10 Highest lakes in the World
Lakes tend to be low lying waters that are right at sea level. However, there are actually some lakes that are located in mountain ranges and are well above nearby oceans. The following lakes are the highest ones in the world.
Nevado Ojos del Salado, Argentina, 6,390 Meters Above Sea Level
Despite being the highest body of water in the world, it’s relatively small at only a diameter of 100 meters and a depth of 10 meters. Its name, which is actually just the name of the volcano it sits on, means “The Eyes Of Salty Water”. You can climb it from either the border of Chile or Argentina. The Argentinian side is less touristy and has less fees attached to it, but is best left to more experienced climbers.
Lhagba Pool, Tibet, 6,358 Meters Above Sea Level
At 180 meters by 50 meters, this pool is located right on Everest’s slopes. Overall it’s fairly secluded and a great place to swim, if you like cold water that is. You can easily find it at around 6 kilometers north of the summit of Everest. It’s not a popular tourist attraction as there really isn’t much too it.
Changtse Pool, Tibet, 6,216 Meters Above Sea Level
Not a lot is known about this lake. Supposedly it’s 180 meters by 230 meters. Explorer George Mallory tried to explore the area in 1924, but never made it back. It’s not known the source of the water for the pool, but it’s thought that it’s somehow linked to Mount Everest.
East Rungbuk Pool, Tibet
This lake only appears when the snow melts. Many explorers, including Graham Hoyland, have successfully been able to travel to the lake despite the obstacles that come with getting to it. Just like with Changtse Pool, not much is known about it.
Acamarachi Pool, Chile, 5,950 Meters Above Sea Level
This crater pool is only about 10-15 meters in diameter and has a 45-degree angle to the volcano it’s located on. It is accessible for those that are experienced climbers and it has been photographed many times. It used to be an Inca sanctuary and quite a few Incan artifacts have been found here.
Lake Lacancabur, Bolivia/Chile, 5,916 Meters Above Sea Level
Located on the border of Bolivia and Chile, this lake is located on a volcano as well. While the mountain range is in both countries, the lake is entirely in Chile and is less than a mile from the border. The lake itself is 100 meters by 70 meters and 8 meters deep. Quite a few people have scuba dived in this lake as it’s fairly, easily accessible.
Aguas Clientes Pool Chile, 5,831 Meters Above Sea Level
This pool sits on top of the volcano, Cerro Aguas Calientes. One of the things that makes it so different than the other lakes on this list is that it has microorganisms in it that give the water a red tinge. It receives quite a few explores and has been nicknamed Simbad.
Ridonglabo Lake, Tibet, 5,801 Meters Above Sea Level
No one has been known to actually visit this lake. Part of the reason why is because of its location, which is close to the peak of Ridonglabo and the strict rules of the Chinese government. There aren’t even any confirmed photos of it! If anyone can figure out a way to visit it, they will come out of it with quite a tale to tell.
Poquentica Lake, Bolivia/Chile, 5,750 Meters Above Sea Level.
Located on an extinct volcano, most of this lake is frozen. It’s difficult to reach and only scientists and experienced explorers have been able to make the trek. From pictures we can tell that it’s full of ice crystals and it’s been referred to has having terrain that may be similar to the planet Mars.
Damavand Pool, Iran, 5,650 Meters Above Sea Level
Mount Damavand houses this pool. Many claim that it has magical powers and it is often referred to in Persian literature. It’s usually frozen, but does melt in the summer. It’s difficult to reach, but those who have been able to see it claim it’s beautiful.
