Along with some of the world’s tallest mountains, there are 5,300 lakes in Nepal. Despite being a small landlocked country, Nepal comes in 43rd rank in the world in water resources. Snow from the Himalayas melts and trickles down to form various rivers, rivulets, and lakes. Hence, there are many lakes scattered all over the country.
Among the 5,300 lakes, 2,300 are glacial lakes. Many lie at high altitudes, surrounded by beautiful nature, hills, and mountain vistas. Similarly, most lakes fall within national park areas, so visiting these lakes is an opportunity to explore the diverse biodiversity. Most of these lakes have religious and cultural significance. So, exploring the lakes is also a way to experience the beauty of Nepal. It is also the best way to immerse in the unique culture of the region and thrilling adventure.
Since there are thousands of beautiful lakes in the country, we have hand-picked ten of the most beautiful and famous lakes to create the list. Let us explore more about them!
Table of Contents
10 Best Lakes In Nepal
1. Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes are part of the lake system in the Khumbu region of Nepal, which consists of 19 lakes, six of which are glacial lakes: Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Longponga. These oligotrophic freshwater lakes are among the world’s highest freshwater systems.
The lakes lie from an altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters above sea level. Similarly, the lake system covers a surface area of 196.2 ha. The largest among the 19 lakes in the Gokyo Lake System is Thonak Cho. Gokyo Lakes are famous for their beautiful turquoise crystal-clear waters and spectacular mountain views. Hindus and Buddhists consider these lakes sacred. There is a temple of Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva, in the lake’s western corner, and Hindus believe that Nag Devata (Snake God) resides in the lake.
In recent years, the Gokyo Lakes Trek has garnered much national and international interest. The beautiful lakes, quieter trails, and stunning mountain panoramas make the journey mesmerizing. You must fly to Lukla to access the Gokyo Lakes. Then, there are several routes from Namche Bazaar, which you can take as per your preference. Check out our Himalayan Leaders’ 15 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking, which allows you to explore this beautiful lake system and more.
2. Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal and the deepest lake in western Nepal. It lies in the Jumla and Mugu Districts in Karnali Province at an altitude of 2,990 meters above sea level. The pristine lake is part of the Rara National Park, the country’s smallest national park but home to unique and diverse flora and fauna. It is also one of the largest lakes in Nepal.
Rara Lake stretches over 10.61 sq km, with a length of 5.1 km and a width of 2.7 km. Its depth is 167 meters, making it the country’s deepest lake. Rara is an oligotrophic freshwater lake with a high pH. Depending on the climate and weather, the waters of Rara change color up to five times a day. Beautiful green hills and conifer forests surround the Lake. Similarly, unique flora, fauna, and around 236 bird species live around the lake.
Rara Lake lies in a remote area of the country. To reach it, you must first travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, either by roadway or flight. Then, you must take another flight or roadway to reach Rara Lake. Rara Lake Trek is also popular these days because the lake’s remote location and calming atmosphere make for an unforgettable journey.
3. Tilicho Lake
One of the highest lakes in Nepal, Tilicho Lake, is a glacial lake at an altitude of 4,919 meters above sea level. The lake is situated in the Manang District and is close to Pokhara city. Tilicho Lake used to be the country’s highest lake before the discovery of Kajin Sara Lake in 2019. However, it is still one of the high-altitude lakes in the world. The lake has no aquatic organisms.
Tilicho Lake has a length of 4 km and a width of 1.2 km, making it the lake with the longest diameter in Nepal. Its water has no designated route and remains in the lake. The lake has religious significance as Hindu devotees believe it is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake of the epic Ramayana. In 2000, a Russian diving team conducted the world’s first highest-altitude scuba dive.
Bare, snow-covered mountains surround the lake, and its surface is silvery and shiny. Trekking to Tilicho Lake is a popular side hike of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail to the lake is relatively less demanding, making it a popular alternate route. En route, you will pass through popular settlements like Jagat, Chame, Pisang, Manang, and more. You can join our 26 Days Tilicho Lake Trekking to experience the surreal.
4. Gosaikunda Lake
Lying in the Rasuwa District of Nepal, Gosaikunda Lake is an oligotrophic lake at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level. It is an alpine freshwater lake that covers an area of 13.8 ha and falls within the Langtang National Park. There are 108 lakes in the surrounding area.
Gosaikunda is one of the most sacred lakes in the country and is religiously significant to Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu mythology, the lake is a holy abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Likewise, Hindus believe that Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda with his Trishul (Trident) to relieve his throat from the poison he drank during Samundra Manthan. Thousands of Hindus visit the lake annually during the Janai Purnima festival and bathe there. Devotees believe that the waters of Gosaikunda cleanse one of their sins.
The Gosaikunda Lake is easily accessible from Kathmandu. You must take a bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. From there, you will have to hike to the lake. The view of the lake itself is magnificent, and the green hills and meadows surrounding it further enhance its beauty. You can join our 17 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking, which takes you to the Gosaikunda Lake and explore its surrounding areas.
5. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. It lies in the remote Dolpo District and is within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The alpine freshwater lake covers a surface area of 485 ha with a depth of 145 meters. The lake is among the cleanest body of water in Nepal. Similarly, Shey Phoksundo is an oligotrophic lake with religious significance to Tibetan Buddhists and Bon Po culture.
The deep blue waters of the Shey Phoksundo Lake allure thousands of visitors every year. However, during winter, the Y-shaped lake freezes to solid ice. On the eastern side of the lake is a Gompa, and on the southern side, there are around 20 stupas. The locals who follow Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Po culture annually perform rituals and prayers in the Gompa and the surrounding area.
To reach Shey Phoksundo, you must take a flight or roadway from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, you must take another flight to Jhuphal and trek to the lake. Reaching the lake takes some time and effort, but the grand view, unique experience, and soothing atmosphere make it worthwhile.
6. Fewa Lake
Fewa Lake or Phewa Lake is among the popular lakes in Nepal. The lake is located to the south of the tourist hub, Pokhara, and is the largest freshwater lake in Gandaki Province. Similarly, the famous Phewa Lake is the country’s second-largest lake with a surface area of 5.7260 sq km, 4 km length, and 2 km width. It lies at a relatively lower altitude of 742 meters.
The lake is supposed to have formed around 13,000 BC. In the middle of the lake is the Tal Barahi Temple, a two-storied pagoda dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is of religious significance to Hindus. Likewise, on the eastern side of the lake is the Lakeside area, famous for restaurants, hotels, shops, souvenirs, and nightlife. The famous World Peace Pagoda is on the southern bank of the lake. The lake is surrounded by spectacular mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
You can also participate in various water sports at Phewa Lake, such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, etc. Similarly, you can also take part in commercial cage fisheries. Getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara is quite straightforward. You can take a 30-minute flight or take a bus ride to Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to numerous treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
7. Panch Pokhari Lake
The Panch Pokhari Lake is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal. It consists of five lakes that touch Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk Districts and sits at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level. Similarly, the lake also lies at the base of the Jugal Himal, which includes Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Chhyachu, and Madiya. There are many high-altitude wetlands around the lake area.
Panch Pokhari Lake is in an isolated region, but it is close to Kathmandu. Hence, you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Chautara, where you will trek to the lake. The trails leading to the lake are less crowded, and you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. However, during Janai Purnima, the locals and Hindu devotees visit the Panch Pokhari Lake annually. Check our Himalayan Leaders’ Panch Pokhari Trek to embark on the magical journey yourself.
8. Tsho Rolpa Lake
Tsho Rolpa Lake is in the Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha District. It is one of the biggest Glacial lakes in central Nepal, and it sits at an altitude of 4,580 meters. Tsho Rolpa comes from the Sherpa language, where Tsho means a lake and Rolpa means Rolwaling Valley.
The lake covers an area of 1.537 sq km. Similarly, it has a length of 3.45 km and a width of 0.5 km. Stunning mountains like Mount Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and other towering snowy peaks surround the lake. The lake holds religious significance for the locals. Since Tsho Rolpa is a glacial lake, it receives water from the melting Himalayas. Due to global warming, the lake’s size has grown relatively over the last 50 years. The lake is at risk of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
Tsho Rolpa Lake is 115 km from Kathmandu and accessible via roadway. You must take a bus from the capital city to Dolakha, where you will begin trekking to the lake. Along the way, you will come across several charming settlements like Singati, Simigaun, and many more. Check Himalayan Leaders’ 21 Days Tso Rolpa Rolwaling Himal Trek to join the adventurous journey yourself.
9. Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake liesin the Kaski District of the Gandaki Zone. It is a freshwater lake and is among the popular places to visit in Pokhara. Begnas Lake is the third largest in Nepal. It has a surface area of 3.28 sq km and a depth of 10 meters. Meanwhile, it is the second-largest lake in Pokhara Valley. From the lake, you can witness the beautiful scenery of Mount Annapurna and Manaslu.
Begnas Lake is used for fishery and irrigation purposes. The Rupa Lake is in a close proximity. Many swampy areas around the lake are used as paddy fields for cultivation. The Begnas Lake is 10 km from Pokhara. Hence, you must first get to Pokhara to get to the lake. You can take part in various activities at the lake, such as boating, bird-watching, or taking short hikes.
10. Kapuche Lake
Kapuche is a glacier lake that lies in the Sikles village of Kaski District in Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2546 meters, making it the country’s lowest glacier lake. The lake has a surface area of 0.12 sq km and a depth of 40 meters. Kapuche Lake is a local name for the lake in which “Ka” means snow or ice, “Pu” means breaking down, and “Che” means landing on flat land. Hence, the lake’s name means fallen ice that settled on flat land.
The lake’s beautiful turquoise water freezes from late November to early March. Its pristine beauty has earned Kapuche Lake the nickname of the “Virgin Lake.” The lake’s calm atmosphere and the stunning panorama of Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, and other snow-covered peaks have attracted many trekkers and adventurers.
To access the lake, you must first get to Pokhara and then drive to the picturesque Gurung village of Sikles. After reaching Sikles, you must trek your way to the Kapuche Lake. The trail leading to the lake is relatively new and less crowded. You can enjoy a tranquil trekking experience and rich culture along the way.
Conclusion
There are numerous best lakes in Nepal that captivate the imagination of many. Their beautiful appearance, tranquil atmosphere, surrounding beauty, and adventurous trail allure thousands of national and international visitors annually. Embarking on the journey itself is a memorable event that you won’t forget easily. And the astounding view adds to the enchanting experience.
The lakes on our list are some of the most famous lakes in Nepal. Several lakes, like the Panch Pokhari and Kapuche Lakes, are among the hidden gems. Each of the lakes has its own unique characteristics and charms. Exploring them all may be well out of the question. You can choose the one that appeals most to you. Note that the best time to visit Nepal is during spring and autumn. For a reliable and safe trek experience to the famous lakes of Nepal and more, check out our website or contact us directly at Himalayan Leaders!
