’t have a train, bus or flight connectivity but it is well connected with road, and you can easily reach here by hiring a taxi or cab from Keylong.

By road: 
Suraj Tal is located at around 65 kilometre from Keylong. Keylong district is easily accessible through road from National Highway NH 21, also renowned as Leh-Manali highway. This is the most prominent road link for the inhabitants of Lahaul Spiti. The road that leads to Suraj Tal is only 3 km away from Bara-lacha la pass. This scenic route extending from Rohtang Pass to the district of Leh is totally inaccessible during winters.

Best Time To Visit



The best time to visit Suraj Tal is between April to mid-May when the snow starts melting, and the weather of this place becomes extremely pleasant. You can also visit this place during mid-May to mid-July when the summer is in its full swing and hordes of tourists visit this place to enjoy its ethereal beauty. 

During Winters: 
You should avoid visiting Suraj Tal during winters as the roads through which you can enter Suraj Tal are also blocked during winters due to the inhospitable environment. Also, the temperature falls beyond -2 degrees Celsius and the entire water body gets covered with snow.

During Monsoon: 
You should also avoid visiting Suraj Tal between July to September as this place experiences incessant torrential rainfall during monsoon coupled with dangerous landslides. Most of the roads that allow you to enter this place are also blocked during monsoon owing to the chances of calamities.

Other Essential Information



- Location:
Lahaul Valley, Keylong, Himachal

- Elevation: 4950 meters

- Altitude: High, the third highest lake in India

- Distance from Spiti: 16.0 km

- Distance from Manali: 187.2 km

About Bhaga Valley



Bhaga Valley, also known as the Stod valley has formed from Surya Tal up to Tandi, and it begins from the south-western foot of Baralacha Pass. It is located in Lahaul and is completely uninhabited and barren up to Darcha. After Darcha this valley broadens out, and you’ll find a few more settlements in the areas beyond this region. As you move ahead from Darcha, you’ll find small villages after every seven to eight-kilometre.

This valley is called Stod from Darcha to Kolong and Gnat from Keylong to Keylong. Suraj Tal lake, which is touted as the third largest lake across India is located in the Bhaga Valley and it is one of the most splendid lakes that the visitors truly admire. Bhaga valley also offers the trekking enthusiasts an instant adrenaline rush as it is flanked with some of the most scenic trails that can be conquered by both experienced as well as the beginner trekkers. The entire valley gets covered with snow in the winter, and it seems like a sheet of white ice. Adding to it are the pine trees and lush greenery that makes it look like a wonderland of nature that every visitor must explore.

Tips for Visiting Suraj Tal



Here are a few tips that you must follow while visiting Suraj Tal: 

1. Make sure to carry your snow boots and a comfortable pair of shoes for long walks near Suraj Tal.

2. Dress in layers so that you don’t get hit by cough and cold due to the cold climate prevailing here.

3. Carry snacks along with you so that you can level up your energy in between the trip.

4. Carry a map so that you don’t get lost on the way due to darkness or other emergency factors.

5. Research about the area beforehand so that you can be aware of the difficulties that might arise on your way.
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Suraj Tal Reviews

Traveller image gallery
review-img
Ramraj S
Reviewed: 12 Jul 2022
4.0/5
Had a wonderful experience with Thrillophilia on booking spiti trip. Everything was carefully organised and we got response immediately on the queries asked and our request was also taken care. I recommend booking Spiti through them
Ramraj S
Ramraj S
Ramraj S
Ramraj S
Ramraj S
Ramraj S
(23+)View All
review-img
Ramakrishna KC
Reviewed: 21 Sep 2022
4.0/5
Guide and bike mechanics are really soo good. One and only concern is Chandigarh hotel has to improve with cleanliness.
Ramakrishna KC
Ramakrishna KC
Ramakrishna KC
Ramakrishna KC
Ramakrishna KC
Ramakrishna KC
(14+)View All
review-img
Vaibhav Sharma
Reviewed: 06 Jun 2023
4.0/5
Everything about the trip was great! The people we met during the journey was the best part!
Vaibhav Sharma
Vaibhav Sharma
Vaibhav Sharma
Vaibhav Sharma
Vaibhav Sharma
Vaibhav Sharma
(2+)View All
review-img
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Reviewed: 01 Nov 2022
4.0/5
Trip was overall a thrilling experience. However, it was a winter Spiti. And to our surprise, majority of the hotels didn’t had room heaters to provide at our own cost. Also at few places we didn’t get hot water in our rooms. Weather was around -10 degree Celsius. We had to go through near to death ... Read More
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
Sindhuja Ramakrishna
(3+)View All
review-img
Alok Gupta
Reviewed: 28 Sep 2022
4.0/5
It was memorable experience for lifetime. When I planned this trip with my friends, all Senior citizens, Anil at 67, Vijai at 64 and myself at 70, we had some apprehensions, but once the trip started everything went quite smoothly although some of the members of the group were even younger by 40 yea... Read More
Alok  Gupta
Alok  Gupta
Alok  Gupta
Alok  Gupta
Alok  Gupta
Alok  Gupta
(2+)View All
review-img
Neha Tomer
Reviewed: 12 Oct 2022
4.0/5
This was my first experience going with Thrilophilia and they haven't disappointed. It was a well managed trip despite the uncertainties of the mountains. Spiti in itself is so beautiful that I don't think you'll be in a zone to notice anything, atleast that's what happened with me :). I was just in... Read More
Neha  Tomer
Neha  Tomer
Neha  Tomer
Neha  Tomer
Neha  Tomer
Neha  Tomer
(1+)View All

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