Naddi and Dal Lake at a glance
Naddi is a village 2–3 km west of the McLeod Ganj bazaar, according to the Kangra district tourism page. The same page treats Naddi and the nearby lake as one combined viewpoint. McLeod Ganj is also written McLeodganj, and it is part of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.
The lake is a small one at Tota Rani, on the road between McLeod Ganj and Naddi. It is not the large Dal Lake in Srinagar, which is a different place in a different state. This page uses the name Dal Lake only for the small lake near McLeod Ganj.
Dal Lake near McLeod Ganj: water level in 2026
The lake is not always full. The district page describes times when it dries out and the water is low, and refers to visitor reports from January 2026. That is a published note and not a measurement of today's level. Do not plan around a full lake, and do not expect boat rides.
The hours given on the page, roughly 07:00 to 20:00, are approximate. The lake is a natural site, so treat those hours as a guide and not as a gate time. Check conditions locally.
Please keep the shore clean and take your litter with you.
Tours and day trips from McLeod Ganj
Walks, treks and trips around Naddi and the Dharamshala area, with live prices and availability.
The Naddi viewpoint
The draw of Naddi is the view across to the Dhauladhar range. A clear view is never guaranteed. Cloud can hide the mountains, especially in the monsoon, when about 81 percent of the yearly rain falls from June to September at the Dharamshala weather station. October and November are drier on average, at 52.6 mm and 18.8 mm, but a drier month does not promise a clear morning.
If the range is your reason for coming, check the sky before you set out, and be flexible about the day.
The district page describes the viewpoint and the lake together, so you can see both in one outing. Keep to the road and to paths you can see.
Dal Lake as a trail start
One of the paths to Triund begins here.
The path to Triund
The district page lists Dal Lake among the places where paths to Triund begin. They meet the Dharamkot path at the Galu Devi temple, at 2,130 m. Triund is a full-day trek and not an extension of a lake visit.
Rules to check
A press report of 7 January 2026 names police permission for Triund and Kareri, and a refundable INR 500 waste deposit has been reported for Triund since 11 August 2026. Whether the permission rule applies on your date is not settled, so ask locally. The Triund page has the details.
If you only want a walk
A visit to the lake and the viewpoint does not need any of this. It is a short outing, and the main question is the weather on the day.
Getting to Naddi from McLeod Ganj
A short trip along one road.
Distance
The district page gives 2–3 km west of the McLeod Ganj bazaar. The lake is on the McLeod Ganj to Naddi road at Tota Rani, so you pass it on the way.
Timing
The lake page gives roughly 07:00–20:00 as visiting hours. For the view, plan your visit around the weather and not the clock.
Parking
Ask your driver or accommodation about parking. Do not assume there is a lot or a fee schedule.
Staying in Naddi
What the location means for your trip.
Location
Naddi is reached by the Dal Lake and Naddi road. It is outside the McLeod Ganj bazaar, so a room here means a ride or a walk of 2–3 km into town. The view is a reason to stay, not a promise.
Compared with other bases
Dharamkot is the base for Triund, Bhagsu is near the temple and waterfall, and McLeod Ganj itself has the Tsuglagkhang complex. The where to stay page sets them side by side.
Registration
Foreign guests are registered by their accommodation on a C-form, which needs a passport and a valid visa.
Nearby on this guide
More places around McLeod Ganj.
Naddi and Dal Lake: frequently asked questions
Is the Dal Lake near McLeod Ganj the same as Dal Lake in Srinagar?
No. This is a small lake at Tota Rani, about 1 hectare at roughly 1,775 m. The Dal Lake in Srinagar is a different, much larger place.
Is there water in Dal Lake?
It varies. The district page describes times when the lake dries out or runs low and refers to January 2026. Do not plan on a full lake.
Are there boat rides on Dal Lake?
Do not expect them. The lake is a small natural site, and boats cannot be counted on.
Does it cost anything to visit?
The district page says entry is free, with approximate hours of 07:00–20:00. Check locally.
How far is Naddi from McLeod Ganj?
About 2–3 km west of the bazaar, according to the district page.
Can I always see the Dhauladhar range from Naddi?
No. Cloud can hide it. Check the sky before you go and keep the day flexible.