Along with some of the world’s highest mountains, Nepal has many beautiful lakes. Although it is a landlocked country, Nepal is the second richest country in terms of water resources. It has more than 6,000 rivers, 3252 glaciers, and 5300 lakes, of which 2323 are glacial lakes, so naturally, it is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes.
Most lakes in Nepal sit in high altitudes and remote areas close to the Himalayas. Hence, travelers can enjoy the surreal views of the glistening lakes in a quiet and serene atmosphere. Nothing can be better than relaxing and unwinding by the shore of these calming water bodies. Moreover, you can also take an adventurous journey trekking on scenic trails past traditional settlements and unique landscapes.
Those looking for a unique adventure in Nepal can also visit these lakes. As there are too many options, we have handpicked a few of them for you. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes, 4919 meters above sea level. The lake lies in the Manang district in the Annapurna region of western Nepal. It was once the highest lake in the country but is still the longest lake, with a diameter of 4 km in length and 1.2 km in width. Tilicho Lake covers a surface area of 4.8 square kilometers and has a depth of 85 meters.
Despite its beautiful appearance, the lake does not contain aquatic organisms. Tilicho Lake also has religious significance, as Hindus believe it to be the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake of the Ramayana. The Lake is 55 kilometers from the city of Pokhara. It is a popular side trip on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It takes a two-day trek from Manang to Tilicho Lake.
Lakes, Mountains, and Rare Animals
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Gokyo Lakes are situated in the Solukhumbu District of the eastern region of Nepal. The lakes are jointly called the Gokyo Lake System and lie from an altitude of 4700 to 5000 meters. The system has 19 lakes spread across 196.2 ha (485 acres). Likewise, the Gokyo Lake system is the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Gokyo Lakes is well-known for its turquoise-colored water. Hence, it is one of the major attractions of the Gokyo Lake Trek.
The Gokyo Lakes lie within the Sagarmatha National Park. As it is one of Nepal’s popular lakes, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful lake system annually by taking the Gokyo Lake Trek. Additionally, the lake has religious significance for Hindus and Buddhist people alike. Hundreds of Hindu devotees visit the Gokyo Lake in August to take a holy bath in the lake on Janai Purnima. It would be best to travel to Lukla and Gokyo Lakes.
The beautiful Rara Lake is the deepest in Nepal. It lies in the Jumla and Mugu Districts of Karnalia and became part of the Rara National Park in 1976. Rara is also the largest lake in Nepal. It covers 106 square kilometers (41 sq mi) of surface area. Thick forest hills of Chuchemara Danda and Murma surround the lake. Beyond the hill, you can witness the spectacular view of Saipal Mountain. Rara Lake is also famous for its color-changing waters. Depending on the weather, the lake changes colors as many as five times a day, from deep blue to brown, crimson, and even purple.
The Rara Lake has gained wide popularity recently due to its raw beauty and surroundings. Since the national park surrounds it, you can witness diverse flora and fauna. Different species of migratory birds visit the area during summer annually. You can take a flight or bus to Nepalgunj to reach this beautiful gem. After reaching Nepalgunj, you must fly to Jumla, from where you must walk 2 to 3 hours to reach the pristine lake.
Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred lake located in the Langtang region of Rasuwa District and sits at 4380 meters. It is an alpine freshwater lake covering an area of 13.8 ha (34 acres). There are 108 lakes in the surrounding area of the lake. It remains frozen for six months, from October to June. Gosaikunda became a Ramsar site in 2007 and is a holy lake for Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside in the lake.
There is also a popular belief that Lord Shiva created the lake with his Trishul (Trident) to calm his burning throat from poison. Due to its religious significance, thousands of devotees flock to Gosaikunda at the festival of Janai Purnima. Devotees dip in the holy water, which they believe cleanses sins. To get to this beautiful lake, take a bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and trek up there. The one-day helicopter tour to Gosaikunda is also popular among travelers.
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Reach 5,416m/ 17,764ft in 17 Days
Reach 4,300m/ 14,108ft in 13 Days
$USD 1,445 per person
Reach 5,357 M/ 17,570 Ft. in 13 Days
Lying in the remote area of Dolpo District, Shey Phoksundo Lake is a pristine and clearest lake in Nepal. Its mesmerizing turquoise-blue waters give a striking and beautiful look. The lake is 3611 meters inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the country’s largest national park. Similarly, this alpine freshwater lake covers an area of 494 ha (1.91 sq mi). Although the lake looks clear, no aquatic organisms exist due to its mineral-rich glacial waters.
The Shey Phoksundo Lake has religious significance for Buddhists, and there are 20 stupas on the southern belt of the lake. Likewise, there is a gompa in the eastern belt of the lake. Numerous travelers visit the lake annually to soak in its calm and serene atmosphere. To get to the lake, fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal. It takes a few days’ trek to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Kyanjin Sara Lake is a high-altitude lake situated at 5200 meters in elevation. A group of mountaineers discovered it in early 2019. Kajin Sara Lake overtook Tilicho Lake, which is the highest lake in Nepal. It is also listed among the highest lakes in the world. The lake lies in the Chame rural municipality of Manang District and is a hidden gem of the Annapurna region. Thus, its serene and raw nature is isolated from modern civilization. The lake has a length of 1500 meters and 600 meters in width.
The Kyanjin Sara Lake offers a spectacular view of mountain panoramas, including Manaslu, Annapurna, Lamjung, Damodar, and others. The lake is only 24 km from Chame, so to get there, you must first reach Chame from Besisahar via the roadway. Then, it takes 3 to 4 days of trekking to reach Kyanjin Sara Lake.
Kapuche Lake is a glacial lake in the Sikles village of Kaski District of Nepal. At an altitude of 2546 meters, it is the lowest glacial lake in the country, which lies in the Annapurna region. The lake receives glacial water from Mount Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal. Its pristine beauty and beautiful blue waters have earned it the nickname “Virgin Lake.” The lake covers an area of 1200 square meters. From late November to early March, it freezes into solid ice. The ice begins to melt in mid-March.
The route to Kapuche Lake is relatively new. Hence, it is less crowded, and you can enjoy its scenic beauty in a calming atmosphere. Gorgeous hills surround the lakes, and you can witness the beautiful mountain views of the Annapurna ranges. To reach the lake, you must first drive from Pokhara to Sikles via jeep. You will then have to trek from Sikles to the lake. The journey to Kapuche Lake is another of the hidden gem of the Annapurna region.
Tso Rolpa is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal, and it lies in the Rolwaling Valley in Dolakha District. The lake covers an area of 1.537 square kilometers (0.59 sq mi), but it has grown over the years due to glacial melting. Its name is derived from the Sherpa language, where Tso refers to the lake, and Rolpa refers to the Rolwaling valley. The lake sits at an altitude of 4580 meters, formed by the meltwaters from surrounding glaciers. Due to global warming, Tso Rolpa is at risk of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
The lake is popular for its enchanting crystal-clear blue waters. Similarly, beautiful mountain vistas surround Tso Rolpa. Moreover, its remote location offers an incredible trekking experience. Tso Rolpo is 115 km away from Kathmandu. You need to take a bus from the capital city to Dolakha and start trekking from here. It takes a few days of hiking to reach the Tso Rolpa Lake from Dolakha.
These were some of Nepal’s most beautiful lakes, and the ones on the list are also some of the most famous lakes in Nepal. Some lakes are in isolated areas with demanding trails and require reasonable fitness. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time to visit any one of these best lakes in Nepal. Thousands of trekkers and travelers worldwide visit these lakes to experience their soothing and calm atmosphere. They come to enjoy the enchanting views and escape from city life.
Nepal is a beautiful country which is home to thousands of beautiful lakes. It might confuse you about which one you should go for. You can choose the ones on our list and discover Nepal’s hidden beauty and charm. During these lake treks, you will journey through rural Nepal, learn their culture, taste the local cuisines, and more. Begin an unforgettable journey to these beautiful lakes in Nepal.
