The mighty Himalayas have always beckoned me with their raw beauty and mystic aura. Recently, I embarked on a soul-stirring journey to Devtaal, a sacred lake nestled near the Mana Pass, the last point on the Indian side before Tibet. My journey, starting from the holy town of Rishikesh, unfolded like an ancient scripture, revealing secrets of the mountains at every turn.
Devtaal is a serene, sacred lake located near Mana Pass, on the Indian side of the border with Tibet in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Mana Pass itself is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, situated at an altitude of around 5,610 meters (18,406 feet). The lake is located a few kilometers before reaching Mana Pass, nestled in the rugged high-altitude terrain of the Greater Himalayas, surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness.
In Hindu mythology, Devtaal holds immense spiritual significance. The name "Devtaal" itself translates to "Lake of the Gods," and it is believed to be a sacred body of water where deities descend to bless the land. Pilgrims regard the lake as a site where divine energies converge, and many perform rituals and prayers at its banks to seek blessings. The water of the lake is considered holy, and circumnavigating the lake is believed to purify the soul and grant spiritual peace.
From Rishikesh to Joshimath: The Mountain Beckons
Leaving the spiritual hum of Rishikesh behind, I set off for Joshimath early in the morning. The 8-hour drive, though long, felt like a brief moment amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. The towering cliffs, meandering Alaknanda river, and dense forests held stories of their own. Every twist in the road seemed to whisper tales of sages and pilgrims who had once walked these paths in search of the divine.
By the time I reached Joshimath, the golden hue of the setting sun bathed the town in a tranquil glow. I made my way to the Narsingh Temple for the evening aarti, and the experience was nothing short of ethereal. The temple, which houses the idol of Lord Narsingh, the preserver of Badrinath during the winter months, echoed with the sound of bells and chanting devotees. As dusk fell, the mystic energy of the temple filled the air, heightening the spiritual ambience of the evening.
After the aarti, I retired for the night at a cozy homestay in Joshimath, where the warmth of the local hospitality eased the chill of the mountain night. The early start the next morning required a restful sleep, and with that thought, I drifted off.
The Journey to Badrinath and the Sacred Shores of Devtaal
At the crack of dawn, my journey to Devtaal began. By 5 am, I was on the road, making my way to Badrinath. We reached the holy town by 7 am and stopped briefly to await fellow travelers who would join us. As the wait stretched on, I visited my dear friend Mr. Bhaskar Bhatt, the proud owner of a serene homestay, "Hermitage in the Himalayas" that offers breathtaking views of the Neelkanth Peak. Over steaming cups of tea, we shared stories as the morning sun kissed the snow-clad peaks. It was a moment of perfect tranquility before the day’s adventure began.
By 8 am, our group was complete, and we set off for Devtaal and Mana Pass. The road, narrow and treacherous, snaked its way through rough terrain, with the grandeur of the mountains looming over us. At multiple checkpoints, the army verified our inner line permits. Each stop brought with it the kindness of the army men stationed in such remote areas—they offered us warm tea, a much-needed respite from the biting wind and cold.
Devtaal: The Sacred Mirror of the Sky
After hours of traversing rocky zones and deep valleys, we finally reached Devtaal. Surrounded by towering peaks, the lake shimmered like a mirror, reflecting the heavens above. The stillness of the place was overwhelming, broken only by the sound of the wind and the distant chants of prayers carried by the mountain breeze. In Hinduism, Devtaal is revered as a sacred site where the gods are believed to descend. Its waters are considered holy, and performing rituals here is said to bring immense blessings.
As the crisp mountain air filled my lungs, I joined my fellow travelers in performing the rituals and prayers at the lake. We circumnavigated Devtaal, barefoot on the cold ground, paying homage to the divine presence that we all felt deeply within. The folk songs and dances that followed were a beautiful tribute to the mountains and their age-old connection to the divine. The rhythmic beats of the dhol and the melodic notes of the songs echoed against the granite cliffs, as if the mountains themselves were joining in the celebration.
Lessons from Devtaal: A Reflection of Life
The return journey from Devtaal felt heavier—not from the physical exhaustion, but from the spiritual energy that now weighed upon me. Visiting such a sacred place reminded me of the deeper truths that we often overlook in the hustle of daily life. The stillness of the lake mirrored the need for calm in our minds, while the arduous journey to reach it symbolized the perseverance required to attain peace.
The kindness of strangers, the power of collective prayers, and the humbling grandeur of nature left me with lasting impressions. Devtaal was not just another destination; it was a teacher, imparting lessons that would resonate long after I returned from the mountains.
As we made our way back to Badrinath and eventually to Joshimath, the mountains around us seemed to stand taller, their sacredness etched into my being. And though I have left Devtaal behind, the lessons from that sacred lake remain within, guiding me through the complexities of life.
This journey, like many before it, reaffirmed my belief that travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s about understanding the world and, in turn, understanding ourselves. Devtaal will forever be one of those places where the sacredness of nature touches the soul, leaving an indelible mark on the heart.
For more details and information you can contact us at