Nepal is a home of about 5358 lakes including 2323 glacial lakes. Due to its topographical diversity, Nepal has diverse lakes from high altitude to lowland Terai. Many lakes, especially in high altitude area, have religious and spiritual values. Traditionally, many ethnic groups in Nepal are dependent on lakes and wetland for survival. Every lake is beautiful on its own, it is difficult to choose the most beautiful among them. Here is the list of some beautiful lakes in Nepal:
Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the biggest lake of Nepal. It lies in the Mugu district, in western Nepal. The lake is surrounded by pine, spruce and juniper forest. The lake is located in Rara National Park and is most important wetland designated as Wetland of international importance( Ramsar Sites ). The colour of the lake changes into different colour each day. Best time to visit here is April to May and during September/October.
Fewa Lake
Fewa Lake lies in the southern part of Pokhara valley. It is the most popular and most visited lake in Nepal. You can do boating and visit the temple Tal Barahi which is in the middle of the lake, enjoy the reflection of Mount Macchapuchare and other mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range and the view of sunshine and sunset.
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho is the highest Lake located at an altitude of 4919 metres above sea level. The lake also illustrated as kark bhusindi in Ramayana lies in the Manang district of Nepal. The surface area of the lake is 4.8 sq km and the average depth is 85m. The lake is surrounded by mountains like Muktinath peak, Nilgiri and Khangsar. Best time to visit Tilicho is the month of March to May and September to October.
Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo lake is located in Dolpa district at an altitude of 3611m above sea level. The lake has religious importance as it is a sacred place for Buddhist and Bon. You can find more than 20 stupas in the southern belt of the lake. The lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It changes its colour according to the light fall in it. The lake is popular for its aquamarine colour. The month of March to May and September to October is the best time to visit this place.
Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is second largest lake of Pokhara after Phewa lake. The Pokhara valley consists of eight lakes. The surrounding of the lake is less crowdy compare to Phewa lake. You can enjoy boating, fishing and a surrounding of green mountains with a panoramic view of Annapurna and Manaslu range.
Bishajari Lake
Bishajari lake lies in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, in the south corner of Bharatpur. The lake is an attractive site for a bird watcher. The look of the lake is like 20000 when watched from the sky hence it is known as Bishajari (Bis =twenty, hajar= thousand ).
Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda lake is located at an elevation of 4380 meters above sea level in Rasuwa district, in central Nepal. The Ramsar site designated lake has religious importance and thousand of people from Nepal and India visit this place as a pilgrimage, especially in Janai Purnima. Best time to visit this place is from March to May and September to October/November.
Gokyo Lake
Gokyo lakes are located in the Solukhumbu district in northeastern Nepal. The lake system comprises of six main lakes. Gokyo Cho, also known as Dudh Pokhari is the main lake and Thonak Cho is the largest lake of the system. These lakes are sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. These wetlands are also designated as a Ramsar site. March to May and September to October is the best time to visit this place.
Rupa Lake
Rupa lake is the third largest lake in Pokhara valley covering the area about 1.35 sq km. The lake and surrounding is home for various flora and fauna. About 36 species of waterbird can be spotted in this region.
Tsho Rolpa Lake
Tsho Rolpa lake, situated at an elevation of 4580 meters above sea level, in Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha District, to the northeast of Kathmandu Valley is one of the biggest glacial lakes of Nepal. You can enjoy the impressive views of the Rolwaling range.