Nepal’s breathtaking landscape is often associated with its towering Himalayan peaks, verdant foliage, and tranquil lakes that adorn its enchanting terrain. However, beneath the lofty mountains and within the lush valleys, Nepal is graced with some of the world’s most expansive, renowned, and stunning lakes. So, let’s know about the Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in Nepal. These natural wonders vary from pristine glacier-fed lakes nestled amidst the Himalayan splendor to revered sacred lakes, harmoniously coexisting with ancient temples. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey to discover the top ten lakes in Nepal, each possessing its own unique allure and captivating beauty. From the lofty heights of the Himalayan lakes to the serene tranquility of lakes nestled in the lowlands, Nepal’s aquatic treasures offer something for every traveler seeking solace and awe-inspiring vistas.
Explore these pristine bodies of water and immerse yourself in the serenity and grandeur that only Nepal’s lakes can provide. Whether you seek adventure, spiritual solace, or simply wish to bask in nature’s splendor, Nepal’s lakes await your discovery, promising an unforgettable experience that will etch itself into your heart and memory.
Interesting fact of the Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in Nepal
01. The largest lake in Nepal is Rara Lake, also known as Mahendra Daha, in Karnali Province.
02. Nepal is blessed to have some of the most beautiful lakes in the entire world. Some of the famous lakes located over there are Gokyo Lake, Shey-Pokshundo lake, Panch-Pokhari lake, Rara lake, and many more.
03. Rara Lake which is also called the Queen Lake of Nepal was described by our late King Mahendra as the biggest and deepest lake in Nepal with pure water.
04. Phewa Lake, Phewa Tal or Fewa Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal formerly called the Baidam Tal located in the south of the Pokhara Valley that includes Pokhara city; parts of Sarangkot and Kaskikot.
05. Kajin Sara lake in Manang district of Nepal which was discovered only recently is all set to become popular as the world’s highest lake.
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List of Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in Nepal
01. Rara Lake
Rara Lake is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and largest freshwater lakes, nestled in the quiet and tranquil Himalayas. This magnificent lake, located at an elevation of 2,990 meters in the Jumla district, has an area of 10.8 km2 and has a maximum depth of 167 meters. Rara Lake is a renowned tourist attraction in Nepal, surrounded by virgin forests, meadows, and snow-capped mountains.Rara Lake boasts lovely blue waters that are ideal for swimming and boating. Because it is home to a variety of migratory birds, the lake also provides excellent chances for bird watching and fishing. You can even see endangered species such as the red-headed vulture, the black-necked crane, and the Nepal forest gecko.
A trip to Rara Lake would be incomplete without a visit to the surrounding Rara National Park, one of Nepal’s most beautiful national parks. Explore some of the country’s oldest woods, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.Rara Lake is sure to satisfy your wanderlust, whether you are searching for a tranquil and restful break or an adventurous and thrilling adventure. So gather your belongings and embark on a memorable journey to this magnificent lake!
02. Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake, located in Pokhara Valley, is one of Nepal’s most popular and picturesque lakes. It is Nepal’s second-largest lake, spanning 4 kilometers long, 2 kilometers broad, and 8.6 meters deep. It has a surface area of 5.7260 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 742 meters.The crystal blue waters of Phewa Lake attract visitors from all over the world, who come to admire the spectacular Himalayan mountain range. The lake is surrounded by lush flora, and the waters are supposed to have medicinal properties. There are numerous activities available here, including boating, fishing, swimming, and even paragliding.
A boat ride across the lake will take you to the famed Tal Barahi Temple, which is located on an island in the middle of the lake. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, and it is said that worshiping her here will bring you good luck and riches.Visit one of the many viewing restaurants along the lake for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy a wonderful local dinner while admiring the stunning views of Phewa Lake. Stay in one of the many resorts located around the lake and watch the sunrise while sipping a cup of hot tea for a truly spectacular experience.
03. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo Lake, located in Nepal’s Dolpa district, is the deepest lake in Nepal and the second deepest lake in South Asia, with a depth of 136 meters. With an elevation of 3,589 meters, it is the largest lake in the Trans-Himalayan area.The lake boasts stunning views because it is bordered by steep mountains and deep trees. Its crystal pure water is tinged with a bluish-green hue, making it a marvel to behold.The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including the endangered snow trout and other trout species. Visitors can also see migratory birds, including geese and ducks, near Shey Phoksundo Lake’s shores.
Leopards, blue sheep, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears can all be found in the adjacent hills and forests. As a result, Shey Phoksundo Lake is an excellent location for trekking and animal photography. Aside from these activities, guests can also visit the Shey Gompa Monastery, which is located on a hill near the lake. The monastery, which was established in the 15th century, provides breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings.
04. Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake, located in the Manang district, is one of Nepal’s highest and most picturesque lakes. It is the highest lake in the world, at an elevation of 4,919 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by white glaciers and snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal trekking and adventure destination. The view from the mountain’s summit is just spectacular. The lake’s crystal blue water reflects the spectacular Annapurna hills, providing a stunning backdrop for pictures.Tilicho Lake is also home to numerous bird and wildlife species. The lake’s tranquillity makes it a perfect location for leisure. Along the trip, there are many wonderful places to see, such as Manang village, Gurung settlements, and the Mesokanto La pass.
Trekking to Tilicho Lake is a popular tourist and trekker activity in Nepal. Most people opt for a four to five-day walk from Kathmandu to Manang village, passing through several gorgeous locations along the way. The trekking route runs through some of Nepal’s most attractive villages and forests, offering visitors stunning vistas of the Annapurna range. The journey ends in Tilicho Lake, where visitors can take in the breathtaking environment and find serenity in their hearts.Tilicho Lake is a must-see for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable vacation in Nepal. After a long hike, the stunning scenery, tranquil ambiance, and abundance of wildlife make it a great spot to unwind and rejuvenate. So, if you’re seeking for a memorable adventure, make your way to Tilicho Lake!
05. Begnas Lake
Nestled within Nepal’s picturesque Kaski district, Begnas Lake stands as a natural gem, claiming the title of the country’s third-largest lake and proudly joining the ranks of the eight major lakes that grace the enchanting Pokhara Valley. Situated in the southeastern corner of the Pokhara Valley, this serene waterbody finds itself cradled at an elevation of 650 meters above sea level, covering a generous surface area of 3.28 square kilometers.
Begnas Lake has established itself as a cherished destination among tourists, earning its reputation as one of Pokhara’s most renowned attractions. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the lake serves as a vital source of irrigation, while select areas of its expanse are utilized for caged fisheries. The water level of this tranquil lake remains in a constant state of flux, influenced by the ebb and flow of rainfall and agricultural needs. Enthusiasts of boating and fishing are drawn to Begnas Lake, enticed by the allure of its pristine freshwater and the promise of unforgettable natural experiences.
06. Tsho Rolpa Lake
Tsho Rolpa Lake, alternatively known as Cho Rolpa Lake, graces the Himalayan landscape as one of Nepal’s grandest glacial lakes. Over the past half-century, it has experienced significant expansion, owing to the gradual melting of glaciers in the Himalayan region. This pristine waterbody resides majestically at a lofty elevation of 4,580 meters, cradled within the breathtaking Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha district.
Spanning an expansive surface area of 1.537 square kilometers, Tsho Rolpa Lake assumes a pivotal role as the primary source of the Rolwaling and Tamakoshi rivers. Its ethereal beauty is heightened by the commanding presence of the Langtan and Everest mountain ranges, which encircle the lake, treating visitors to awe-inspiring vistas of these majestic peaks. The lake’s idyllic setting is further complemented by terraced fields that cascade down the landscape, swiftly flowing rivers, pristine woodlands, and the timeless glaciers that complete this enchanting tableau of nature’s grandeur.
07. Rupa Lake
Rupa Lake is the third largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, located at a height of 600m and covering an area of approximately 1.35 square kilometers. It is located on the border between Pokhara Metropolitan and Rupa Rural Municipality of Kaski district.It is a freshwater lake that runs north to south and is supplied by perennial streams. It features one of Nepal’s largest watershed areas, measuring 32 square kilometers.
It is one of the most popular tourist locations in the Pokhara Valley, along with Begnas Lake. It is most renowned for offering boating adventures to both domestic and international tourists. Aside from that, cage culture and pen culture have been used for fish breeding in Rupa Lake.This lake’s surroundings are home to a variety of plant and wildlife species. A total of 36 waterbird species have been reported in the lake, accounting for approximately 19% of all wetland dependent birds in Nepal.
08. Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lake is an aligotropic lake in Nepal, located at a high elevation of 4,700 to 5,000 meters in Sagarmatha National Park. It is a series of six primary lakes, the greatest of which is Thonak Lake. These are the world’s largest freshwater lakes.Geographically, it is located in Nepal’s Khumjung VDC of the Solukhmbu district. The biggest lake is Gokyo Cho, also known as Dudh Pokhari, and the largest is Thonak Lake, which has an area of 65.07 hectares.
These lakes hold immense religious significance in Nepal and are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. At the western corner of the Lake, there is a temple dedicated to God Vishnu and God Shiva, as well as a Nag Devata (Snake God) residence. As a result, a large number of Hindu pilgrims visit this lake each year, particularly during Janai Purnima, one of Nepal’s holidays.Gokyo Lake is also a famous tourist destination because it links to the Everest Base Camp and other popular destinations. These lakes are also included in the extended Everest Base Camp trip. As a result, the lake continues to draw a large number of international trekkers and climbers.
09. Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda is one of Nepal’s most important aligotrophic lakes. It is located at a high elevation of 4,380 meters, directly beside the Langtang National Park in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, and has a total area of 13.8 hectares. Gosaikunda is one of the few lakes in Nepal that remains frozen for six months of the year, from October to June. When it melts, it forms the Trishuli River, which is one of Nepal’s major rivers.
Gosaikunda is a more religiously significant lake in Nepal than other lakes. This lake’s vicinity has been designated as a Hindu sacred site in Nepal. This lake is the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri, according to Hindu mythology. Many Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagwata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, mention Samundra Manthan, which is intimately tied to the Gosaikunda’s origin. The waters of this lake are revered and hold special significance. Thousands of Nepalese and Indian pilgrims visit the lake throughout the year, notably during Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, one of Nepal’s most important festivals.Aside from its religious significance, Gosaikunda is well-known for bird viewing and witnessing Nepal’s natural splendor.
10. Khaste Lake
Another popular lake in the Pokhara Valley is Khaste Lake. It is situated in Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Kharane Phant. It encompasses around 25 hacters.The lake is most renowned for its pisciculture, which has been practiced here for many years. This lake is one of the best spots in Nepal to watch Siberian, Indian, and Afghan birds. These birds come here to escape the cold.As a result of the migration of many birds, this location has the potential to become a research center for migratory birds of various species in Nepal.
So, these are the ten most popular and well-known lakes in Nepal. You will see many more gorgeous lakes like these while touring the nation. From the shimmering Gosaikunda Lake to the beautiful Phewa Tal, the country has a multitude of stunning lakes that will awe everyone who sees them.