15 Beautiful Lakes That You Must Visit in Nepal

You may have heard Nepal is rich in cultural heritage and gigantic peaks; however, there is more to capture when you visit this gorgeous country. Were you aware that Nepal has more than 5000 lakes, and nearly half of them are glacier lakes? Nepal is a place to choose for a peaceful escape, as it has many pristine lakes beneath these towering peaks, which provide a different kind of relaxation for every traveler. With that, we’ve handpicked some of the beautiful lakes that you must visit in Nepal.

Among the hundreds of stunning lakes all over Nepal, we’ve carefully selected the list of 15 to make your job easy. These lakes are a must-visit, especially if you’re in Nepal and looking for a peaceful retreat, and some of them hold religious significance too. Alright then, without wasting much time, let’s get started!

15 Beautiful Lakes That You Must Visit in Nepal

1) Gosainkunda Lake

First on our list is Gosainkunda Lake. Gosainkunda is located in the Rasuwa district inside the Langtang National Park. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Gosainkunda Lake is known for its blue alpine water. Thousands of visitors come to this lake on the occasion of the Janai Purnima festival.

There is also a significant history related to this. The pristine lake has a holy connection with Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva was responsible for its creation by piercing the earth with his trident. He did so just to cool his throat after consuming the poison during the war.

Highlights of Gosainkunda Lake

• Serves as the trekking destination for the Langtang Valley.
• Gets very crowded during the Janai Purnima festival in July or August.
• The best time to visit is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Location: Rasuwa, Langtang National Park
Altitude: 4,380m/14,370ft

2) Rara Lake

Rara Lake is Nepal’s biggest freshwater lake. Located in the Mugu district, especially inside the Rara National Park, this lake is very renowned. The water is crystal clear, well covered by the Rara National Park. The clean, blue-green water makes it a sight to remember and is also called the ‘Queen of Lakes’.

Surrounded by green hills on all sides, it provides a different, relaxing feeling. You can engage in a camp setting as well, or engage in the boating activity. Other than that, you can also go hiking in the nearby mountains.

Highlights of Rara Lake

• Water changes about 2 times a day, turning blue and slightly green.
• You can immerse yourself in the short hike to the nearby Murma viewpoint.
• Rara National Park is located near the lake, where you can see different kinds of bird species and animals.
• Enjoy the relaxing boating in paddle boats.

Location: Mugu District, Karnali Province
Altitude: 2,990m/9,809ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

3) Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the popular glacial lakes of Nepal, and at one time was Nepal’s highest lake. It is 55 kilometers from the city of Pokhara. The lake is also one of the renowned side-hike destinations of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The interesting part is that no aquatic organism has been found in the lake, which might be because of the high-altitude.

Trekkers attempting the Annapurna Circuit route obviously arrive here and engage in a peaceful moment. The lake is surrounded by various peaks such as Khangsar, Muktinath peak, Nilgiri, and Tilicho.

Highlights of Tilicho Lake

• The turquoise blue water provides a mesmerizing view.
• It is one of the highest lakes in the world.
• The color of the water also changes depending on the sunlight (green, blue, or grayish).
• Seen as a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Location: Manang
Altitude: 4,919m/16,138ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

4) Shey Phoksundo Lake

Shey Phoksundo Lake is another renowned alpine freshwater lake of Nepal. Located in the Dolpo district, it is the deepest lake in this country, with a depth of 145 meters. This lake has low nutrient levels and is also referred to as an oligotrophic lake. Shey Phoksundo Lake is inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

It also holds key religious significance. There are more than 20 small stupas on the northern side of the lake, and one gompa on the eastern side of the lake. Tibetan influence is high there, and people engage in workships and prayers in these gompas.

Highlights of Shey Phoksundo Lake

• It is the deepest lake of Nepal with a turquoise-blue color.
• Surrounded by pristine villages, Ringmo and Suligad waterfalls.
• Different wildlife sightings since it is inside the national park area.

Location: Dolpa District, Shey Phoksundo National Park
Altitude: 3,611.5m/11848.7533ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

5) Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is an amazing scenic lake that you can see during a visit to Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the famous tourist attractions not only of Nepal but of the world. The lake does not have turquoise blue water, but provides a clear reflection of the surrounding peaks.

Phewa Lake is right in the middle of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks. You can engage in boating in this lake, seeing the backdrop of the Himalayas in the back. It is the third-largest lake in Nepal, and it is between the lake and the Tal Barahi Temple. The lake remains hugely crowded during the peak seasons.

Highlights of Phewa Lake

• Located in the heart of Pokhara, the lake is peaceful and scenic.
• Provides a reflection of the gigantic peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
• There is the Tal Barahi temple between the lake, where you can go by boat.
• There are plenty of activities that you can do, such as boating, kayaking, or birdwatching.

Location: Pokhara
Altitude: 742m/2,434ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

6) Rupa Lake

Rupa Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal, located in Pokhara. It is the third biggest lake in the Pokhara valley, situated right on the edge of Pokhara Metropolitan and Rupa Rural Municipality of Kaski District. The lake has a variety of flora and fauna. More than 30 species of waterbirds have been found here.

Alongside Begnas and Phewa Lake, Rupa Lake is yet another pristine lake and attracts a lot of tourists every single year. People who visit the city of Pokhara usually arrive here to enjoy some peaceful moments. You can also go boating on this lake, which is fully allowed for both locals and international tourists.

Highlights of Rupa Lake

• The lake is a beautiful alternative to Phewa Lake, much more peaceful and unspoiled.
• You can enjoy the birdwatching session as it has around 36 different species.
• Boat rides with stunning views of the Himalayas.
• Fish farming is also done on a regular basis in the nearby surroundings.

Location: Pokhara
Altitude: 600m/1,968ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

7) Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is yet another famous lake of Pokhara after Phewa Lake. In fact, it is also the third largest lake in Nepal and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Pokhara. The water from this lake is also used for the purpose of irrigation. Some sections of the lakes are also used as caged fisheries.

Since it has crystal clear water, you can do plenty of activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is also surrounded by plenty of resorts for tourist purposes.

Highlights of Begnas Lake

• Located in a peaceful setting surrounded by lush green hills.
• The lake is ideal for relaxing and escaping from the noise of the city.
• You can perform different activities, such as boating or swimming.
• In the background of the Begnas Lake lies the stunning Himalayan panoramas.

Location: Pokhara
Altitude: 650m/2,132ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

8) Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari Lake is a combination of five different glacial lakes of Nepal. It is located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal and holds a key religious significance. It is also referred to as the 9th-highest altitude wetland in the world. The place becomes very crowded during the Janai Purnima festival, as it is a religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

These five different holy ponds are quite interconnected and are sacred for the devotees of Hinduism and Buddhism. In the background, you can see stunning views of the Jugal Himal and Langtang ranges.

Highlights of Panch Pokhari

• A collection of five holy ponds that looks stunning.
• Devotees bath on these ponds during the festival of Janai Purnima to wash away sins.
• Stunning panoramic views of the Jugal Himal range.
• Peaceful, secluded experience away from the crowds.

Location: Bhotang, Sindhupalchowk
Altitude: 4,100m/13,451ft 

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

9) Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes are a combination of six different lakes, more than the Panch Pokhari. It is located in Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu district of Nepal. These lakes have turquoise and emerald water, which attracts a lot of tourists. Among these lakes, Gokyo Tsho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the holy one especially for the devotees of Hindus and Buddhists.

Not only that, but the following lake is also referred to as the main one that sits right behind Gokyo village. Thonak Tsho is the largest among these six.

Highlights of Gokyo Lakes

• Get pleasant views of six turquoise lakes.
• Gokyo Lake is also one of the best trekking destinations with views of stunning mountain panoramas.
• The lakes are considered sacred.
• All of these lakes lie in the Everest region.

Location: Khumjung Village, Solukhumbu District
Altitude: 4,700m/15,419ft – 5,000m/16,404ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

10) Kapuche Lake

Kapuche Lake is another gorgeous turquoise glacial lake located in the Annapurna region. It is also the world’s lowest glacial lake with an altitude of 2,546m. The trekking destination is widely popular near the Sikles village. People usually arrive here with a trekking perspective, spending around 3 to 4 days, with the starting and ending point both being Pokhara.

You’ll be presented with the views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre. Interestingly, the surface of the Kapuche lake becomes really solid during the winter, turning into a tough ice ground.

Highlights of Kapuche Lake

• The lowest glacier lake of Nepal.
• The glacial water is collected from the surrounding gigantic peaks such as Annapurna II, IV, and Lamjung Himal.
• Depending on the weather, the water becomes blue or, at times, frozen.
• Ice avalanches are visible.

Location: Kaski district
Altitude: 2,546m/8,353ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

11) Tsho Rolpa Lake

Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the biggest glacial lakes of Nepal. As per the Nepali terms, ‘Tsho Rolpa’ means Rolwaling Valley lake, where ‘Tsho’ means a lake and ‘Rolpa’ means Rolwaling Valley. To reach the Tsho Rolpa lake, you can take a bus ride from the Kathmandu Valley since it is not far from the capital city.

It is only around 115km away from Kathmandu, located in the district of Dolakha.

Highlights of Tsho Rolpa Lake

• The lowest glacier lake of Nepal.
• The glacial water is collected from the surrounding gigantic peaks such as Annapurna II, IV, and Lamjung Himal.
• Depending on the weather, the water becomes blue or, at times, frozen.
• Ice avalanches are visible.

Location: Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District
Altitude: 4,580m/15,026ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

12) Ghodaghodi Tal

Ghodagodi Tal is basically a Ramsar site located in western Nepal. In Nepalese terms, Ghodaghodi Tal means male and female horses. It was basically established in the year 2003 August, on the lower slopes of the Siwalik hills. Then, later in 2022, the place was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 2022.

The lake is rich in flora and fauna, with over 350 vascular plants. Similarly, the wildlife sightings are also common; you can see glimpses of Eurasian otter, Bengal tiger, and red-crowned roofed turtle.

Highlights of Ghodaghodi Tal

• Surrounded by 13 large oxbow lakes and tropical forests.
• Legends believe that Lord Shiva and Parvati Mata used to walk around this lake, round after round, after being cursed by a hermit.
• Chances to see plenty of wild animals.

Location: Kailali, western Nepal
Altitude: 205m/672ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

13) Birendra Lake

Birendra Lake is a quite popular freshwater lake situated in the Gorkha district, Nepal. The lake features eye-catching blue water and a peaceful environment beneath huge Himalayan peaks. The lake is named after the Late King Birendra of Nepal and is precisely located in the Manaslu glacier.

An avalanche happened in the year 2024, which spread a large portion of water over its banks. The lake is not only known for its amazing beauty, but it also provides a real trekking experience if you’re a trekking lover. The majority of the trekkers who trek the Manaslu Circuit visit this lake.

Highlights of Birendra Lake

• This lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green forests.
• You can see the reflection of the surrounding peaks on the water.
• The lake is itself generated from the Manaslu Glacier.
• Seen as the holy lake, as it is surrounded by prayer flags and stone cairns.

Location: Samagaun, Nepal
Altitude: 3,691m/12,109ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

14) Imja Tsho Lake

Imja Tsho Lake is called the fastest-growing glacial lake in the Himalaya. As of 2009, the lake was only around 2,000m long, 650m wide; ever since then, it has grown quite significantly. The lake was formed in the 1950s when the ice started melting from the Imja Glacier, creating a glacial lake at the end.

The lake is situated in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, and is located near the base of the Imja Glacier. The lake poses massive threats to the nearby villages and settlements because of the rising water levels and expansions.

Highlights of Imja Tsho Lake

• The lake is rapidly growing with the rapid melting of the Imja Glacier.
• Grew from a small pond to a lake because of climate change.
• One of the major destinations for trekkers who are trekking in the Everest region.
• This lake has a depth of over 90–150 m

Location: The village of Hinku, Everest region
Altitude: 5010 m/16,437ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

15) Mai Pokhari

Mai Pokhari is a beautiful natural lake located in the district of Ilam, Nepal. The following lake is also seen as a major holy site for Hindus and Buddhists. The water is more of an emerald and is fully covered by dense forests from every angle. It is also called the Lake of Flowers.

Surrounded by lush green vegetation, rich biodiversity, and there is a Bhagwati temple located nearby. This wetland site is famous for its diverse flora and fauna. The source of the water on this lake is the natural springs and precipitation.

Highlights of Mai Pokhari

• It is a different kind of pond or lake with nine corners, similar to a star shape.
• It holds crucial religious importance.
• Known as the sacred home of the goddess Mai, many visitors perform prayers here.
• The area is full of natural beauty with dense forests and rich flora and fauna.
• There resides a botanical garden too, which is purely made for research purposes.

Location: Ilam district, Eastern Nepal
Altitude: 2,100m/6,889ft

Best Time to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap. The lakes we’ve mentioned above are some of the gorgeous lakes of Nepal, filled with grace, natural beauty, and serenity. These lakes are undoubtedly highly attractive, which lures hundreds of trekkers from every corner of the world.

If you’re a travel lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply an explorer, these lakes are a must-visit when you arrive in this part of the world. One of the best parts of this list of lakes is that every single one of them offers you peaceful and tranquil surroundings, which will surely calm your mind, heart, and soul.

Take a break from your everyday hustle and give yourself much-needed relaxation by visiting these places. At the end of the day, it will be a soothing experience for you. Grab this opportunity to relax and spend some quality time with your loved ones at these 15 lakes in Nepal.

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