Best 7 Natural Lakes in Nepal Perfect for Trekking Destination

Kabiraj

Updated on June 04, 2024

Nepal is known as the land of the Himalayas, but many do not know that it's also a home to tranquil lakes. Nepal alone has 2323 lakes, where Rara is the largest, covering an area of 10.4 sq Km, Phoksundo lake is the deepest, with 136m depth, and Tilicho lake is the highest lake elevating at 4919m. These lakes attract travellers and trekkers for their crystal clear water, surrounding views and the peace it offers. While lakes like Shey Phoksundo, Rara and Gokya are known for their beauty, there are plenty of lakes in Nepal with religious significance, like Gosainkunda, and Tilicho Lake.

Among 2323 lakes, in this blog, we will discover the Best 7 Natural Lakes in Nepal, perfect for Trekking Destination.

1. Tilicho Lake:

Tilichi-Lake

Tilicho Lake is located at the base of Tilicho Peak in the Manang district at an altitude of 4919m and is the highest-altitude lake in Nepal. As this natural lake was formed by the glacial melt of Annapurna and Thorung Peak, the views surrounding the lake are astounding. You can enjoy the view of Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna I(8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Gangapurna (7455m), Tilicho Peak (7134m) and many other peaks from the lake.

The Tilicho Lake Trek can be completed in 12 days, crossing several picturesque villages like Besisahar, Bahundanda, Syange, Chame, Dharapani, Thachok, Pisang, Manang, Khangsar, and passing through the rich landscape of the Annapurna Conservation area. Along the trail, you can also explore other attractions like Milarepa Cave, Gangapurna Lake, Tahrap Monastery, Mani Stone and the beautiful Manang village.

2. Gokyo Lakes:

Gokyo-Lake-Trek

Gokyo Lakes is located in the Everest region at an altitude of 4700-5000m and is one of the popular trekking destinations of the region. Gokyo Lakes is not a single lake but is a composition of 19 lakes spread over an area of 196.2ha, making a Gokyo Lake system. Out of the 19 lakes, Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the main one, and Thonak Cho is the largest and deepest of all. Apart from Gokyo Cho and Thonak Cho, there are other lakes like Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Kyajumba Cho and Ngojumba Cho. You can enjoy the views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Ngozumpa Glacier from the lake.

The Gokyo Lake trek can be completed in 10-12 days and is the best alternative to the Everest base camp trek. The trekking trail initially follows the Everest Base Camp trail up to Namche Bazar and continues towards Gokyo Valley, passing through the beautiful village of Dole, Macchermo and Gokyo Village. Along the trail, you will cross several suspension bridges, frozen waterfalls, and lush forests and climb the highest point of the trek, Gokyo Ri (5357m), to enjoy the panorama of mountains, lakes and glaciers.

✅ Get Full details on: Gokyo Lake Trekking 15 Days

3. Rara Lake:

Rara-Lake

Popularly known as the Queen of Lakes, Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. Located in the Rara National Park area in the Mugu district, the lake spreads over an area of 10.8 sq km and is surrounded by mountains and lush forests. Apart from the views, the lake is known for its colour-changing water that changes 4-5 times a day, which varies from blue, purple, and Cymric to grey.

The Rara Lake trek starts from Jumla after an exciting flight from Nepalgunj. On the trail ahead of Jumla, you will cross different ethnic village settlements of the area like Chere Chaur, Khalanga Bazaar, Chala Chaur, Sinja Valley, Laha, Gani and Ghorosingha. Since you will be trekking through the Rara National Park area, you will walk through dense forests of rhododendron, birch and pine, cross Jaljala Pass, explore ancient temples of Sinja Valley, and hike to the highest point of the trek, Murma Top. The Murma Top elevates at 3700m and offers an unobstructed panorama of Rara Lake and the Himalayas. Trekking to Rara Lake is exciting as it is one the best places for bird watching, boating, horse riding and camping. The trek can be completed in 12 days and is the best way to explore the remote trails of Nepal other than that of ABC, EBC and Langtang trails.

4. Gosainkunda Lake:

The holy lake of Gosainkunda is located in the Langtang region at 4380m. There are altogether 108 lakes in the vicinity, with the main lakes, Gosainkunda, Saraswatikunda, Kumachokunda, Dudhkunda, Raktakunda, Chandrakunda, Suryakunda, Aamakunda, Ganeshkunda, and Bataskunda, all designated as Ramsar sites. Surrounding these tranquil lakes are the majestic Himalayas, Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Gangchempo (6,387 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), and Shishapangma (8,013m).

The Gosainkunda lake trek can be completed in 7-9 days and begins with a scenic ride to Dhunche. On the trail ahead from Dhunche, you will cross the Tamang settlements of Deurali, Dimsa, and Chandanbari, passing through the rich landscape of the Langtang National Park area. Along the trail, you will also explore the Yak cheese factory and visit Sing Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The most challenging part of this trek is crossing the Lauribina Pass at 3900m, which offers panoramic views of Langtang Ri, Langtang Lirung, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.

✅Read more on: Gosaikunda Lake Trek

5. Kapuche Lake Trek:

Kapuche-Lake

Kapuche Lake, located in the Annapurna region, has been gaining popularity in a very limited time for being the lowest-elevation glacier in Nepal. The lake elevates at an altitude of 2546m and covers an area of 1.2 sq km. The lake is surrounded by Annapurna ranges and a beautiful green landscape offering the perfect backdrop for your photos.

The Kapuche Lake Trek can be completed in 4 days from Pokhara and passes through the beautiful ethnic village settlement of Sikles and Hugu while exploring the beautiful Annapurna region adorned with waterfalls, dense forest and the views of the Himalayas. The views of Annapurna II, IV, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal are stunning, as seen from the lake and on the trail.

6. Shey Phoksundo:

shey-phoksundo-lake

Shey Phoksundo Lake is located in the remote Dolpa district of Western Nepal inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park area. This lake is the deepest in Nepal and is known for its captivating blue-green colour. Apart from the magnificent lake, the Himalayas surrounding the lake are worth appreciating. You can enjoy the views of Kanjiroba Peak (6883m), Kang Chunne (6765m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), and Sisne Peak (5800m).

The Phoksundo Lake trek can be completed in 9 days with a drive to Nepalgunj and a scenic flight to Juphal. The trail ahead from Juphal winds off through several villages of the region like Kalagaunda, Roop Ghar, Dunai Sulighat, Shyanta, Chhepka, Jharana Hotel, and Ringmo crossing suspension bridges, river, waterfall, yak-filled meadows, and dense forests of maple, birch and walnut trees. During this trek, you can see one of the most spectacular waterfalls of Nepal, the Jharana waterfall, and explore the Tibetan Bon village and a 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa located on a ridge above the lake. Since the lake elevates at an altitude of 3589m, you can see other beautiful glaciers around the lake.

7. Tsho Rolpo:

Tsho-Rolpa-Lake

The Tsho Rolpa Lake is the largest glacial lake in Nepal, located in the Rolwaling Valley of Central Nepal. Elevating at an altitude of 4580m, Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the dramatic lakes, surrounded by Gauri Shankar (7134m), Menlungtse mountain range, Langtang Lirung (7227m), and Dorje Lakpa (6966m).

The Tsho Rolpa trek can be completed in 6 days, where you will trek through the Rolwaling Valley, situated between two National parks of Nepal, Langtang and Sagarmatha National Park. During the trek, you will walk past Simigau, Uttise, Surmuche, Kyalche, Dongang, Beding, and Naa Village. Along the trail, you will see dozens of waterfalls, monasteries, caves, cross suspension bridges and wooden bridges, making your way to the lake. Unlike other blue lakes of Nepal, the Tsho Rolpa Lake is milky or greyish, but the views are worth capturing.

Conclusion:

Apart from the above-mentioned natural lakes perfect for trekking destinations, there are several other lakes, like Panch Pokhari Lake, Damodar Kunda, Gangapurna Lake, and Badimalika Lake that offer the best trekking experience and a chance to connect with nature.

The Trekking Guide Team Adventure organizes Trekking all year round in the popular destinations of Nepal, so do remember us for your next trekking trip.

Most commonly asked questions by visitors:

1. How difficult is Tilicho Lake Trek?

✔ Tilicho Lake trek is a moderately challenging trek in the Annapurna region. The most challenging part of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5416m.

2. Which season is best for Gokyo Lake trekking?

✔ The best time for Gokyo Lake trekking is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).

3. How far is Kapuche Lake from Pokhara?

✔ The Kapuche Lake is located approximately 55 km from Pokhara, where the distance between Pokhara and SIkles is 26 KM and Sikles to Kapuche is another 20 KM.