The Himalayas not only hide massive mountains but also beautiful lakes in Nepal. There are numerous freshwater, high-altitude, and glacial lakes in Nepal. Many lie hidden in the high Himalayas, waiting to be explored. Although Nepal is a landlocked country, it is the second richest country in the world when it comes to water resources. There are over 6,000 rivers and 5,300 lakes, of which 2323 are glacial lakes and 3252 glaciers.
Most lakes in Nepal are in remote and high-altitude areas. Hence, they are not easily accessible, and one must trek for a few days to reach them. You will pass by Nepal’s rural settlements, forest trails, and landscapes. Due to their remote locations, they remain pure and unspoiled from human civilization and pollution. Moreover, the tranquil environment around the lake offers a great escape from your daily mundane life. You can immerse in the calming atmosphere while relaxing by the lake shores and enjoying the surrounding views.
Thousands of lakes are equally exquisite and deserve the title of the most beautiful lakes in the country. However, we have short-listed a handful of them so that you can explore them yourself.
Table of Contents
6 Beautiful Lakes In Nepal
Rara Lake
Rara Lake in the Jumla and Mugu Districts of Nepal is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Also popular as Mahendra Lake, the Rara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2975 meters. It is also one of the biggest lakes in the country.
Similarly, the lake is 5.1 km long and 2.7 km wide. The lake is an oligotrophic category and is famous for its color-changing waters. Rara changes its color up to five times daily, depending on the climatic conditions. Likewise, the lake lies within the Rara National Park. Hence, unique flora and fauna surround Rara from all sides. Different migratory birds return to the area during the summer from as far as Siberia.
Rara Lake is also a Ramsar site, and the Nepal Army protects the area. The stunning green hills of Chuchemara Danda and Murma surround the area, and you can witness the gorgeous views of Saipal Mountain in the Himalayan Range. You can access the lake via roadway or airway. It takes around four days to reach Rara from Kathmandu via roadway. For airway, you can fly to either Talcha Airport in Mugu or Jumla Airport in Jumla. The serene atmosphere of Rara Lake is suitable for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil trek experience in Nepal.
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake was one of Nepal’s highest lakes before the Kajin Sara Lake overtook it in 2015. But it is still one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the Manang District of the Annapurna region and is 4919 meters above sea level. The lake is still one of the longest lakes in Nepal. It has a diameter of 4 km in length and 1.2 km in width, and the lake is 85 meters deep and covers a surface area of 4.8 sq km.
Tilicho is Nepal’s cleanest lake, but no aquatic organisms exist there. Its deep blue waters make it one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. The lake has no water source nor any designated route for the water. Hence, its water stays in the lake.
The beautiful Tilicho Lake is 55 km from Pokhara and lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Spectacular mountains like Khangsar, Nilgiri, and Muktinath Peak surround the lake. Tilicho is religiously significant for Hindu devotees, who believe it is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake of the epic Ramayana. In 2000, a Russian diving team performed the highest-ever altitude scuba dive. You must take the Annapurna Circuit route to reach Tilicho Lake. You will pass by traditional villages like Chame, Pisan, and Manang, where you will trek towards Siri Kharka during your Tilicho Lake Trek.
Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system in Nepal’s Everest region. They are scattered from an altitude of 4700 meters to 5000 meters and cover a surface area of 196.2 ha. The Gokyo Lake system consists of 19 lakes. The main lake is Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Cho, while the largest is Thonak Lake. Its areas became a Ramsar site in 2007. Gokyo Lakes are one of the hidden gems of the Himalayas of Nepal. The lakes are popular for their turquoise colors and incredible mountain views. These lakes have a permanent source of fresh water. Hence, they have high hydrological value. Gokyo Lakes holds religious significance for Hindus and Buddhist devotees.
Thousands of visitors visit Gokyo Lakes annually, including Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The best way to explore the Gokyo Lakes is to take the Gokyo Lake Treks. You will fly to Lukla, where you will begin your trekking journey. You will also walk on the classic trails of the Everest region through the Sagarmatha National Park and picturesque Sherpa villages. This way, you can enjoy thrilling trekking adventures and rich cultural experiences and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and scenery of the Gokyo Lakes.
Fewa Lake
Fewa Lake, or Phewa Lake, is one of Nepal’s most popular and beautiful lakes. It lies south of Pokhara, in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The city of Pokhara is also a popular tourist hub. It is the country’s most visited freshwater lake. Similarly, the Fewa Lake is the second largest lake in the Gandaki province. Compared to other lakes on our list, Fewa Lake in Pokhara is at an altitude of 742 meters. Its total area is 5.7 sq km, with a length of 4 km, a width of 2 km, and a depth of 8.6 m.
The stunning vistas of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri surround Fewa Lake. Likewise, the holy Tal Barahi Temple sits on an island in the middle of the lake. Since it is one of the major tourist attractions, you can participate in water sports like boating, kayaking, and canoeing. To get to Fewa Lake, you must first travel to Pokhara. You can take a roadway or flight from Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours to drive on Prithivi Highway to reach Pokhara, and it is just a 20-minute flight. The lake is situated close to the famous Lakeside area of the city.
Shey Phoksundo Lake
Regarding beautiful lakes in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake is at the top of the list. The alpine freshwater lake lies in the Dolpa District of Western Nepal. Similarly, it is an oligotrophic lake within the Shey Phoksundo National Park area. The pristine lake covers an area of 485 ha and has a 145-meter depth. Its length is 5.64 km, while its width is 549.89 – 975.24 m. However, aquatic organisms cannot survive in the lake because of its mineral-rich glacial waters. Shey Phoksundo Lake sits in a remote area of Nepal at 3611 meters. The lake is surrounded by raw natural beauty.
The lake also has religious significance to Buddhist people. Over 20 stupas are on the southern part of the lake, and one gompa is on the eastern belt. The locals who practice Bon and Tibetan Buddhism visit the lake annually for prayers and rituals. Likewise, the calming atmosphere of the lake and its surreal beauty also make it famous among visitors. There are no direct roadways to reach Shey Phoksundo. Hence, you must fly to Nepalgunj and take another flight to Jhupal. From Jhupal, you must trek to Shey Phoksundo, which can take a few days.
Gosaikunda Lake
The holy Gosaikunda Lake is another beautiful lake in Nepal’s Rasuwa District and Langtang region. It is an alpine freshwater lake at 4380 meters above sea level. The high-altitude lake falls within the Langtang National Park and covers an area of 13.8 ha. There are 108 lakes in the surrounding area, and together with Gosaikunda Lake, they cover a large area of 1030 ha. Towering mountains surround the beautiful lake, which makes for a spectacular view. The Gosaikunda Lake remains frozen for six months, i.e., October to June. It melts for the remaining six months to form the Trishuli River.
Gosaikunda Lake has religious significance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. There is a Hindu mythology about the lake. According to the myth, Lord Shiva created the lake with his trident to relieve his throat after drinking poison. Gosaikunda Lake is related to the epic Mahabharat and Ramayana. To visit the lake, you can take the Gosainkunda Lake Trek. You will first have to get to Syabrubesi, which is only accessible via roadway. From here onwards, you will start your trek to the lake. One-day Gosainkunda Helicopter Tours are available for those who cannot take the trek.
Some Other Best Lakes In Nepal
- Begnas Lake
- Tso Rolpa Lake
- Ice Lake or Kicho Tal
- Birendra Lake
- Panch Pokhari
- Kapuche Lake
Conclusion
Many beautiful lakes in Nepal are famous for their exquisite beauty, crystal-clear waters, and surroundings. All lakes on our list have unique features, and journeys leading to them are equally beautiful. They are also some of the most famous lakes in Nepal. Most lakes are in national parks with diverse and rare flora and fauna. Similarly, high mountains or massive hills surround them. The trails themselves are adventurous and enriching experiences. Hence, thousands of visitors undertake adventurous ventures to explore these lakes.
Sometimes, too many choices can make it difficult to choose one. Hence, you can use our shortlist to decide which one to go for. The ones on our list are hidden gems and famous lakes in Nepal. Exploring them is an excellent way to discover their unique charm. So, these were some of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
FAQs
Which is the cleanest lake in Nepal?
The glacial Tilicho Lake is the cleanest lake in Nepal. It lies in the Manang district at an altitude of 4919 meters. Despite being a popular side hike on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, only some visit the lake. Hence, the lake is far from pollution and retains its pure form, making it the country’s cleanest lake.
Which is the deepest lake in Nepal?
The Rara Lake of the Jumla and Mugu districts is the deepest lake in Nepal, with a depth of 167 m (548 ft). It lies within the Rara National Park, and unique flora and fauna surround the beautiful lake. Rara Lake covers an area of 106 km sq and sits at 2975 meters above sea level.
Where is Fewa Lake located?
Fewa Lake is located in the south of Pokhara City in central Nepal. It is the second-largest lake in the country and the largest one in the Gandaki province. The lake sits at a relatively lower altitude of 742 meters and has a surface area of 5.7 sq km. Fewa Lake is one of the main attractions of Pokhara.
Which is the largest lake in Nepal?
The Rara Lake in the Jumla and Mugu District of Karnali Province is the largest lake in Nepal. It covers an area of 106 sq km and is part of the Rara National Park. Similarly, the Rara Lake has an altitude of 2975 meters above sea level.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in Nepal?
The best times to visit the beautiful lakes in Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These two seasons have the best weather and climate, with moderate temperatures. The sky is clear, and the precipitation level is relatively low. Hence, the trails are dry, the visibility is brilliant, and the obstruction is minimal.
