Deepak Tal: A Quiet Gem Near Keylong

Deepak Tal is a small lake. It is hidden in the high mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Many people do not know about it. But those who go there feel happy and calm. The water looks blue and clean. Snowy peaks can be seen around it. A cool breeze is always felt near the lake. A peaceful feeling is given by this place.

Deepak Tal is found near a place called Keylong. Keylong is in the Lahaul and Spiti district. This area is very beautiful. It is also a little remote. The lake sits along the road that leads to Leh.

Where Deepak Tal Is Located

The lake is at a good height. It sits at around 3,750 metres above sea level. It is on the Manali-Leh highway. From Keylong, it is about 20 kilometres away. It can be reached in less than an hour. Many sharp turns are on the road. But the views are lovely. Tall mountains and valleys can be seen everywhere.

Deepak Tal is quite close to another lake. That lake is called Suraj Tal. But Deepak Tal is smaller. Still, it looks very pretty. The lake is surrounded by small rocks and green patches. When the sky is clear, the mountains reflect in the water. It makes the place look magical. A small bridge is there.

How Deepak Tal Was Formed

Many stories are told about these lakes. People say the lakes were made by melting glaciers. The glaciers come down from the tall peaks. Over time, water got collected. Slowly, the lake took its shape. Locals have their own tales too. They think the lakes are holy. Blessings are believed to be given by them. Deepak Tal’s water is thought to be very pure.

Not much human work has been done around the lake. That is why it looks so clean. The silence is broken only by wind or sometimes a vehicle passing by. People who love quiet places feel relaxed here.

Best Time To Visit Deepak Tal

Deepak Tal is best visited from June to September. Snow blocks the roads in other months. Heavy snowfalls happen in winter. Roads are closed sometimes for many weeks. So, summer is chosen by most people. In these months, the sky is clear. The roads stay open. No snow blocks the path.

The weather stays cool even in summer. A jacket should still be kept with you. Sometimes sudden rains happen. A raincoat helps on such days. The lake looks bright under the sun. Photographs come out very nice. During this time, many bikers and travellers are seen. They stop for a short break and enjoy the lake’s beauty.

How To Reach Deepak Tal From Keylong

Deepak Tal is reached easily from Keylong. Taxis can be hired from there. Some people also ride bikes. The road is smooth in most parts. But it becomes narrow in some places. Driving slowly is advised. The journey does not take long. A scenic drive is enjoyed on the way.

From Manali, Deepak Tal can also be visited. It takes about 5 to 6 hours. The distance is around 150 kilometres. The road goes through Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is famous but sometimes stays closed. Snow blocks it in winter. So, the trip is planned best in summer. Buses are also available sometimes. But many people prefer private vehicles.

Cost Of Visiting Deepak Tal

No entry fee is taken at Deepak Tal. Anyone can go and see it. Nature is enjoyed for free. But some costs are still there. A taxi fare has to be paid. Food and water should be carried. There are no big shops near the lake. Only small stalls may be found sometimes.

A taxi from Keylong may cost around 1,500 to 2,000 rupees for a round trip. Bike rentals are cheaper. Petrol is extra though. Hotels in Keylong are not very costly. Rooms start from about 800 rupees per night. Staying there is cheaper than staying in Manali. But fewer options are there. Simple guest houses are mostly found.

What Weather Feels Like Near Deepak Tal

The weather near Deepak Tal is cold. Even in June, a chill is felt in the air. In the day, the sun shines bright. But the air stays cool. At night, temperatures fall further. It can go below 5 degrees Celsius even in summer. So, warm clothes should be packed. The cold wind can be strong sometimes.

Rain is seen in July and August. The rain comes quickly and goes away fast. The lake looks even more fresh after rain. Clouds hang low around the mountains. It feels like being in a dream. In winter, snow covers the place. The lake freezes. People do not visit then. The roads stay closed too.

Tips To Keep In Mind

Some tips help when visiting Deepak Tal. Water and snacks should be carried. Shops are few near the lake. Petrol should be checked in your vehicle. No petrol pump is there at Deepak Tal. Only in Keylong can fuel be filled.

Plastic bottles and waste should not be thrown there. The place should be kept clean. Many travellers forget this. But nature must be protected. Oxygen levels are lower there because of high altitude. So, walking too fast should be avoided. Breathing might become hard for some people. A slow pace is better.

Photography is loved by everyone there. Morning light is the best for pictures. The lake looks blue and shining. The mountains look golden. A camera should be kept ready. But clicking pictures too close to the water is not safe. Slipping can happen on rocks.

Things To See Around Deepak Tal

Other places are also near Deepak Tal. Suraj Tal is one of them. It is larger than Deepak Tal. Its colour is bright blue. It is about 50 kilometres ahead. It sits near Baralacha La Pass. That pass is very high. It goes above 4,800 metres. Snow stays there even in summer.

Keylong town is also nice to see. Monasteries are there. Old Tibetan culture is felt there. Shops sell woollen clothes and local things. Small cafes serve tea and noodles. A quiet time can be spent there. People are friendly and helpful. Staying there for a night is enjoyed by many travellers.

Deepak Tal’s Hidden Beauty

Deepak Tal is not as famous as big lakes like Pangong or Tso Moriri. But a special charm is held by it. Not many people go there. So, peace is felt more. Nature can be heard. The mountains look close and quiet. The breeze sings softly. Stress goes away from the mind.

A small break is given by Deepak Tal during long journeys. People going to Leh feel refreshed. The calm water reflects the sky. It feels like heaven on earth. Even though it is small, a big memory is left in the heart. Deepak Tal is a place where nature speaks quietly.

So, if Keylong is visited by you, Deepak Tal should not be missed. It is near, easy to reach, and very pretty. No ticket is needed. Just go and enjoy. A peaceful gift from nature is waiting there.