- This beautiful lake is 4,890 meters below the Baralacha Pass summit.
- It is 800 meters long. It attracts trekkers, devotees, and nature lovers.
Geographic Significance
- Located at the head of the Bhaga River, serving as its source
- Positioned below Baralacha Pass, which connects Mandi and Lahaul to Ladakh
- Also known as “Vishal Tal” (Great Lake)
- One of two notable lakes near Baralacha La (the other being Deepak Tal)
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Fascinating Legends
The Celestial Love Story
The lake’s name, meaning “Lake of the Sun God,” stems from a romantic folklore:- Bhaga (son of the Sun God) and Chandra (daughter of the Moon God) fell in love
- Despite parental opposition, they eloped to marry
- They arranged to meet at Baralacha La Pass
- Chandra arrived first at what is now Chandratal Lake
- Bhaga arrived at the location of Suraj Tal
- Their eventual meeting point at Tandi marked their celestial marriage
- The rivers Bhaga and Chandra follow their respective paths to this meeting point
The Haunting Tale
A darker legend surrounds the area:- Remains of a building called Shaheed Sainik Bhawan exist atop the pass
- According to folklore, a man killed and consumed three Indian Army soldiers there
- Though he was later killed, locals believe the spirits of him and the soldiers haunt the pass
Trekking Experience
For adventure enthusiasts, Suraj Tal offers an unforgettable trekking experience:- Trek starts from Zingzingbar
- Involves crossing the Bhaga River and a 2.5 km climb
- Descend a steep hill to reach the lake
- Many trekkers use Manali-Leh Highway as their base camp
- Route crosses scenic Baralacha La and Rohtang Pass
- Camping near the lake under the star-filled sky is highly recommended
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Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal months: May and June (pleasant weather, open access)
- Late season: September and October (before snow blocks the pass)
- Avoid: November to April (pass closed) and July-August (monsoon landslide risk)
How to Reach Suraj Tal Lake
From Manali via two routes:- Route 1: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Kokhsar → Keylong → Jispa → Suraj Tal (187 km)
- Route 2: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Keylong → Jispa → Suraj Tal (142 km)
- No direct buses available
- Recommended to hire a cab or rent a bike from Manali
- Road conditions are mostly smooth with some rough patches and water crossings
Essential Travel Tips
- Nearest accommodation is available in Jispa hotels
- Some dhabas near Deepak Tal offer dormitory-style Chadar Tents
- Limited mobile connectivity (networks disappear after Keylong/Rohtang)
- Carry snow boots and extra footwear
- Dress in layers to combat cold weather
- Pack energy bars and snacks
- Download offline maps or bring physical maps
- Research the area thoroughly before visiting
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