Dal Lake (Dharamshala)

This Dal Lake — not to be confused with the one in Srinagar — is a modest pond set among deodar and oak about 2 km from McLeod Ganj on the road to Naddi. A temple to Shiva stands beside it, and a fair is held here each September. The lake is fed by springs and can look low or weedy in the dry months, so most people come for the short forest walk and the quiet rather than the water itself. It pairs well with the Naddi viewpoint a little further on, which looks straight at the Dhauladhar.

1. From McLeod Ganj, take the Naddi road for about 2 km; taxis and autos run there.
2. It is also a pleasant 30–40 minute walk through the forest from McLeod Ganj.
3. Naddi and its Dhauladhar viewpoint are about 1 km beyond the lake.

March to June and September to November. The September fair is the liveliest time; the lake is fuller just after the monsoon.

• The lake is small and can look unimpressive in the dry season — set expectations accordingly.
• Swimming is not allowed.
• Parking near the lake is limited on weekends and during the fair.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.