Dehnasar Lake trek from Barot — what is published, and what is not
Why this page exists
Dehnasar Lake is the best-known walk from Barot, and the question people ask. This page gives what the sources publish and says plainly what they do not. It is not a trekking plan.
Photos: Wikimate786 (CC BY-SA 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
What is published
The lake lies at 4,280 m in the Dhauladhar range, in the Barot valley region of Kangra district, beside rocky cliffs. It is fed by melting snow and lies frozen under thick snow in winter, with 3 to 6 m of snow in some winters. It is sacred to the Gaddi community and to local Hindus, and pilgrims bathe in it on the 20th of Bhadrapada.
The trek starts at Polling village, at 2,200 m and 8 km east of Barot by road, and is 14 km each way. It is moderately difficult. Visitors are advised to plan at least two days, with a halt at a midway camp at 3,300 m. Other routes start from the Lug valley or from Thaltukhod village, and the long route along the Fungni ridgeline takes two to three days.
Season
See when to visit Barot and the Barot guide for the valley itself.
June and September are the ideal months. July and August bring heavy rain, landslides and sometimes cloudbursts. The lake is under snow through winter.
What we do not know
We give no daily timings, no permit or registration rules and no price of guides, because no source we use publishes them. Ask in Barot, go with someone who knows the route, and carry what a night at altitude needs. The easy things in the valley are in things to do in Barot and the one-day plan; for timing see when to visit Barot and for arrival how to reach Barot.
Questions people ask
How high is Dehnasar Lake?
Dehnasar Lake lies at 4,280 m in the Barot valley region of Kangra district, in the Dhauladhar range, beside rocky cliffs. It is fed by melting snow and lies frozen under thick snow in winter. Although it is in Kangra, it is more approachable from Mandi and Kullu.
How long is the trek?
About 14 km each way from Polling village, which is 8 km east of Barot by road, and at least two days with a halt at a camping site midway at 3,300 m. The trek is moderately difficult, with steep ascents, ridges and glacial streams, so it suits experienced walkers or guided groups.
When should you go?
June and September are the ideal window, once the snow has melted and the weather is stable. Avoid July and August, when heavy rain, landslides and cloudbursts can damage the trail. Pilgrims bathe in the lake on the 20th of Bhadrapada, in late August or early September.