Sopona Lake is not a name most people heading to Spiti Valley have heard of. When I suggest the Sopona Lake trek to friends and fellow travelers, I get looks like “Where is it? Is it even real? Never heard of it.” Well, that is exactly what makes it special. It is one of those places in the Himalayas where you step off the tourist trail and into something raw, quiet, and deeply personal.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Is Sopona Lake and Why Should You Trek There?
Sopona Lake is a seasonal glacial lake at about 13,500 feet (4,122 meters) in Spiti Valley, fed by snowmelt from the Manirang range. It sits above Maneyogma (upper Mane) village, and the trek from there covers 5-6 km one way, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with the full round trip taking 6-7 hours.
I know Chandratal Lake outshines most places in Spiti Valley and is among the most visited spots in the region. Apart from Chandratal, most travelers limit themselves to Kaza, Tabo, Ki, Kibber, and Dhankar. However, Spiti has many quieter corners like Sopona Lake, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, and Demul. In this article, I will share everything you need to plan the Sopona Lake trek in 2026, based on our DoW Mega Meet stay at Mane village in September 2014, what our trekking group reported back that day, and current route and permit information.
Let me be upfront about one thing, my friend. In 2014, about 17-18 people from our group did the Sopona Lake trek early in the morning with a local guide, while I stayed back in Mane village for the DoW Causes work at the village school. So the trail details in this guide come from that group, from my own notes on the village and the route up to the trailhead, and from research. I will tell you clearly which is which as we go.
Sopona Lake also shows up as “Yang Tso” or “Yang Tso Mane” on some maps and trekking apps like AllTrails, so search both names. A word of caution on navigation: the GPS coordinates widely copied online for the Mane villages actually point to Mud village in Pin Valley, a copy error that has spread across many websites. Search for “Maneyogma” or “Mane Bridge” on Google Maps instead, and download the offline map while you still have network in Tabo or Kaza.
Practical Info Box
| Altitude | About 13,500 feet (4,122 meters) |
| Trek Distance | 5-6 km one way from Maneyogma |
| Trek Duration | 2.5-3.5 hours up, 6-7 hours round trip including lake time |
| Difficulty | Moderate to difficult (steep gradient, loose scree) |
| Best Season | Mid-June to September (most water in late June and July) |
| Base Village | Maneyogma (upper Mane village) |
| Distance from Kaza | About 33 km (roughly 27 km on the highway plus a 6 km climb) |
| Distance from Tabo | About 26 km (roughly 20 km on the highway plus a 6 km climb) |
| Mobile Network | Patchy BSNL in the village at best, none on the trail |
| Permits | No stamped permit needed for Indian nationals |
| Vehicle e-Pass | e-Aagman registration mandatory (free) for every vehicle entering Spiti district, register at eaagman.hp.gov.in before Sumdo checkpost |
| SADA Entry Fee | Rs 100 bike / Rs 200 car / Rs 300 SUV at Sumdo (cash, verify at the barrier) |
| Local Guide | Rs 800-1,000 per day (what we paid in 2014, expect more now) |
| Last Fuel | Reckong Peo/Tapri on the Kinnaur side, or Kaza (33 km beyond Mane) |
Where Is Sopona Lake and How Do You Get There?
Sopona Lake sits above Maneyogma village, on the right bank of the Spiti river across from Dhankar. Drive the highway between Tabo and Kaza, cross the bridge over the Spiti near Schichiling (search “Mane Bridge”), and climb about 6 km to Manegogma and then Maneyogma. Mane is about 33 km from Kaza and 26 km from Tabo. There is no bus to the village.
Sopona Lake is located above the remote twin villages of Mane in Spiti Valley. To reach Mane, drive from Tabo towards Kaza. Near Schichiling, before the Dhankar diversion, a small bridge crosses the Spiti river. Take a left here over the river. From the bridge, the road climbs about 6 km, reaching Manegogma (lower village) first and then Maneyogma (upper village) a few kilometres ahead. The trek to Sopona Lake begins from Maneyogma, which is also where the old Manirang Pass trail to Kinnaur starts.
Keep in mind that the road from the bridge to the Mane villages is a narrow mountain track. It is motorable but can get rough, especially after rain. A local taxi or your own vehicle with decent ground clearance works best here.
One more thing that confuses people. Spellings of the two villages vary a lot (Gogma, Gongma, Kogma, Yogma, Yongma), and some accounts, including my own 2014 trip notes, swap which one is upper and which is lower. Most sources treat Maneyogma as the upper village, and Wikipedia’s entry on Manirang names Mane Yogma as the start of the old pass trail. On the ground, just ask for “upper Mane” and Sonam Ji’s homestay, and anyone will point you the right way.
Can You Reach Mane by Public Transport?
Partly. There is no bus to the Mane villages themselves. HRTC runs a daily bus from Shimla to Kaza via Reckong Peo, and it passes along the highway past the Mane bridge turn-off between Tabo and Kaza. You can ask the conductor to drop you at the bridge, then either arrange a local vehicle or walk the 6 km uphill to the village. With a backpack at around 3,600 meters, that walk is a proper workout in itself, so plan it for the morning. Bus timings change seasonally, so verify with HRTC at Reckong Peo or Kaza before you count on a particular departure. My guide to a budget Spiti trip by public transport covers the bus network in more detail.
What Is the Sopona Lake Trek Like?
The Sopona Lake trek is a 5-6 km one-way climb from Maneyogma with a steep, scree-covered start, then easier walking through high grazing pastures. Fit trekkers reach the lake in about 2.5-3 hours, while non-trekkers should budget 3-3.5 hours. The trail gets faint near the top, so a local guide is strongly recommended.
The trek from Maneyogma to Sopona Lake covers approximately 5-6 km one way. The trail starts from the last house in the village (Sonam Homestay) and climbs steeply at first before easing out. Fit, regular trekkers reach the lake in about 2.5 to 3 hours. My notes from 2014 put it at 3 to 3.5 hours for an average person who is not used to trekking at all. The entire round trip, including time at the lake, takes about 6-7 hours.
The trail is well-defined for the most part but can be confusing near the top. I strongly recommend hiring a local guide from Mane village. In 2014, Sonam Ji arranged one for our group at Rs 800-1,000 for the day, so expect a bit more now. A guide will not just show you the correct path but also share stories about the Manirang range and local folklore. A morale boost like that matters a lot when trekking in the high Himalayas.
Most of the trek is moderate for regular trekkers but can feel difficult for novices because of the steep gradient and the altitude. You are going above 13,000 feet, so take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. If you have not spent at least 2 days acclimatizing in Spiti (at places like Tabo or Dhankar, which sit around 10,000-12,000 feet), do not attempt this trek. If you want to understand why, read my piece on acute mountain sickness and the importance of acclimatization.
How the Trail Unfolds
- The steep start (first 1-1.5 hours). Right behind the village, the trail climbs a bare slope of loose gravel and scree. This is the hardest part of the day. Short steps, frequent breathers, and a trekking pole help a lot here, especially on the way down.
- The grazing pastures (Doksa). The gradient eases as you reach the high grazing grounds the villagers use for their animals in summer. From the vantage points here you get wide aerial views of the Dhankar side of the valley and the Spiti river braiding below.
- The final stretch to the lake. The path becomes faint and splits in places. This is exactly where people go wrong without a guide. The lake sits in a wide, flat bowl with rock walls and the snow peaks of the Manirang range around it.
What Happened When Our Group Did the Trek in 2014
Here is a story that explains why I keep insisting on a guide and on walking back together. Our group of 17-18 left early in the morning with a local guide, while the rest of us spent the morning at the primary and senior secondary schools in the village. By late morning the trekkers were back, we settled the bills with Sonam Ji, and started packing up for Lhalung.
That is when we realised Amol Ji, who had gone up with the group, had not come back. Even the guide had returned. An hour passed with no sign of him on the trail, and you can imagine the tension in the camp. We asked Sonam Ji to send the guide back up, and a few of us got ready to go along. Just as we were about to start climbing, we spotted him walking down 🙂 All is well that ends well, but it taught us a lesson I now pass on to everyone.
Hence, agree on a fixed turnaround time at the lake, keep the slowest person in front on the descent, and ask the guide to come down last, not first. In case anyone in your group is slower, stay within sight of each other on the faint upper section. There is no network up there to call anyone. You can read the full day in my Mane village, Sopona Lake and Lhalung trip report, and the day before it in the Tabo to Dhankar Lake to Mane photo story.
About the Manirang Range and Why the Trek Views Are Special
Mount Manirang (6,593 m / 21,631 ft) is one of the highest peaks in Himachal Pradesh, on the Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti border, first climbed in 1952. The lower Manirang Pass (about 5,550 m / 18,200 ft) was the old Spiti-Kinnaur trade route, and its trail starts from Mane, the same village as the Sopona Lake trek.
Even if the lake itself sometimes disappoints (I will explain this ahead), the trek to Sopona Lake gives you huge views of the Spiti Valley and the Manirang range. Mount Manirang, at 21,631 feet (6,593 meters), is one of the highest mountains in Himachal Pradesh and sits on the border between Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts. According to Wikipedia’s record of the peak, it was first climbed on 12 September 1952 by J. de V. Graaff, his wife Clare, and two Sherpas, Pasang Dawa and Tashi.
In case you come across the name Manirang Pass while researching this trek, do not confuse it with the peak. The pass, locally called Ropakla, is a much lower saddle at about 18,200 feet (5,550 meters) on the old trade route Spitians once used to reach Ropa village in Kinnaur before the motorable road existed. Its trail also starts from Maneyogma on the Spiti side. Some websites list the pass at 21,631 feet, which is actually the height of the peak. The pass is a multi-day expedition for experienced trekkers, while Sopona is a day hike.
Sopona Lake and the Mane villages are among the very few places in Spiti that can completely disconnect you from the outside world. These are places that take you back in time, where you can reflect on things or simply sit in the silence for an hour. If solitude is what you are after in Spiti, this is where you will find it 🙂
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sopona Lake?
The best time to trek to Sopona Lake is mid-June to September, when Spiti’s roads are open. For the most water, go in late June or July, when the glacial melt is at its peak. By September the lake shrinks to shallow pools, and from October it is usually a dry, cracked bed, though the trek and Manirang views are worth it in any season.
Sopona Lake is a seasonal lake formed by glacial melt from the Manirang range. The trekking window is mid-June to September, when roads to Spiti Valley are also open. Within that window, timing decides what you will see. In late June and July, the melt fills the bowl with clear, still water that reflects the mountains around it.
As the season moves on, the snowmelt reduces and so does the water. By September, which is when our group did the trek in 2014, you are more likely to find shallow pools and a lot of exposed mud. By late October and into winter, it usually dries out completely. In early summer (May to mid-June), the melt has not fully started and snow can still cover the upper trail.
One thing to keep in mind: the lake can be disappointing if you arrive expecting a large body of shimmering water. Think of it as a high-altitude seasonal pond rather than a sprawling lake. The real reward is the trek itself, the views, and the solitude.
How to Plan a Trip to Sopona Lake from Delhi?
Fit Sopona Lake into a 5-day Spiti loop from Delhi: Shimla or Narkanda (Day 1), Kalpa or Reckong Peo (Day 2), Nako-Giu-Tabo (Day 3), Dhankar and Mane village (Day 4), then the trek itself before continuing to Pin Valley or Kaza (Day 5). This routing also helps you acclimatize gradually.
You can refer to the most common itineraries for Spiti Valley from Kinnaur or Manali for end-to-end plans. For the sake of this article, I will suggest how you can fit Sopona Lake into your Spiti trip in a way that makes the most sense and also helps you acclimatize properly to avoid acute mountain sickness. This is also close to the route we followed for the 2014 Mega Meet.
Day 1 | Delhi to Shimla or Narkanda
- About 8 hours of driving to reach Shimla
- Shimla sightseeing includes the Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple
- Narkanda is about 60 km ahead of Shimla, takes about 2 hours
- Overnight at Shimla or Narkanda, whichever suits your timings
Day 2 | Shimla or Narkanda to Kalpa or Reckong Peo
- Leave early, especially if starting from Shimla, and enjoy the views en route
- Plan lunch at Rampur
- About 8-9 hours of drive through Kinnaur Valley
- Fill up your fuel tank at Reckong Peo or Tapri. This is the last reliable fuel stop on this side before Kaza.
- Overnight at Kalpa or Reckong Peo
Day 3 | Kalpa or Reckong Peo to Nako, Giu Mummy, and Tabo
- Start early and watch the mountain views over the Hindustan-Tibet Highway
- Check out Khab, the confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers
- See Leo Pargil Peak from Khab Bridge
- Have lunch at Nako
- Cross the Malling Nala (not as dreaded anymore) and after Chango and Sumdo, you enter Spiti Valley
- At the Sumdo check post, keep your free e-Aagman e-pass and ID ready, along with the SADA entry fee in cash (Rs 100 for a two-wheeler, Rs 200 for a car, Rs 300 for an SUV/MUV as per the February 2026 order from the ADC Kaza office). Then take the detour towards Giu village to see the 500-year-old mummy before continuing to Tabo.
- About 8-9 hours of driving depending on breaks
- Overnight at Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo to Dhankar, Dhankar Lake, and Mane Village (Maneyogma)
- Start early and visit Dhankar Monastery
- Trek to Dhankar Lake if time permits (about 1.5 hours one way). This works as a perfect warm-up hike for Sopona the next day.
- Have lunch at Dhankar
- Come back down to the bridge near Schichiling and cross over to the Mane villages. I have deliberately backtracked you here because this will help you acclimatize well for the trek on Day 5.
- About 2 hours of driving in the day
- Overnight at Mane Village (Maneyogma)
Day 5 | Mane Village (Maneyogma) to Sopona Lake and onward to Pin Valley
- Start the trek early, around 5-6 AM, and head up to Sopona Lake
- Take a packed breakfast. You will be back at Maneyogma in 6-7 hours at most.
- Have lunch after getting back and start towards Pin Valley or Kaza
- About 2 hours of driving onward
- Overnight at Pin Valley or Kaza
Sopona Lake or Dhankar Lake: Which Trek Should You Pick?
If you have only half a day and want an easy, busy trail, pick Dhankar Lake (about 1.5 hours one way from Dhankar monastery). If you have a full day, are acclimatized, and want silence, pick Sopona Lake (2.5-3.5 hours one way from Maneyogma). Ideally, do Dhankar on Day 4 as a warm-up and Sopona on Day 5.
Both lakes sit on opposite sides of the same stretch of the Spiti river, so people often ask me which one to do. Here is how they compare.
| Factor | Dhankar Lake | Sopona Lake |
| Starting point | Dhankar village and monastery | Maneyogma (upper Mane) |
| Time to the lake | About 1.5 hours one way | 2.5-3.5 hours one way |
| Round trip | Half a day | 6-7 hours, a full morning |
| Trail | Clear, well-used path | Steep scree at the start, faint near the top |
| Guide needed? | Not really | Strongly recommended |
| Crowds | Regular day-trippers in season | You may not meet anyone at all |
| Stay options | Homestays and guest houses in Dhankar | Homestays and camping in Mane only |
My honest suggestion is to do both, in that order. Dhankar Lake on Day 4 gets your lungs used to climbing above 12,000 feet, and you will feel the difference on the steep start to Sopona the next morning.
Where to Stay Near Sopona Lake at Mane Villages?
Mane villages have no hotels, only family homestays like Sonam Homestay in Maneyogma, the last house in the village before the trek starts. Budget roughly Rs 500-1,500 per person per night with meals, and confirm the current rate when you call. There is also a camping ground next to the homestay if you carry your own tent.
Both Mane villages are tiny hamlets. There are no hotels or guest houses in the usual sense, only homestays. We stayed at one in Maneyogma during the DoW Mega Meet 2014, with most of the group in tents on the field outside. You will be amazed by the hospitality of the locals here, no matter what 🙂
If you are looking for more homestay options across Spiti Valley, I have a dedicated article that covers the best stays from Tabo to Kaza to Kibber.
Sonam Homestay, Maneyogma Village
We stayed at Sonam Homestay at Mane village. When we stayed, it was fairly newly built, with 5-6 rooms, a couple of dry-pit local toilets, and a big dining hall where food is served. The rooms are simple, with mattresses on the floor, and you will feel comfortable here. There is a big camping ground outside where you can pitch your tents. It is the last home in Maneyogma village, and the trek to Sopona Lake starts from right here.
You can reach Sonam Ji at +91-9418503966 or +91-9459481431. Your call may be picked up by Lobsang Ji. Mention Sonam Ji from Mane village, and he will recognize and take care of your booking. Expect around Rs 500-800 per person per night including basic meals (as of 2024). Homestay rates across Spiti in 2026 are generally reported at Rs 700-1,500 per person with breakfast and dinner, so budget towards the upper end and confirm the rate when you book.
Other Homestays in Mane Villages
There are other homestays in Maneyogma and Manegogma as well, or feel free to put up your own camps. Unfortunately, I do not have contacts for the other homestays, but once you are in the village, asking around works perfectly well.
You can also get in touch with Tsering Bhai (tseringsakya@gmail.com or +91-9418208987) in case you need things pre-booked or pre-arranged. Sonam Ji is family with Tsering Bhai, so he should be able to help you in any way needed.
What Should You Carry for the Sopona Lake Trek?
Carry trekking shoes, at least 2 litres of water, packed food, sunscreen, warm layers, a rain jacket, and Diamox as an AMS precaution. There are no shops, cafes, or water sources anywhere on the trail between Maneyogma and Sopona Lake, so you need to be self-sufficient.
The Sopona Lake trek does not need any technical gear, but you still need to be well prepared. There are no shops, cafes, or water sources on the trail. Here is what I recommend carrying.
- Trekking shoes with good grip. The trail is loose gravel and scree in sections.
- At least 2 litres of water. There is no water source between Maneyogma and the lake.
- Packed breakfast and snacks. Dry fruits, energy bars, and glucose are good options. You will be out for 6-7 hours.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses. At 13,500 feet, the UV radiation is intense.
- Warm layers. Even in summer, mornings at this altitude can be cold, and the weather can change quickly.
- Rain jacket or poncho. Sudden showers are possible in July-August.
- Diamox tablets. Keep them as a precaution for altitude sickness. Consult your doctor before the trip.
- A small daypack. Leave heavy luggage at the homestay.
- Trekking pole (optional but helpful for the steep descent).
- Offline map of the area downloaded in Tabo or Kaza, plus a whistle in case someone gets separated.
You can also check our complete list of things to carry on a trip including a medical kit for a more comprehensive packing guide.
How Much Does the Sopona Lake Trek Cost in 2026?
Budget roughly Rs 800-2,700 per person for the trek portion alone: a homestay night at Maneyogma with meals (Rs 500-1,500), your share of a local guide (Rs 800-1,000 per day in 2014, split across your group), and packed food and water (Rs 100-200). This is separate from your overall Spiti Valley trip budget.
The Sopona Lake trek is one of the most budget-friendly treks in Spiti Valley since there is no entry fee, no trekking permit, and minimal infrastructure. Here is a rough cost breakdown per person for the trek portion only (not including travel to Spiti or the SADA vehicle fee at Sumdo).
| Expense | Budget (per person) |
| Homestay at Maneyogma (1 night, with meals) | Rs 500-1,500 (Rs 500-800 as of 2024, confirm when booking) |
| Local guide for the trek | Rs 200-1,000 (Rs 800-1,000 per day in 2014, split among 1-4 people, expect more now) |
| Packed food and water | Rs 100-200 |
| Total (trek portion) | Rs 800-2,700 per person |
For the overall Spiti Valley trip budget breakdown, refer to our dedicated cost guide. The Sopona Lake trek adds just 1 extra day and very little cost to your overall Spiti itinerary. Carry cash for all of it, since there is no ATM or digital payment option in Mane.
What Are the Key Tips and Safety Considerations?
Acclimatize for at least 2 days before the trek, hire a local guide, start by 5-6 AM, walk down together, and carry enough cash and fuel. There is no ATM, petrol pump, or reliable network in Mane, and the nearest Community Health Centre is in Kaza, about 33 km away.
- Hire a local guide. The trail to Sopona Lake can be confusing near the top, and a villager from Mane will make sure you do not get lost. He will also share insights about the area that you will not find in any guidebook.
- Walk down together. As our 2014 group found out with Amol Ji, the descent is when people get separated. Agree a turnaround time and keep the guide at the back.
- Acclimatize first. Do not trek to 13,500 feet on your first or second day in Spiti. Spend at least 2 days at lower altitudes (Tabo at 10,764 feet, Dhankar at 12,776 feet) before attempting this trek.
- Start early. Leave by 5-6 AM from Maneyogma. This gives you enough daylight for the round trip and avoids afternoon weather changes.
- Plan your fuel. If you are coming from the Kinnaur side, fill up at Reckong Peo or Tapri, the last reliable pumps before Kaza. Kaza itself is 33 km beyond Mane, so do not plan on topping up there before the detour.
- Do not count on mobile signal. BSNL has some presence in the Mane villages, and a few recent traveller reports mention Jio 4G, but coverage is patchy and there is none on the trail. Read our Spiti mobile connectivity guide for full details on which networks work where in the valley.
- Carry enough cash. ATMs are available only in Kaza. Homestay payments, guide payments, and everything in Mane is cash-only.
- Know where medical help is. There is a Primary Health Centre at Tabo and a Community Health Centre at Kaza, about an hour’s drive from Mane. The village itself has only basic first aid, so carry your own medical kit.
- Travel responsibly. Mane villages and Sopona Lake are pristine, undeveloped places. Carry back all your trash, do not disturb the wildlife or grazing animals, and respect the local community.
What Else Can You Visit Near Sopona Lake?
Sopona Lake sits between Tabo and Kaza, so you can easily combine it with Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery and Lake, Pin Valley and Mud village, Kibber, Langza, and Ki Monastery on the same Spiti loop without any major detours.
- Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 CE, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” About 30-40 minutes from the Mane bridge.
- Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake, perched on a cliff overlooking the Spiti-Pin river confluence, right across the river from Mane. The lake is a 1.5-hour trek from Dhankar.
- Pin Valley and Mud Village, home to the Kungri Monastery and the last village on the Pin Valley road. My Pin Valley National Park guide covers the park itself.
- Kibber village and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, known for snow leopard sightings in winter.
- Langza, the fossil village with its giant Buddha statue.
- Ki Monastery and local sightseeing around Kaza.
I recommend spending at least 7-8 days in Spiti to do justice to these places. If you only have 5-6 days, read our guide on how to make a Spiti Valley trip in 6 days.
Can You Camp at Sopona Lake?
Yes, you can camp at or near Sopona Lake if you carry all your own gear and drinking water, and a sleeping bag rated to at least -5 degrees Celsius. The easier option is pitching your tent on the camping ground next to Sonam Homestay in Maneyogma, which is what our group did in 2014.
A few things to know before you haul a tent up. Do not rely on the lake for drinking water. It shrinks through the season, the water is silty and shared with grazing animals, and it is not potable, so carry all your drinking water up. Temperatures drop sharply at night at 13,500 feet, even in summer. A good 3-season sleeping bag rated to at least -5 degrees Celsius is essential.
If you want to camp at the lake, I recommend hiring a porter from the village to help carry gear up. Alternatively, pitch your tents at the camping ground at Sonam Homestay in Maneyogma, which is easier, safer, and still gives you a beautiful night under the stars.
All trek photographs in this article are credited to Preet Kamal, our core devil from the DwD community, who was with us on the DoW Mega Meet 2014. A sincere thanks to him.
Related Reading
- Mane village Spiti travel guide
- Trip report: Mane village, Sopona Lake and Lhalung
- Trip report: Tabo to Dhankar Lake to Mane
- Acute mountain sickness and why acclimatization matters
- Budget Spiti trip by public transport
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopona Lake?
Sopona Lake is a seasonal glacial lake at about 13,500 feet (4,122 meters) in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, fed by snowmelt from the Manirang range. It sits above Maneyogma (upper Mane) village and is reached by a 5-6 km trek that takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours one way, with the full round trip taking about 6-7 hours. Some maps list it as Yang Tso.
How long is the Sopona Lake trek?
The Sopona Lake trek is approximately 5-6 km one way from Maneyogma village. Fit trekkers reach the lake in 2.5 to 3 hours, while people not used to trekking should budget 3 to 3.5 hours. The full round trip including time at the lake takes about 6-7 hours. The trail has a steep, scree-covered start, making it moderate for experienced trekkers and challenging for beginners.
Do I need a permit to visit Sopona Lake?
No stamped permit is needed for Indian nationals to visit Sopona Lake or the Mane villages. However, every vehicle entering Spiti district, including on the Kinnaur route this itinerary uses, must register for the free e-Aagman e-pass on the Himachal government’s e-Aagman portal before you reach the Sumdo check post, where the SADA entry fee (Rs 100 bike, Rs 200 car, Rs 300 SUV) is also collected in cash. Fill the e-pass in advance, since network at the barrier is unreliable. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for parts of the Kinnaur-Spiti route, roughly Rs 250-400 per person in 2026 and generally issued for groups of two or more, so check the Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti ILP guide before traveling.
Is Sopona Lake worth visiting if it is dry?
Yes. Even when the lake is dry (common from late September onwards), the trek offers panoramic views of the Manirang range and the Spiti Valley. The cracked, empty lakebed under the snow peaks is a striking sight in its own way. The solitude and disconnect from civilization make it worth the effort regardless of water levels.
Which month has the most water in Sopona Lake?
Late June and July, when the glacial melt from the Manirang range is at its peak. The water reduces as the snowmelt slows, so by September you are more likely to find shallow pools, and from October the lake is usually a dry bed.
How do I reach Mane village from Kaza?
From Kaza, drive towards Tabo on the Spiti highway. After about 27 km, near Schichiling and the Dhankar diversion, take the bridge over the Spiti river (search “Mane Bridge” on Google Maps) and climb about 6 km to Manegogma (lower Mane) and then Maneyogma (upper Mane). Mane is about 33 km from Kaza in total, roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive. There is no bus service to the village itself.
Can I do Sopona Lake as a day trip from Kaza?
It is possible but makes for a very long day: about 1-1.5 hours of driving each way plus a 6-7 hour trek, so you would need to leave Kaza by 5 AM. I recommend sleeping at Mane the night before instead. You start fresher, you get a night of acclimatization at village height, and you support a local family.
Is there mobile network at Mane village or Sopona Lake?
Do not count on it. BSNL has some presence in the Mane villages and a few recent traveller reports mention Jio 4G there, but coverage is patchy, and there is no network at all on the trail to the lake. Inform your family before you head up, download offline maps in Tabo or Kaza, and enjoy the digital detox.
Can beginners do the Sopona Lake trek?
Beginners with reasonable fitness can attempt the trek, but it is not easy. The altitude (13,500 feet), the steep scree at the start, and the faint trail near the top make it challenging. Acclimatize for at least 2 days in Spiti before attempting it, hire a local guide, start early, and take frequent breaks. If you have never trekked above 10,000 feet before, do the shorter Dhankar Lake hike first and see how your body feels.
What wildlife can I spot near Sopona Lake?
The area around Mane and Sopona Lake is home to Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan foxes, marmots, and various raptors. Snow leopard presence has been reported in the broader Manirang range area, though sightings are extremely rare. Our group photographed fresh hoof prints in the drying lakebed mud, most likely from blue sheep or the village livestock that graze up here in summer.
In the end, feel free to post any queries in the comments section below. If you have been to Sopona Lake recently and would love to share your experience, especially how much water you found and in which month, please leave a comment and I will make sure to include your inputs in this article. You can also join the DwD community for itinerary advice and trip planning help for Spiti Valley and beyond 🙂
Last Updated: October 2026
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Can I plan a motorbike trip on 20.09.2017 to spiti valley from shimla side including langza, hikkim, komic, chandrapal etc. and return through kunjum pass to manali side.
An early response will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
YEs, you can plan the trip in September easily in Spiti valley. The roads will be in good conditions.
Hello Dheeraj,,
I want to ask you few things:
1. Is going to kaza from Manali is a good idea during 22-27th June. ? if so what are the public transport and timing of it , as Himachal transportation is not showing any online.
2. Who all to conatct for the camping permission at chandrataal.
3. Apart from kaza, tabo and Nako do you suggest any place worth visiting ?
thanks is advance
Hello Arunima,
1. The road from Kaza to Manali will be open by that time of the year and HRTC buses from Kullu – Manali – Kaza will be operational else shared taxis from Manali taxi stand will also be running during that time. There are two HRTC buses which runs between Manali and Kaza every morning, as soon as road to Spiti Valley via Manali get open in the season, mostly in June. These buses run from Kullu to Kaza via Manali and it reaches Manali around 4.45 AM and leaves at 5.00 AM. Ticket to Kaza will cost you only about INR 250.
2. You cannot camp at Chandratal, it is against the laws and disrespect to the environment. Please camp at the camping sites dedicated near parking lot for camps to save it for future.
3. Well, you can refer: Spiti Valley from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Thanks so much 🙂
best wishes for your trip. Feel free to post any further questions you may have for your trip.
I have been to this lake. It is really beautiful. Mane does not have home stays like other villages in Spiti. In lower Mane, a woman named Lobzang and her husband are open to tourists staying with them. Else, it might be difficult to find accommodation.
Chinar, now few things have changed. You can stay at Sonam guest house/home stay as well in upper mane village. It is the last house almost.
Detailed information.Thank you
Thank you, glad it is useful for you.
We missed this opportunity to visit this lake..Next time for sure..Thanks DHEERAJ for sharing
Sure Aryan, it is blissful place and the trek offers some breathtaking views.
Glad to know about this lake.
It is a beautiful trek, do plan on your next trip 🙂