Lakes in Nepal



Pick an altitude , and we will find you a lake.







Nepal, a land of incredible natural beauty, with towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes. The lakes of Nepal are particularly breathtaking, offering visitors a chance to escape into a serene and peaceful environment surrounded by stunning scenery.


Among these are lakes in Nepal, located in every ecosystem from the lowlands of the southern river basins through the green, lush forests of the mid hills to the high alpine glacial moraines.


Here, we will highlight some major and popular lakes in Nepal.





Fewa Lake: Fewa Lake is located in Pokhara, one of Nepal's most popular tourist destinations. With a surface area of 4.43 square kilometers, Fewa Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a perfect spot for picnics, boating, and relaxing.


Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna range from the lake, which provides a spectacular backdrop. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, including trout, catfish, and carp.



Rupa Lake, located near Begnas Lake, is another popular destination for nature lovers. With an area of 1.35 square kilometers, Rupa Lake is smaller than its neighbor but no less beautiful. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, and the calm waters offer a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in the area, and the lake is also home to a variety of migratory birds.







Begnas Lake Begnas Lake is another popular lake located in the Pokhara Valley. The lake is spread over an area of 3.8 square kilometers and is surrounded by forests and rolling hills. The crystal-clear waters of Begnas Lake reflect the surrounding forests and mountains.


Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, and nearby hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna range located in a picturesque and tranquil setting.



Rara Lake: Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in Nepal, located in the Mugu district of Karnali Province. This lake has an area of 10.8 square kilometers, a length of 5 kilometers, and a width of 3 kilometers. Its depth is around 167 meters, making it the deepest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by the Rara National Park, which is home to numerous endangered species such as red panda, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.


The lake also serves as a habitat for several fish species, including snow trout and Himalayan taimen. Rara Lake is located at an altitude of 2,990 meters, and it takes around 2-3 days of trekking from the nearest road access point. The trek to Rara Lake is a scenic one, with views of the majestic Himalayan ranges and diverse landscapes.





Phoksundo Lake: Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal, with a maximum depth of 145 meters. Located in the Dolpo region of western Nepal, this stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountains, including the Dhaulagiri range.


The lake's unique turquoise color is due to its high mineral content, and it is also an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and followers of the Bon religion. The lake is part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.



Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo Lakes are a series of six glacial lakes located in the Solukhumbu district of the Sagarmatha Province. These lakes are considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus and are also part of the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gokyo Lakes has a total area of 196.2 hectares and are situated at an altitude ranging from 4,700 to 5,000 meters.


The Gokyo Lakes offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. The lakes are also home to several fish species, including snow trout and Himalayan taimen. The area around the Gokyo Lakes is a popular trekking destination, with the Gokyo Ri trek being one of the most popular routes.





Tilicho Lake: Tilicho Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the Manang district of Gandaki Province. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters and has a surface area of 4.8 square kilometers. It is also one of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges.


The Tilicho Lake trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region, offering stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and diverse landscapes. The trek takes around 7-9 days, and the best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November.


In Conclusion: The lakes of Nepal are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. These lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also serve as an important source of water and habitat for various flora and fauna.


The trekking routes to these lakes offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and diverse landscapes, making them a popular destination for trekkers and adventurers alike.