Last Updated on April 8, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks
The Nepalese Himalayan landscape is characterized by remarkable topographic diversity, which is followed by a diversity of lakes and wetlands as one descends from the Himalayan highlands to the Terai lowlands. According to various studies and assessments, Nepal is home to over 6000 rivers, 3,252 glaciers, 2,323 glacial lakes, and a number of tectonic and ox-bow lakes. The National Lake Conservation Development Committee (NLCDC) has identified 5,358 lakes in Nepal as part of this effort. Nepal’s lakes are one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Here are ten stunning lakes that will urge you to add Nepal to your bucket list of places to visit.
Gokyo Lake:
Gokyo Lake is located in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, at a staggering elevation of 4690 meters above sea level. Every year, hundreds of people visit Gokyo, which is often regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, both in the spring and winter. The Gokyo Lakes are made up of 19 lakes, six of which are main lakes and are regarded as the world’s highest freshwater lakes. Thonak Lake is the largest of the six lakes. The major lake of Gokyo Lakes is Gokyo Cho which is also known as Dudh Pokhari with an area of 42.9 hectares. Gyazumpa Cho is 29 hectares in size, while Tanjung Cho is 16.95 hectares and Ngojumba Cho is 14.39 hectares in size. The extremely cold water reflects the majestic azure sky above, which is encircled by snow-capped peaks. It’s a sight to see!
Rara Lake:
Rara, Nepal’s deepest lake, is located at a height of 2990 meters above sea level and has an area of 10.8 kilometers2. It also has exceptional floral and faunal value, including uncommon species. Three endemic fish species and one endemic frog live in the lake. Three times a day, the color of the Rara lake changes. It appears to be blue at times, brown at others, purple at others, and scarlet at others. When Rara’s scene is combined with the shadows of the Sinje and Kanjirowa mountains, it becomes fascinating. The legendary snow trout, which can only be found in the waters of Rara, is the place’s main tourist attraction. A trip to Rara National Park‘s remote territory is a true introduction to calm and peace on a whole other level. Chuchemara Hill, at 4,087 meters above sea level, is the ideal vantage point for admiring the stunning views of the deep blue lake, wooded hillsides, and snow-capped hills that surround it.
Shey-Pokshundo Lake:
The deepest lake in Nepal, Shey-Phoksundo, is located in the Dolpa district, far west of Kathmandu, and can be seen on a trip to Dolpo. It covers 494 hectares and contains 409,000,000m3 of water. It was designated as a Ramsar site in 2007 and is recognized for its beautiful turquoise color. It features 20 stupas in the southern belt and one gompa on the eastern side of the lake, both of which are used for annual prayers and worship. The lake is one of Nepal’s most popular high-altitude and pristine trekking destinations. Because of the favorable temperature and weather, the best months to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake are March to May and September to November.
Tilicho Lake:
Tilicho lies 55 kilometers from the picturesque town of Pokhara, in the Manang district, at an elevation of 4,919 meters. It is a well-known tourist site and a glacier lake in the Himalayan Annapurna range. There is no trace of any aquatic species here, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, which is quite remarkable. It offers an exciting adventure to the daredevil who enjoys pushing the boundaries of geography. Due to light reflection, the lake surface is usually covered in a silvery glittering ice layer. This place is not for the faint of heart, as it is surrounded by intimidating stark mountains with nothing but snow.
Gosaikunda Lake:
Gosaikunda Lake is a well-known pilgrimage and spiritual site in Nepal. This beautiful lake is located in the Rasuwa district inside the Langtang National Park, at an elevation of 4,380 meters (14370 feet), and spans 13.8 hectares (34 acres). There are more than 108 exotic glacial lakes in the area, making it an important wetland. Suryakunda, Aama Kunda, and other narrow lakes can be reached after a short climb of roughly an hour from Gosaikunda. Gosaikunda is the Hindu god Shiva’s and Gauri’s home, according to Hindu mythology. The origins of Gosaikunda are thought to be linked to Hindu writings including the Bhagwat Purana, Vishnu Purana, and the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Furthermore, the water of Gosaikunda is considered sacred, and it is thought that anyone who bathes in there can cleanse their spirit and mind. From this amazing location, you can see Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. The lake is thought to be the source of the Trishuli River, a fast-flowing river known for rafting.
Panch Pokhari:
Panch Pokhari is one of the world’s highest altitude wetland, including five Hindu sacred lakes. The ecological diversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Nepal’s Sindhupalchowk area are all represented in this lake. Every year on Raksha Bandhan, villagers and tourists from all over the world bathe in the holy waters to bring good fortune to their siblings. From the location, you can see the snow-capped mountains Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637 m), Madiya (6,257 m), Rolwaling and Langtang, as well as the Jugal Himal. To enjoy the greatest view of the brilliant blue sky and glass-pure water, visit this location in September.
Begnas Lake:
Begnas is Nepal’s third largest lake, located in the Pokhara Valley’s southeastern region. Begnas and Rupa Tal are twin-forming freshwater lakes. It is located away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. It is peaceful, clean, and serene. In addition, it is home to a variety of species that have arrived in Nepal during the bird migratory season. The focal point of Begnas Tal is the shadow of the surrounding hills on the crystal clear water. The majority of visitors come to this area for boating and fishing, as it enables boating from every point on the lake. In the communities, there are some of the best accommodations and shelters where you can get a close look at how the locals live.
Phewa Lake:
Phewa Lake, also known as Phewa Tal and formerly known as Badam Tal, is Nepal’s second-largest lake and one of the country’s most visited. The lake is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. You will also have the opportunity to observe the Tal Barahi temple, which is located in the middle of the lake, reflected in the water. It also reflects the Machhapuchhre Mountains in a magnificent way. In contrast to Lakeside’s flashy tourist presence, the upper southeastern shore is heavily vegetated and teeming with wildlife. On a beautiful day, the Annapurna mountains reflect entirely on their mirror layer, and the colorful Rani Ban gives the lake an emerald tinge. When visiting Pokhara, we recommend paying a visit to this lake and maybe taking a boat trip.
Bish Hazari Lake:
Bish Hazari Lake, also known as Beeshazari Lake, is located roughly 5 kilometers from the city of Bharatpur in Chitwan’s southern corner. It is a well-known tourist destination that was designated as a Ramsar site in 2003. It is surrounded by the Chitwan National Park and covers 3200 hectares at a height of 286 meters. The one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gharial, crocodile, and white-rumped vulture are among the endangered species that call it home. This place is well-known among foreign and domestic travelers for bird watching and jungle safaris. Above all, it’s a large oxbow lake, and nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by its breathtaking beauty. This magnificent lake provides tourists with a tremendous sense of tranquility and contentment.
Imja Tsho Lake:
Imja Tsho (or Imja Lake) is a glacial lake formed when melt water began to pool at the base of the Imja Glacier on the glacier’s lower portion. Imja Tsho has been classified as one of the Himalaya’s deadliest lakes and is one of the fastest growing Lakes in the Himalayas. It is situated at 27° 53′ 55″ north latitude, 86° 55′ 20″ east longitude, at a height of 5010 m in Nepal’s Everest area. The lake is located at the toe of its mother glaciers, on the lowest section of the glacier (snout of Imja and Lhotse Shar Glaciers). The Lhotse Shar Glacier is a south-westerly flowing glacier. The Imja Glacier, on the other hand, is directed north-westerly and reaches a height of roughly 5100 meters. These two glaciers join around 3.5 kilometers above the terminus and flow westwards just beneath Imja Tse’s trekking path.