Treks by
Monsoon to early autumn: July to September – the lake is filled and surroundings lush. Avoid summer dry season (April–June) when the lake often dries and loses its water charm.
By Road From Mall Road, Nainital: it's about 1 km uphill. You can easily trek or drive via a local paved route. Via Kathgodam–Nainital road: reach Nainital by bus or taxi (Kathgodam is ~35 km away), then proceed uphill. By Rail & Air Railway: Nearest major station is Kathgodam (~35 km). Hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Nainital. Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Nainital. By Foot A scenic hike from Mall Road takes about 30–45 minutes and is ideal for nature lovers.
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2,055 meters
Sukhatal Lake, also known as Khudariya Tal, is a seasonal freshwater lake located just a kilometer uphill from Nainital’s bustling Mall Road. Unlike the iconic Naini Lake, Sukhatal often dries up during summer, which is why it's locally known as the "dry lake." Despite its dry appearance for much of the year, it plays a crucial role in recharging the groundwater that sustains Naini Lake, contributing nearly 40–50% of its underground water supply. Surrounded by serene pine and oak forests, the area offers a peaceful retreat and is popular among nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Sukhatal Lake, nestled in the upper region of Nainital, is a seasonal water body that plays a vital ecological role in sustaining the famous Naini Lake. Also known as Khudariya Tal, the lake often remains dry during summer, giving it the name "Sukhatal" (meaning “dry lake”). Despite its appearance, it acts as a crucial natural recharge zone, absorbing rainwater and percolating it underground to feed Naini Lake.
Ancient Roots: Sukhatal—formerly Khudariya Tal—has long served as a natural recharge basin for Naini Lake, playing a critical hydrological role in local water management. Geological studies by NIH and IIT Roorkee confirm that nearly 40–50% of Naini Lake’s water comes from subsurface flow originating at Sukhatal Modern Awareness: Encroachment and cementing caused Sukhatal to dry often—reports indicate it hit near-zero water levels a decade before 2016, threatening Naini Lake’s stability Conservation Movement: Environmental groups such as IIT-R and CEDAR champion protection; judicial intervention followed after urban development projects risked clogging the lakebed.