Suraj Tal & Baralacha La
Suraj Tal ('Lake of the Sun God') is the third-highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world, sitting like a giant sapphire tarn at 4,883 meters immediately beneath the summit of Baralacha La (4,890m / 16,043 ft). Feeding the glacial currents of the Bhaga River, this high mountain lake remains partially frozen even well into July, surrounded by glaciated moraines and towering barren massifs along the legendary Manali-Leh Highway.
About Suraj Tal & Baralacha La
Suraj Tal ('Lake of the Sun God') is the third-highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world, sitting like a giant sapphire tarn at 4,883 meters immediately beneath the summit of Baralacha La (4,890m / 16,043 ft). Feeding the glacial currents of the Bhaga River, this high mountain lake remains partially frozen even well into July, surrounded by glaciated moraines and towering barren massifs along the legendary Manali-Leh Highway.
“Standing on the windswept shore of this high glacial tarn surrounded by colossal scree peaks, where silence is broken only by the crackle of shifting ice.”
Key Place Highlights & Field Notes
Altitude is extreme (nearly 5,000m); do not linger for more than 30–45 minutes to prevent symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Baralacha La is an eight-kilometer-long pass crossing where mountain roads from Zanskar, Ladakh, and Spiti meet.
Reaching Suraj Tal & Baralacha La
Practical approach guidelines, road accessibility, and high-altitude meteorological conditions in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
Roadhead & Approach Transit
Accessible via the road network of Lahaul & Spiti, connecting through major Himalayan arteries. Local taxi unions and state transport operate seasonal schedules depending on weather clearance.
Trail & Walking Requirement
A modest walk or well-marked trail leads to the primary destination. Sturdy footwear is recommended on rocky steps and loose gravel surfaces.
Seasonal Window & Snow Clearance
Best visited during July to September. High-altitude sections may experience heavy winter snowfall, temporarily closing vehicle access between December and March.
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Check local administration updates and avalanche warnings during active precipitation.
Seasons & Atmospheric Cycles
Primary Window: July to SeptemberHow weather, road accessibility, light quality, and landscape character shift across the four Himalayan cycles at Suraj Tal & Baralacha La.
Spring
March – MayCarry layered fleece and windproofs; afternoon showers common during seasonal transitions.
Summer
June – AugustMonsoon rains impact lower foothills (July–Aug); check highway landslide bulletins.
Autumn
September – NovemberTemperatures drop sharply after dusk; heavy thermal wear essential by late October.
Winter
December – FebruarySub-zero overnight chills; 4x4 vehicles with snow chains recommended on icy inclines.
Geospatial & Topographic Profile
Explore Suraj Tal & Baralacha La's elevation contours, ridgelines, and glacial relief in interactive cartography and 3D satellite mesh.
Interactive 3D Satellite Terrain
Inspect the 3D glacial topography, ridge relief, and trail approaches of Suraj Tal & Baralacha La in photorealistic satellite imagery.
Planning Your Visit to Suraj Tal & Baralacha La
Authoritative field answers concerning altitude, seasonal access, and travel logistics.
Nearby Destinations & Trails in Lahaul & Spiti
Explore neighboring passes, cultural villages, and trails within the same mountain corridor.
Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake)
A pristine high-altitude crescent lake nestled in the Samudra Tapu plateau between the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges. Revered as the source of the Chandra River.
Key Gompa & Kibber
Key Monastery is a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched dramatically on a conical hill above the Spiti River. Nearby Kibber is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the world.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
The most dramatic crossover trek in Himachal — starting in the lush green forests of Kinnaur's Bhaba Valley and abruptly emerging into the Martian barren landscape of Spiti's Pin Valley.
Continue Your Journey Through Himachal Pradesh
Discover verified routes, high-altitude passes, and cultural field guides across the Himalayas.