Khajjiar Lake, Lake in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India

Khajjiar Lake sits high in the Dhauladhar mountains, surrounded by thick cedar forests and open meadows that give the place a quiet, natural feel. The water reflects the forested slopes around it, with grassland stretching along the shore creating a simple, unspoiled landscape.

The lake is named after Khajji Nag, the deity worshipped in the temple beside its shore. The lake is held sacred by the Khajjinags, the community from whom the place takes its name. It lies between Dalhousie and Chamba Town, about 16 km from Dalhousie and 25 km from Chamba, and has shrunk considerably over the years, now close to vanishing.

The lake is named after Khajji Nag, the deity worshipped at the temple beside it, and the Khajjinags regard the water as sacred. The temple stands among cedar forest near the Kalatope sanctuary, and pilgrims come to honour the serpent deity there.

You can reach the lake by road from several directions, though the nearest airport requires a few hours of driving. Come early in the day to enjoy the place at a relaxed pace and be prepared for cool weather in the mountains.

Parts of the shoreline feel spongy and springy underfoot because water plants have created a soft, floating mat. This unusual surface makes walking along the edge a strange and memorable experience.