Top 10 best lakes in Nepal

Along with some of the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is also home to stunning lakes surrounded by the Himalayas. You might not be aware of this, but Nepal is home to more than 6,000 rivers, 3,252 glaciers, and 2,323 glacial lakes, making it the second-richest nation in terms of inland water resources. Rivers and lakes originate from the massive mountains and glaciers. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to the beauty of the lakes in the mountains and on the hills. Additionally, throughout time, enthusiastic local tourists have expressed a strong interest in visiting Nepal’s stunning lakes.

Higher-elevation lakes in Nepal are associated with religion and draw travelers from all over. While certain lakes are among the most popular tourism destinations due to their stunning beauty. Other lakes are renowned for their distinctive qualities and breathtaking beauty. It goes without saying that several of Nepal’s lakes are renowned for having characteristics that set the global record. As a result, the following lakes earn slots on the list of the top 10 lakes in Nepal.

Kajin Sara Lake

The Kajin Sara lake in Nepal’s Manang district has recently gained notoriety for being the highest lake in the world. Kajin Sara Lake, perched at a staggering 5,200 meters, is on track to surpass Tilicho Lake as the highest lake in the world. This lake’s elevation hasn’t been formally verified, though. Kajin Sara Lake, recently discovered, is situated in Chame Rural Municipality of Manang at Singarkharka. Locals think that this lake, which is estimated to be 1,500 meters long and 600 meters wide, was created by the melting of the Himalayan glacier. 

This lake, which is 24 km from Chame, is reachable by hiking to Chame, the administrative center for the Manang District. Travelers must take a vehicle from Besisahar, Lamjung, to Chame. To reach Lamjung Himal Base Camp, you must first travel six hours uphill from Chame. The next day, continue on the difficult trail to High Camp; on the third day, trek for two hours to Kajin Sara, which is located at 5,020 meters. Return to High Camp (2 hours), Lamjung Base Camp, and Chame rural municipality by retracing your steps. A 3- to 4-day walk through a pristine trail in the Annapurna region is included in the Kajin Sara Lake itinerary.

The months of April through November are the ideal times to visit Kajin Sara Lake. This stunning lake offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Mt. Damodar, Annapurna, Mt. Lamjung, and Mt. Peri from its incredible altitude (Tibet). The hike to this lake is of moderate difficulty, and trekkers who want to visit this stunning lake are most concerned about altitude. Only a small number of travel operators have begun providing itineraries for this lake. And it appears that not many people have visited this lake. It is expected that thousands of tourists from across the world and the local community will visit this lake after it has been validated as the highest lake in the world.

Tilicho Lake

The second-highest lake in the world is Tilicho Lake, located in Nepal’s Manang district. It is a well-known landmark in Nepal’s Annapurna region and is located at a height of 4,919 meters. The most well-liked side walk of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to this pristine Himalayan water lake. Trekkers who are attempting the traditional Annapurna Circuit path divert to Tilicho Lake to soak in its beauty and luxuriate in peace. Numerous thousands of hikers travel to Tilicho Lake each year.

55 kilometers and two days of hiking from Pokhara and Kathmandu separate you from the picturesque city of Pokhara and Tilicho Lake. The Manang District’s administrative center, Chame, is where the walk begins. The Tilicho Lake hiking path passes by well-known resting places in the Annapurna region, including Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp. Meadows, alpine valleys, terraced farms, lush hills, Buddhist shrines, and lovely mountain communities may all be seen along the walk. The walk to Tilicho Lake can be finished in 10–12 days. The two distinguishing rewards this walk has to offer are the flat-roofed homes and the culture that has been impacted by Tibetan traditions.

Tilicho Lake is best explored in the spring and fall. This moderate to challenging walk is best suited for experienced hikers. However, this trek may be completed by both experienced and inexperienced hikers. Awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri massif await you on your way to Tilicho Lake. Discover the pristine Tilicho Lake, take in its splendor, and feel proud that you visited one of the world’s highest lakes. 

Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Lakes, which consist of six glacier-fed lakes, are the highest freshwater lake system in the world at 5,000 meters. Gokyo Lakes are magnificent jewels in the Everest region, located at a height of 4,700–5,000 meters. Every year, hundreds of hikers and pilgrims are attracted to the Gokyo Valley by its sparkling green water. On the auspicious festival of Janai Purnima, pilgrims take a holy bath in the lakes, which are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu mythology holds that these lakes are the home of the deity known as “Nag Devata” (Snake God). 

One of the best hikes in Nepal is the walk to the Gokyo Lakes. Approximately 7,000 hikers are said to visit Gokyo Lakes every year. The Gokyo Lakes trekking route includes a hike to the vantage point of Gokyo Ri in the Everest region. At 5,357 meters, Gokyo Ri is well known for its breathtaking views of the Gokyo Valley, the Gokyo Lakes, and mountains like Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. 

The path to Gokyo Lakes is similar to the standard Everest Base Camp Trek and travels via Nepal’s biggest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. Trekkers trek through Renjo La, a high pass, to return. Most people stop at Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machhermo along the way.

Gokyo Lakes are best explored in the spring (from March to May) and in the fall (mid-September to November). This journey is regarded as difficult because it involves climbing a height of 5,357 meters. It can be difficult to cross high mountain passes, navigate a glacier, and travel a rough trail. Trekkers must walk for 5 to 6 hours on average each day. For hikers with previous trekking experience, this trek is great. 

Rara Lake 

The largest lake in Nepal, Rara Lake, is a well-liked tourism destination in that country. At 2,990 meters, this lake provides a superb trip opportunity. In the Rara national park, the lake has a surface area of 9.8 square kilometers. 

You can reach a remote region of Nepal close to the Tibetan Border by trekking to Rara Lake. This trek is distinct from others in its own right. This walk may not pique the interest of mountain lovers, but it is undoubtedly a must-do adventure. Bill Greer, the creator of GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Pages), called Rara Lake “a sparkling blue diamond nestled in a ring of high peaks.”

The Rara Lake Trek Route is covered in tiny towns, juniper, pine, and spruce forests, serene valleys, and stunning scenery. After taking a picturesque flight to Jumla and subsequently to Nepalgunj, the walk to Rara Lake begins. Then, begin slogging through the wilderness- and remoteness-filled trail in Western Nepal. The important rest stops on the way to Rara Lake are Chere Chaur, Chalachaur, Sinja Valley, and Ghorosingha.

Rara Lake is best visited in the spring and fall. Beautiful sights and favorable conditions are made possible by the good weather and clear skies. This walk is regarded as being of a moderate difficulty and is suitable for both inexperienced and seasoned hikers. If you’re worried about how long you’ll have to walk each day, know that you’ll need to hike for 5 to 6 hours each day. 

Gosaikunda Lake

At 4,380 meters above sea level, Gosaikunda Lake is a revered body of water in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Gosaikunda Lake attracts hundreds of trekkers and Hindu devotees every year, and there are another 108 lakes nearby. Hindu mythology describes this lake as the home of Lord Shiva and Gauri. A common misconception about Gosaikunda Lake is that Lord Shiva created it when he rammed his sacred trident, or Trishul, into a mountain to draw water out of it to cool his throat after ingesting poison. Numerous pilgrims from Nepal and India travel to Gosaikunda Lake during Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festival as a means of spiritual pilgrimage. 

An 8-hour trip from Dunche to Gosaikunda is the first leg of the journey. Beginning at Dunche, the walk passes through stunning locales like Deurali, Sing Gompa, Laurebina, and Gosaikunda Lake. The trekking track is adorned with the undulating hills, charming villages, monasteries, lush green forests, and rocky wastelands. In approximately 4 days, one can travel to the lake. The main draw of Gosaikunda Lake is the breathtaking vistas of Mt. Langtang, Mt. Ganesh, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, and neighboring peaks. 

The Gosaikunda Lake Trek in Nepal’s Himalayas is a quick and easy hike that is suitable for both new and seasoned hikers. The reason it’s the most well-liked trip among Nepalese hikers is that it’s close to Kathmandu. The ideal times of year to hike to Gosaikunda Lake are generally regarded as early April to early June and September to late November. Trekking is not advised during the monsoon or winter. Plan your walk between January and February if you wish to experience the frozen Gosaikunda Lake, as the lake is frozen for two months at a time. 

Shey Phoksundo Lake

At 3,611.5 meters, Shey Phoksundo Lake is a holy lake to Buddhists and Bonpo believers. In Nepal’s Mid-Western Region, this alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake is a well-liked tourist attraction. In accordance with the Ramsar Convention, Shey Phoksundo Lake was designated a Ramsar site in 2007, making it a wetland site of international significance. 

The crowning treasure of the Dolpo, the sparkling turquoise Phoksundo Lake, draws thousands of trekkers there each year. The settlement of Ringmo, which is located on the landslide dam dating back between 30,000 and 40,000 years, is the unique attraction of Phoksundo Lake. Understanding the Bon faith is possible.

Phoksundo Lake may be explored in 11 days from Kathmandu. After taking a flight to Nepalgunj and Juphal, the trekking portion begins in Dunai. The trail passes through Tibetan settlements, luxuriant rhododendron forests, and stunning scenery. The main rest stops on the Phoksundo Lake Trek route are Dunai, Chhepka, Ringmo, and Jhupal.

Visit the lake in the spring and fall if you want the greatest journey possible. A moderate hike is generally regarded as the one to Phoksundo. That means if you have a good plan and prepare for it, you can succeed. 3,612m is the highest elevation you can get.

Panch Pokhari

Undoubtedly, Panch Pokhari is one of Nepal’s most stunning lakes. Panch Pokhari, a collection of five holy Hindu lakes located in Sindhupalchowk district at 4,100 meters, is the ninth-highest wetland in the world. Panch Pokhari, a well-known Hindu pilgrimage place, draws ardent tourists, particularly local trekkers. During Janai Purnima, the lake draws throngs of pilgrims. A once-in-a-lifetime experience is seeing five shimmering ponds encircled by lush hills.

One may easily trek to Panch Pokhari from Kathmandu and finish the journey in a few days. Travelers from other countries do not frequently choose to hike the Panch Pokhari trek. This indicates that individuals who enjoy hiking on less congested trails should choose this trek. It is also a recently established trekking trail in Nepal. From Kathmandu, take a bus to Chautara, where you can then set out on a trail that leads to the lake via Kami Kharka, Pauwa Bas, and Hile Bhanjyang.

The seasons of fall and spring are ideal for traveling to Panch Pokhari. The Panch Pokhari path is regarded as being simple. The walk can easily be finished in a week. The hike to the lake rises to a height of 4,100m.

Tsho Rolpa

One of the most stunning lakes in Nepal is Tsho Rolpa Lake, which is located at an elevation of 4,183 m in the Rolwaling Valley between the Everest and Langtang areas. One of Nepal’s largest glacier lakes is this one. Tsho means lake, and Rolpa means Rolwaling valley in the Sherpa language, giving the name “Tsho Rolpa” a special significance. This lake is unique and keeps growing. Over the past six decades, it has been growing as a result of the nearby glacier’s rapid melting.

About 115 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu is where the lake is situated. The Tsho Rolpa Trek program includes 15 days in total. Tsho Rolpa Trek begins in the town of Dolakha. You travel across the territory of Rolwaling Valley. Popular rest stops along the way include Singati, Jagat, Simigaon, Daldung-La, Beding, and Na. One of the distinctive aspects of this walk is crossing the Cantilever Bridge. 

One may enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Gaurishankar Himal throughout the trip. Terraced farms, cascading waterfalls, the Rolwaling River running quickly, snow-capped mountains, Sherpa culture, and monasteries are all visible along the trek (in Bedding and Na village).

As you might have imagined, spring and fall are the ideal seasons for a journey to Tsho Rolpa Lake. Off-season trekking is not recommended. The Tsho Rolpa hike is rated as moderately challenging to demanding. This trip is not a good choice if you are a beginning trekker considering taking on your first trek; you might find this trek to be somewhat difficult. 

Phewa Lake

The second largest lake in Nepal is located near Pokhara, Phewa Lake. The Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri ranges are all reflected in this semi-natural freshwater lake, which is surrounded by the lush Rani Ban. It is without a doubt Nepal’s most popular lake. The Tal Barahi Temple, a significant religious structure in Pokhara, is located in the middle of the lake. Photographers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the lake’s emerald color. You can never get enough of Phewa Lake, whether you kayak across the lake to the tiny island in the middle, wander through Lakeside, or take in the northern sky.

To get to Pokhara, you can either take a flight or a tourist bus. You might also choose a local bus or van. The trip takes around 25 minutes, and the travel takes about 5 to 6 hours. A canoe or paddleboat rental is a must if you want to spend the day admiring the lake’s beauty. Alternately, take a stroll around the lakeside and take in the breathtaking vista of the emerald Phewa lake. There is a lot to do in Pokhara, so we advise you to head to Sarankot or the World Peace Stupa after leaving the lake. Phewa Lake, though, steals the spotlight with its breathtaking splendor.

The ideal seasons to explore Phewa Lake are in the fall and spring. The lake may be explored year-round, though. It is necessary to sightsee and indulge while visiting Phewa Lake. Anyone can board a plane or a car and travel to Pokhara to enjoy the lake, whether they are young or old.

Khaste Lake

Freshwater lake Khaste Lake is situated in Pokhara. It is one of Pokhara’s eight lakes and is regarded as one of the country’s most picturesque lakes. It thrives in a 25 acre region of the metropolitan town of Lekhnath. This lake is not as well-known as Phewa Lake, to be honest. In this lake, pisciculture is widely practiced. As Siberian, Indian, and Afghani birds migrate down to Khatse Lake in search of wetlands and freshwater bodies, the lake is also known as Bird Wetland, a location for birdwatching. The lake has been designated as a possible hub for migratory bird studies.

The easiest method to reach to Pokhara is by direct flight from Kathmandu. Both local and tourist buses leave from Kathmandu often. A private jeep or car can be rented as well. In general, both tourists and researchers are drawn to this lake. As soon as you get in Pokhara, go to Lekhnath-3, 4-, and 6-Kharane Phant. The journey from the bus station to the lake shouldn’t take more than an hour (or airport if you caught a flight).

The finest times to go to Pokhara to see the lake are said to be in the spring and the fall. The best time to visit Pokhara is from September to November. Hundreds of trekkers arrive in Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal, on their way to the Himalayas.

Best Lakes in Nepal

Nepal is known for its diverse landscape and natural beauty, and its lakes are no exception. From the serene waters of Gokyo Lake to the majestic views of Rara Lake, there is something for everyone in Nepal’s lake district. Here are the best lakes in Nepal that are worth a visit.

1. Shey Phoksundo Lake: This stunning lake is surrounded by pine, spruce, and juniper forests, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. It is also a designated Ramsar site and is home to white-rumped vultures and leopard cats. A Gompa on the eastern side of the lake offers a spiritual experience.
2. Gosaikunda Lake: This lake holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is mentioned in Hindu mythology. Situated in Langtang National Park, it is one of the highest lakes in Nepal and is surrounded by stupas.
3. Rara Lake: The largest lake in Nepal and the main attraction of Rara National Park, Rara Lake is situated at an altitude of 742 meters. It is surrounded by beautiful forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
4. Dudh Pokhari: This secluded lake is located in the Pokhara Valley and is known for its crystal-clear waters. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
5. Begnas Lake: This lake is located in the Pokhara Valley and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. It is known for its serene atmosphere and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
6. Ghodaghodi Lake: This lake is located in the farwestern region of Nepal and is known for its unique ecosystem. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
7. Phewa Lake: This lake is located in the Pokhara Valley and is known for its stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. It is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
8. Tilicho Lake: This lake is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal and is known for its crystal-clear waters. It is also a popular spot for trekking.
9. Phoksundo Lake: This lake is located in the Dolpo region of Nepal and is known for its stunning views. It is also a designated Ramsar site.
10. Rupatal Lake: This lake is located in the Rara National Park and is known for its serene atmosphere. It is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

These are just some of the best lakes in Nepal that are worth visiting. Each of these lakes has its unique features, and all of them are popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re interested in nature, religion, or adventure, Nepal’s lakes have something to offer everyone. From the serene waters of Gokyo to the majestic Rara lake, there’s something for everyone in Nepal’s lake district.

Conclusion

These lake are some of the best Lakes that one can travel during there visit at Nepal. Similarly, visiting these beautiful lakes can to your visit. Weather you are duing the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek  some of these lakes fall at the trail of some of these famous trekking route. So, you can enjoy travelling to these lake and enjoy the views.