The 11 Best Lakes in Nepal for Nature and Adventure Lovers

Nepal is home to some of the most scenic lakes on the planet, which mirror the sky and mountains.

These natural reservoirs lie amid the majestic Himalayas, carrying cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance. From high-altitude glacial lakes to lush lowland gems, here are the top 11 lakes in Nepal you must explore for serenity, adventure, and spiritual connection.

1. Rara Lake

Source: wikipedia

Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest and most remote lake, lies within Rara National Park in the Mugu district.

Surrounded by pine forests and snowcapped mountains, this alpine lake sits at 2,990 meters and offers untouched beauty and solitude.

Its striking blue waters are often described as a shimmering gem of the northwest.

Highlights:

• Nepal’s largest lake (10.8 km²) with crystal-clear alpine waters

• Located in Rara National Park, rich in biodiversity, including red pandas

• Offers stunning reflection views of the surrounding mountains

• Ideal for photography, trekking, and birdwatching

• Accessibility via the airstrip in Talcha makes it adventurous and remote

Location:Mugu District, Karnali Province, Rara National Park
Entry Fee: NPR 1,500 (foreigners); NPR 100 (SAARC); NPR 50 (Nepalis)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, trekking, nature walks, camping, wildlife photography
Nearby Restaurants: Hotel Danfe Mugu, Rara View Guest House

Suggested Read: 10 Famous Temples in Nepal: Mandir Timings & Details

2. Phewa Lake

Source: wikipedia

Phewa Lake is the crown jewel of Pokhara and Nepal’s second-largest lake. Its calm waters reflect the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges.

An island in the center houses the sacred Tal Barahi Temple, accessible by paddleboat, making it a hub for both spiritual seekers and leisure travelers.

Highlights:

• Home to the Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the lake

• Beautiful reflections of Machapuchare and Annapurna

• Surrounded by cafés, paragliding sites, and a lakeside promenade

• Popular for sunrise and sunset boat rides

• Excellent lakeside nightlife and cultural atmosphere

Location: Pokhara, Kaski District, Gandaki Province
Entry Fee: Free (boat rental costs extra)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, paragliding, fishing, lakeside yoga, temple visits
Nearby Restaurants:Moondance Restaurant, Byanjan, Fresh Elements

Suggested Read: 15 Must-Visit Museums in Nepal

3. Begnas Lake

Source: wikipedia

Begnas Lake lies east of Pokhara and offers a more serene experience than nearby Phewa. It is known for its clean waters, lush surroundings, and peaceful vibes.

Often used for fish farming, it also provides scenic beauty and is popular among locals.

Highlights:

• One of Pokhara Valley’s freshwater lakes

• Famous for aquaculture and natural tranquility

• Perfect spot for meditation, swimming, and fishing

• Surrounded by green hills and rice terraces

• Less commercial, ideal for nature lovers

Location: Lekhnath, Kaski District, Gandaki Province
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking, photography
Nearby Restaurants:Begnas Lake Resort, Majhikuna Restaurant, The Lekhnath Café

Suggested Read: Winter in Nepal: Weather, Things to Do, Packing Tips & More

4. Tilicho Lake

Source: wikipedia

Tilicho Lake is one of the world’s highest lakes, located at 4,919 meters in the Annapurna range.

Known for its surreal blue hue and stark alpine backdrop, this glacial lake is sacred and lies on the side trail of the Annapurna Circuit.

Highlights:

• Altitude of 4,919 meters – one of the world’s highest lakes

• Surreal alpine views, no aquatic life due to freezing temperatures

• Sacred to Hindus and revered by trekkers

• Side trek from the famous Annapurna Circuit

• No accommodation at the lake – best for day hikes

Location: Manang District, Gandaki Province
Entry Fee: Included with Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Timings: Trekking access only (March–November)
Activities: High-altitude trekking, mountain photography, meditation
Nearby Restaurants: Tilicho Base Camp Teahouse, Manang Bakery, Himalayan Café Manang

Suggested Read: 21 Must-Try Nepal Famous Foods

5. Gosaikunda Lake

Source: wikipedia

A sacred glacial lake located at 4,380 meters in Langtang National Park, Gosaikunda is associated with Lord Shiva.

Every August, thousands of pilgrims trek here for the Janai Purnima festival. Surrounded by dozens of other smaller lakes, the area is rich in spirituality and natural splendor.

Highlights:

• Believed to be created by Lord Shiva’s trident

• Part of a cluster of over 100 lakes

• Major pilgrimage destination during Janai Purnima

• Located within Langtang National Park

• Scenic yet challenging trek from Dhunche

Location: Rasuwa District, Bagmati Province
Entry Fee: NPR 3,000 (foreigners); NPR 1,500 (SAARC)
Timings: Open 24 hours during trekking seasons
Activities: Pilgrimage, high-altitude trekking, spiritual reflection
Nearby Restaurants: Tea houses along the route, Red Panda Hotel, Dhunche

6. Shey Phoksundo Lake

Source: wikipedia

This turquoise blue lake in Dolpa is part of Shey Phoksundo National Park. At 3,611 meters, it is the deepest lake in Nepal.

Known for its mysterious depth and spiritual significance in the Bon religion, this lake offers raw Himalayan wilderness.

Highlights:

• Nepal’s deepest lake (145 m depth)

• Sacred to Bonpo Buddhists and surrounded by cliffs

• No aquatic life due to high altitude

• Access via Juphal and days of trekking

• Stunning turquoise color and alpine surroundings

Location: Dolpa District, Karnali Province
Entry Fee: NPR 3,000 (foreigners); NPR 1,500 (SAARC)
Timings: Open 24 hours (during trekking seasons)
Activities: Trekking, spiritual visits, wilderness photography
Nearby Restaurants: Dunai Hotel, Tea houses in Ringmo Village

Suggested Read: Discover the 10 Best Inland Beaches in Nepal

7. Gokyo Lakes

Source:

The Gokyo Lakes are a group of high-altitude glacial lakes in the Everest region. Located at around 4,700–5,000 meters, they form the world’s highest freshwater lake system.

These lakes are worshiped by Hindus and Buddhists and offer panoramic views of Everest.

Highlights:

• UNESCO-listed Ramsar wetland site

• Sacred pilgrimage destination

• Located near the Gokyo Ri viewpoint with Mt. Everest vistas

• A cluster of six main lakes, including Dudh Pokhari

• Unique blue hue from glacial minerals

Location: Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province
Entry Fee: Included in the Sagarmatha National Park permit
Timings: Seasonal (best during spring and autumn)
Activities: Trekking, photography, glacial exploration
Nearby Restaurants:Gokyo Resort, Cho Oyu View Lodge

8. Imja Tsho (Imja Lake)

A glacial lake formed due to climate change, Imja Tsho lies in the Everest region at an altitude of 5,010 meters.

Though relatively new, it’s monitored closely for glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risk and showcases the impact of global warming in the Himalayas.

Highlights:

• Climate change-induced glacial lake

• Located near the Island Peak trekking route

• Known for its unstable yet striking appearance

• Frequently studied by glaciologists

• Offers panoramic views of Imja Glacier and the surrounding peaks

Location: Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province
Entry Fee: Included with the Sagarmatha National Park permit
Timings: Seasonal (spring/autumn preferred)
Activities: High-altitude trekking, photography, environmental study
Nearby Restaurants: Island Peak Base Camp Teahouse, Chhukung Resort

Suggested Read: Nepal’s 15 Greatest Hikes: A Trekker’s Guide to Hiking

9. Tsho Rolpa Lake

Situated at an altitude of 4,580 meters, Tsho Rolpa is one of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes and is known for its potential GLOF risk.

Hidden in Rolwaling Valley, it is a remote yet hauntingly beautiful destination for experienced trekkers.

Highlights:

• Among the largest glacial lakes in Nepal

• Located in the rugged Rolwaling Valley

• The glacial lake outburst monitoring station is present

• Remote and unspoiled landscape

• Requires special permits and a high fitness level

Location: Dolakha District, Bagmati Province
Entry Fee: Special trekking permit and Gaurishankar Conservation Area fee
Timings: Trekking season (March–May, Sept–Nov)
Activities: Trekking, glacial studies, solitude-seeking
Nearby Restaurants: Tea houses at Beding and Na villages

10. Bish Hazari Tal

Source: wikipedia

Meaning “Twenty Thousand Lakes,” this wetland system lies in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park.

It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, rich in biodiversity, especially migratory birds, marsh crocodiles, and rhinos.

Highlights:

• Complex wetland ecosystem in the lowland Terai

• Rich in birdlife, especially during migration season

• Important conservation area within Chitwan National Park

• Easily accessible by road

• Perfect for wildlife safaris and canoeing

Location: Bharatpur, Chitwan District, Bagmati Province
Entry Fee: NPR 2,000 (foreigners); NPR 200 (Nepalis)
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Activities: Birdwatching, nature walk, canoeing, photography
Nearby Restaurants: Jungle View Restaurant, Rhino Lodge Restaurant

Suggested Read: Ancient Wonders: 12 Historical Places in Nepal

11. Taudaha Lake

Source: wikipedia

Taudaha is a small, serene lake located on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

It is believed to be a remnant of the ancient Lake Nagdaha and has deep spiritual value. This lake is now a quiet bird sanctuary.

Highlights:

• Mythologically linked to Buddhist serpent deities (Nagas)

• Important for bird conservation near urban Kathmandu

• Peaceful and ideal for morning walks

• Locals offer prayers and feed fish for merit

• Rich in aquatic life

Location: Kirtipur, Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Activities: Birdwatching, cultural exploration, nature photography
Nearby Restaurants: Taudaha View Restaurant, Nagdaha Restaurant

Suggested Read: Exploring the Best Buildings in Nepal

Why Choose OneVasco?

OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey. 

Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.

• Expert and Personalized Support 

• Efficient and Hassle-Free Process 

• Real-Time Tracking and Updates 

• Transparent Communication 

• Trusted by Millions

FAQs

1. How many lakes are in Nepal?

Nepal has over 6,000 lakes, both natural and glacial. These range from large lowland freshwater lakes like Phewa to high-altitude alpine lakes such as Tilicho and Gokyo. Many are still being discovered and mapped, especially in the Himalayas.

2. Are the lakes in Nepal man-made?

Most lakes in Nepal are natural, formed by glacial, tectonic, or volcanic activity. Lakes like Rara, Gosaikunda, and Tilicho are glacial, while some lowland lakes are formed by river and rainwater accumulation.

3. What is the most beautiful lake in Nepal?

Rara Lake is often regarded as the most beautiful lake in Nepal for its pristine blue water, mountain reflections, and peaceful surroundings. Gokyo Lakes and Tilicho Lake are also top contenders due to their high-altitude charm and stunning alpine backdrops.

4. Can you swim in the lakes in Nepal?

Yes, you can swim in some lakes in Nepal like Phewa and Begnas, where the water is relatively warmer and accessible. However, high-altitude lakes such as Tilicho or Gosaikunda are icy cold and not suitable for swimming.

5. What is the best time to visit Nepal’s lakes?

The best time to visit lakes in Nepal is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and scenic mountain views. High-altitude lakes may be inaccessible during winter due to snow, while the monsoon (June–August) can bring heavy rain and leeches in lower areas.

6. What activities can you do at the lakes in Nepal?

Popular activities at Nepal’s lakes include boating, kayaking, swimming (where allowed), trekking, photography, birdwatching, fishing, and spiritual pilgrimages. Many lakes also offer scenic picnic spots and opportunities to explore nearby villages and trails.

7. Is there an entry fee for lakes in Nepal?

Some lakes, especially those within national parks or conservation areas (like Rara, Gosaikunda, or Gokyo), require entry permits or park fees. Others, like Phewa or Begnas, are generally free to access, though there may be charges for boating or guided tours.

8. Are pets allowed at lakes in Nepal?

Pets are generally allowed at some accessible lakes in Nepal like Phewa or Begnas, but it’s best to check local rules. In national parks and conservation areas (like Rara or Gosaikunda), pets are typically not permitted due to wildlife protection regulations. Always ensure your pet doesn’t disturb the natural ecosystem or wildlife.