If you have been to Dalhousie, people will ask you, “Did you visit Chamera Lake?” No trip to Dalhousie is complete without a visit to Chamera Lake. It’s a beautiful water body that welcomes visitors throughout the year. If you haven’t included it in your itinerary, you must read this.
Chamera Lake: Overview
The narrow path alongside hills will get you as excited as a kid. Wherever you see, there are mountains and among them, shimmering in the daylight, is the Chamera Lake. It lights up the entire area with its charm. You need an entire day to bask in its beauty. You will find the lake at an altitude of 736 meters above sea level. It serves as a reservoir for the Chamera Dam built on the river Ravi.
Chamera Lake is significant for the local population that uses the lake water for irrigation. In addition, the lake houses a hydroelectricity generation plant, Chamera-I Project, which is a pondage scheme on River Ravi. It leverages 3 x 180 MW power generators installed in the underground powerhouse, catering to power requirements of Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states Uttarakhand, UP, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh.
This lake has changed the face of the nearby villages since it came into being. It has also helped develop infrastructure, schools, medical facilities, and employment opportunities, as people are getting informed, and tourism is also impacting the locals.
How to Reach Chamera Lake?
The location of the lake is what makes it the most sought-after place in the region. It is 25 km from Dalhousie, accessible within an hour. The proximity ensures that the tourists who come to Dalhousie usually prefer to spend a quiet day here. Those staying in Chamba need to travel 40 km to reach the lake, but the distance is worth it. The closest airport to the lake is in Pathankot. You can fly from New Delhi to Pathankot and then take a train to Dalhousie, approximately 10 hours. From there, you can take a taxi to reach Chamera Lake.
Why Visit Chamera Lake?
You must visit Chamera Lake because you are going to love it. Whether you are a photographer, an adventure-seeker, or a group of friends who need a day out, this place is perfect for you.
It is a stunning place. There are tall pine trees that adorn the hills and valleys. On both sides of the lake, lofty hills stand proudly. There is a narrow, unconstructed road that takes you to the lake. Once there, you witness valleys on your right and the shimmering blue lake on your left. Wildflowers adorn the hills, and cool unpolluted air wakes up your senses. As the sun comes up, the entire place bathes in a beautiful golden glow, and golden ripples on the water tempt you to take a dip.
In the winter season, the place experiences snowfall. The blue lake shines like sapphire, sleeping under the blanket of snow. For a photographer, it is a paradise. Apart from the sightseeing, you can enjoy water sports and boating here. The Himachal Pradesh Department of Tourism has set up a water sports sub-center to encourage tourism. If you are looking for some quiet time, fishing is also a popular activity here to indulge in.
You can visit the lake with your family and have a picnic by the lake. If you are here with friends, participate in water sports. If you are here with your partner, enjoy the weather and stroll. Even those on a solo trip can make some lasting memories.
One of the things about this place that makes it a favorite among tourists is its varying temperatures. In the morning and noon, the temperature of this place gets as high as 35⁰C, but as the night approaches, it comes down to 15⁰C to 18⁰C. You can also stay in houseboats here, which is also a great experience.
When Should You Visit Chamera Lake?
The lake has a perfect climate throughout the year. Visit it during rain, and you will see rising water levels. In winter, everything is white as snow covers the entire area. In summers, it is a perfect getaway from the heat.
Things to Do at Chamera Lake
There are many things to do in this place:
- You can indulge in water sports like rowing, sailing, paddle boating, motor boating, kayaking, angling, etc.
- You can take photographs here.
- You can visit Bhandal valley and Bhalei Mata temple, situated nearby.
- A picnic day under the sun is possible.
- Houseboats are great options for those who want to stay.
Tips for Visitors
- On weekends the place remains crowded. Therefore, if you want to beat the crowds, visit on the weekdays.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- You should bring a jacket or scarf if you plan to visit it at night. It gets cold here.
- Do not forget to take your camera.
- The place is crowded, and pickpockets are everywhere. Take care of your mobile, camera, jewelry, wallet, etc.
Food Near Chamera Lake
You can enjoy Himachali delicacies at a variety of restaurants and cafes nearby. Some of them are:
- Kwality Restaurant
- Moti Mahal Restaurant
- Grace Mount
- Forever Café
- Dalhousie Retreat
- Glory Hotel and Restaurant
- Shive Café
- Napoli Restaurant
- The Dining Hut
- Moti Mahal Delux
- Mongas Café
Places to Visit Near Chamera Lake
When you are in Dalhousie, visit these places as well:
- Dainkund Peak
- Sach Pass
- Patrick’s Church
- Subhash Baoli
- Garam Sadak
- Panjpulla
- John’s Church
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
- Gandhi Chowk
Conclusion
Water has a way to calm your senses, and it seems true when you visit Chamera Lake. The ripples in the calm water soothe one’s mind. The beauty of the valleys, the smell of earth and trees, the breeze that pecks on your cheeks, and boating in such beautiful water are something you must experience. On your next week off, get ready for a trip to Chamera Lake.
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