Marinda Lake is a small glacial lake situated at an altitude of approximately 3,970 meters (13,025 feet) in the Har Ki Dun Valley, part of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India. Unlike the more famous high-altitude lakes like Roopkund or Kedartal, Marinda Lake is not heavily commercialized or well-known. It is fed by melting snow and glaciers from the nearby peaks, including the Borasu Pass area and Swargarohini massif.

marinda lake

Marinda Lake | Photo Credit : upasna_sketches

While the lake is relatively small in size, its surreal stillness, reflective surface, and the dramatic mountain backdrop make it an unforgettable sight.

Location & Geography

Region: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 3,970 m / 13,025 ft
Trek Base: Sankri village
Nearest Known Trail: Har Ki Dun Trek
Distance from Har Ki Dun Campsite: 3 km (one-way)

har ki dun valley

Har ki Dun Valley | Photo Credit :abubakar_vlogs

Surrounded by alpine meadows and moraine ridges, Marinda Lake lies along the trail that continues toward Borasu Pass, which connects Uttarakhand with Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Marinda Lake

🧭 Step-by-Step Route Overview:

Sankri Village

Sankri Village | Photo Credit : travelpixar

Dehradun to Sankri (Base Village):
- Distance: 200 km
- Duration: 9–10 hours by road
- Mode: Shared jeep or private taxi
Sankri to Har Ki Dun Valley (Trek):
- Route: Sankri → Taluka → Seema → Har Ki Dun
- Duration: 4–5 days (one-way)
- Campsites: Taluka, Osla/Seema, Kalkatti Dhar, Har Ki Dun
Har Ki Dun to Marinda Lake (Day Hike):
- Distance: ~3 km (one-way)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Trail Type: Gradual ascent with a few rocky patches
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (suitable for acclimatized trekkers)

Optional: From Marinda Lake, the trail continues toward Borasu Pass, but this route requires a special permit and is only for experienced trekkers.

Also Read : How to Prepare for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Trek Details: Har Ki Dun + Marinda Lake

Trek Type	Multi-day, moderate
Ideal Duration	7–8 Days (including Marinda Lake)
Best Season	April–June & Mid-September to November
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Permit Needed?	Yes – forest entry permit for Govind Pashu Vihar

Why Visit Marinda Lake?

1. Less Crowd, More Serenity

Marinda Lake remains under the radar, mostly because it’s not a part of the standard Har Ki Dun circuit. That makes it perfect for solitude seekers and offbeat explorers.

2. Spectacular Photography Spot

On a clear day, the Swargarohini peaks reflect beautifully on the still surface of the lake. Early morning or golden hour shots here are nothing short of postcard material.

3. Acclimatization Extension

If you’re planning to cross Borasu Pass, visiting Marinda Lake serves as a great acclimatization hike.

4. Natural Meditation Space

No temples, no signboards, no tea stalls. Just you, the mountains, and the whisper of wind across a glacial lake. It’s as raw and untouched as it gets.

Best Time to Visit Marinda Lake

Month	Conditions
April–June	Spring blooms, moderate snow patches, clear skies
July–August	Monsoon – avoid due to slippery trails and landslides
September–November	Crystal-clear views, golden meadows, early snowfall chances
December–March	Not recommended; lake and trails are under heavy snow

What to Pack for the Marinda Lake Trek

Even though the Har Ki Dun trek is categorized as easy to moderate, weather can change quickly near Marinda Lake due to altitude. Here’s a list of essentials:

🔹 Trek Gear:

Waterproof backpack (45–60L)
Sleeping bag (if camping beyond Har Ki Dun)
Tent (if doing DIY trek)

🔹 Clothing:

Thermal base layers
Fleece + down jacket
Waterproof shell
Trek pants (quick-dry)
Woolen socks and gloves
Sun cap and woolen cap

🔹 Essentials:

Trekking shoes with good grip
UV sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm & moisturizer
Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Headlamp with extra batteries

🔹 Medical Kit:

Diamox (for altitude)
Paracetamol, anti-inflammatory
Band-aids, crepe bandage
ORS & glucose

Nearby Attractions and Extensions

Jaundhar Glacier: Another pristine glacial zone beyond Har Ki Dun valley, often done as a day hike.
Maninda Tal (Not to be confused with Marinda): A smaller, seasonal water body en route.
Borasu Pass: A high-altitude crossing into Himachal Pradesh (needs a permit & guide).

Permit Info

Since Marinda Lake falls within Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, you need:

Forest Entry Permit
ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)
If planning to go beyond Marinda toward Borasu Pass, additional permissions from forest officials and ITBP are required.

Permits can be arranged from:

Sankri Forest Check Post
Purola/Netwar Forest Offices
Via your registered trek operator

Tips for Visiting Marinda Lake

Start early from Har Ki Dun campsite to reach the lake before noon. Cloud cover builds up later in the day.
Carry at least 1 liter of water and some trail snacks (there are no water sources immediately en route).
Leave no trace. The area is ecologically sensitive. Pack out all waste.
Be respectful to the landscape. Many locals consider the lake sacred.
No network coverage. Inform your family beforehand; the last mobile signal is usually in Taluka or Osla.
Avoid visiting in bad weather. The trail can get slippery and dangerous.

Suggested Itinerary (Including Marinda Lake)

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Drive (200 km / 9–10 hrs)

Day 2: Sankri to Taluka to Seema/Osla

Drive + Trek (12 km)

Day 3: Seema to Har Ki Dun

Trek (12 km)

Day 4: Har Ki Dun to Marinda Lake & Back

Trek (6–7 km round trip)

Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Seema

Trek (12 km)

Day 6: Seema to Taluka to Sankri

Trek + drive

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

Drive (10 hrs)

Photography Tips

Golden hour (sunrise) is best for reflections on the lake.
Carry a wide-angle lens to capture the full mountain backdrop.
A tripod is useful for long exposure shots if you’re into astrophotography (nights are stunningly clear).
Drone photography is not officially allowed check with forest authorities before using one.

Final Thoughts

Marinda Lake might not be famous, but it offers an experience that’s rare even in the Himalayas, a chance to be truly alone with the mountains. It’s a mirror to the sky, a quiet companion on your journey, and a spot to pause, breathe, and remember why you came all this way in the first place.

If you’re planning the Har Ki Dun trek, don’t miss the opportunity to hike just a little further to this alpine gem. It may not be on the map, but it’ll stay etched in your memory forever.

Marinda Lake: Guide to A Small Alpine lake in Har ki Dun Valley

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