Nepal is known for the Himalayas, the highest and beautiful mountain range in the world. But, High up in the mountains are scores of spectacular lakes formed by melting glaciers. In this list, we have listed the 10 beautiful lakes of Nepal that you must visit in your lifetime.
1. Rara Lake
Rara Lake in Mugu district of northwestern Nepal is the biggest lake in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 2,980 m within the Rara National Park, the lake is surrounded by thickly forested hills which is a habitat for the red panda, black bears, musk deers, and migratory birds. Rara lake is famous for its breathtaking view and the adventure that comes up with the trek to Rara. The best time to visit the lake is September/October and April to May. From December to March, the temperatures go low below the freezing point, and heavy snowfall occurs up to one meter, blocking the way to the lake.
2.Tilicho Lake
Tilicho lake sits at 4919 m behind the Annapurna range. It is one of the highest lakes in the world, second to be exact as it was replaced by a newly discovered lake, Kyanjin Sara. The lake lies at a distance of a two day walk to the west of Manang Village and the source of the mighty Marsyangdi river. Tilicho lake attracts a lot of tourists due to its religious significance. The best time to visit the lake is the months of March to May and September to November.
3. Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake lies in the Langtang Mountains at an altitude of 4328 m. It is a lake of religious significance as it is believed that Lord Shiva created this lake by thrusting his Trishul into the mountainside which gushed the water to form the pool. During the full moon festival of August, Many pilgrimages visit the sacred lake to take holy dips in the lake to wash away all their sins. The best time to visit the lake is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November, early December).
4. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Set at an altitude of 3660 m, Shey Phoksundo lake is located in a cleft between towering rocks. It is located within the Shey Phoksundo National Park in the Dolpa District of northwestern Nepal and is filled with melting snow of Kanjirowa Mountain. Shey Phoksundo Lake is famous as the deepest lake of Nepal and holds religious importance for Buddhist people particularly Bon Buddhism. The best time to visit the lake is between April to November.
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5. Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is located in the beautiful valley of Pokhara. Photographs of the lake with the Mt. Machapuchre reflected on its water make it one of the beautiful and popular lakes of Nepal. Phewa lake is the second largest lake in Nepal and is a prominent part of Pokhara tourism. The lakeside of Pokhara is the tourist capital with hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to tourists. The Tal barahi temple located in the middle of Phewa lake has cultural and religious significance and is visited by the pilgrimage. It is believed that any wishes made to Tal barahi would be fulfilled. The lake can be visited anytime except for heavy monsoon rainfalls.
6.Gokyo Lake
Gokyo Lake is situated at 4750 m in the Everest region. The trek to Gokyo lake deviates from the usual Everest base camp and offers a beautiful panorama of the highest mountains on the earth. The lake has religious importance to it as it is believed that the lake is the abode of Nag Devta i.e Snake god. A temple of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is built on the western side of the lake. The best season to visit the lake is Autumn (Sept to Nov) and Spring (March to May).
7. Begnas Lake
Situated at 15 km east of Pokhara by road, The lake is surrounded by green forested hills and presents a picture of idyllic serenity. It is the third-largest lake in Nepal. Begnas lake is surrounded by forests and is situated in a peaceful and serene environment. The lake also has boating facilities where people can enjoy boating around the beautiful lake. You can visit Begnas lake anytime except for monsoon falls.
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8. Bish hazaari lake
Bish Hazari Lake is situated 5 km away from Bharatpur. Designated as a Ramsar site in 2003, the lake is an extensive oxbow lake and dwelling place of various endangered species such as one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Sloth bear, Gharial, and migratory birds. The lake is surrounded by Chitwan National Park and is located at an altitude of 286m. The lake is famous for its beautiful and serene environment and birdwatching.You can visit the lake anytime except for monsoon falls.
9.Panch Pokhari
Panch Pokhari is a group of 5 Hindu holy lakes situated in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal. It is 9th highest altitude wetland in the world situated at an altitude of 4010m. The lake is located in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by the various Himalayas such as Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m), Madiya (6257m), Rolwaling Himal range, Ganesh Himal range, and Langtang Himal range. The lake holds religious significance and is visited by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims in Janai Purnima. The best time to visit the lake is Autumn ( Sep-Oct-Nov) & Spring (March-April-May).
10. Kajin Sara Lake
Newly discovered Kajin Sara lake is the highest lake in the world. Located at the height of 5200 m in the Manang district, the lake is believed to have formed out of a glacier that melted from the Himalayas. It is locally known as Singar and is located 24 km from the Chame, headquarter in Manang District. It takes about 18 hours. The lake is surrounded by Mt Manaslu in its east, Mt Damodar in its west, Mt Lamjung and Mt Annapurna in its south, and Mt Peri of Tibet in its north. The best time to visit the lake is between July and November.