Nepal offer some of the most amazing and picturesque lakes in the world and these lakes are one of the major attraction for the tourism of Nepal. Nepal is famous for its high altitude fresh water lakes of varying size. There are a number of lakes and tanks of glacial and tectonic origin in Nepal. Nepal is a hilly region country. Most of the lakes of Nepal are located in the hilly region and almost all of them happen to be tectonic lakes. Among hill districts, the Kaski District possesses the largest number of lakes and all of them are confined to the Pokhara Valley. Featured here are top seven lakes which you need to without a doubt don’t forget to journey on your next journey to Nepal.
Gokyo (15,400–16,400 ft)
The Gokyo Lakes are one of Nepal’s most memorable and adventurous sights. Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal which is located at an altitude of 15,400–16,400 ft. above sea level. Gokyo lakes are situated in Khumjung Village of Solukhumbu District in Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal. They comprise the highest freshwater lake system in the world. This is a great alternative and exception to the classic trek to Everest region that offers magnificent view of the very high altitude mountain. You can trek to Gokyo Lakes from March to June, and September to November. The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 17 day journey in total. From Kathmandu there is a short flight to Lukla, but you can choose to walk in from a lower altitude which will add a further 5 days.
Tilicho (16,138 ft)
Tilicho Lake is known for the highest lake for its size in the world. It is located in the Manang district of Nepal.It is situated at an altitude of 16,138 ft in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Tilicho lake trek is the most popular destination for hiking. Similarly, Tilicho Lake is also famous for the religious point of view. Tilicho lake trekking leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. The Tilicho Lake Trek starts right from Besisahar as Annapurna Circuit Trekking, which goes along the Marsyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. You can trek to Tilicho Lakes in autumn (September, October & November) and spring (March, April & May) season are good when weather is pleasant.
Paanch Pokhari (13,500 ft)
Panch Pokhari (five lake) is located northeast of Kathmandu at the base of the Jugal Himal. The five ponds (Panch Pokhari) are regarded as sacred ponds. It is 9th highest altitude (13,500 ft) wetland in the world. This place has cultural, religious, and ecological importance. The lake in Janai Purnima (is held here every year in August) is a popular destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. You’ll start experiencing a different kind of lifestyle immediately, that of the Sherpas and Tamangs . Generally, it’s a 10-day trek, the starting point being Chautara (1,200 m) to the northeast of, and about a five-hour drive by bus from, Kathmandu. The longer trek allows you to experience so much more of both the cultural and ecological aspects, justifying this trek as a Nepal cultural trek.
Rara (9,810 ft)
The Rara Lake is the deepest & biggest Lake of Nepal. Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2,990 m (9,810 ft) above sea level. Rara lake is one of the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal. Rara Lake that lies amidst the forest in the backdrop of beautiful Himalayas. It is located in the far western corner of Nepal, in the Jumla and Mugu districts. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantage point to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it.
The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May. The easiest way to travel to Rara lake is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and take another domestic flight from Nepalganj to Tancha (Mugu) airport and walk around 3 hours all the way to Rara Lake.
Gosainkunda (14,370 ft)
Gosainkunda Lake is a holy lake located in Langtang region of Rasuwa District of Nepal. . Gosaikunda Lake lies at an altitude of 14,370 ft above sea level. The Gosainkunda Lake, thus, holds significant religious and natural values adding up to the religious and natural heritage of the country. Gosainkunda Lake also bring stunning views of Mt. Langtang range, Himal Chuli 7893m, Mt. Manaslu 8156m and Ganesh Himal range.Gosaikunda is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison. During the festival of Janai Purnima, in the month of August every year, a large number of devotees come to take holy bath in the lake. There is a large rock in the middle of the lake which is believed to be the remains of Shiva shrine. It is also said that a medium carries water directly from the lake to the tank at the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan in the Kathmandu Valley.
Shey Phoksundo Lake (11,849 ft)
Shey Phoksundo Lake is located at an elevation of 11,849 ft above sea level in the Dolpa District. Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal with a length of 4.8 km and a depth of 600 m. It is the ultimate destination for adventure and ethno-culture tourism. Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking starts from Juphal, where the only airstrip in Dolpo is located. Shey Phoksundo is considered to be a holy place by the Buddhists living in Dolpa region and around. The lake itself is aesthetically eye-catching.Buddhism is the main religion in Dolpo. You will also explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Shey Phoksundo National Park (3555 sq km area), the largest national park in Nepal. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are regular flights from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj.
Tsho Rolpa (15,030 ft)
Tsho Rolpa Lake lies between Langtang range and Everest range. Tsho Rolpa lake is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal,which is located at an altitude of 15,030 ft in the Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District. Breathtaking scenery of terrace farmlands, panoramic snow covered soaring high Himalayan peaks, majority of Sherpa people and their own traditional culture, a historical place in Dolakha Bazzar, beautiful and scenic Beding Village. The best time to visit to Tsho Rolpa is during March-April when the forests and the narrow ways are beautifully painted with vivid rhododendron flowers. Visitors can go there during March- May and August- November as well. The lake threatens to burst through its unstable dam, which would threaten the lives and livestock of villagers living around the Tamakoshi River. This lake occupies the very large area, and behind the lake, you can see the beautiful shining mountains. It will be like the heavenly environment when you are there.