Nepal is home to some of the most amazing and picturesque lakes in the world. Most are glacial-fed high-altitude lakes, situated at over 4000 meters. Featured here are seven amazing lakes that you should definitely consider visiting on your next trip to Nepal or Trekking in Nepal.
Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes is situated in the shadow of world’s sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu, are some of the most amazing high-altitude lakes of Nepal, the Gokyo Lakes. Lying at an altitude of 4700-5000 meters above sea level, the Gokyo Lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system, and within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu region. Formed mostly from glacial seepage, the lakes are fed from the Ngozumpa Glacier.The Gokyo lakes hold religious as well as ecological significance, and are enlisted as one of the Ramsar sites of Nepal.
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes of Nepal. Situated at 4919 meters, it is connected with one of the world’s classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit trek. It’s as if the lake blends with the bluish skies in distance, where the two meet. The high altitude surrounding lack vegetation, thus enhancing the magnificence of the lake. Lake Tilicho falls inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and is the source of the river Marsyangdi. Also check out the Panoromic 360 view of Tilicho Lake during trekking.
Phoksundo
Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, lies in Dolpa district, far to the west of Kathmandu, which can be experience during the trek to dolpo region. The freshwater lake sits at an altitude of 3615 meters. Eric Valli’s 1999 hit movie Himalaya/Caravan portrays an insightful life of people, culture and the Dolpo region as whole. The trek to Phoksundo Lake follows an amazing trail through pristine landscapes, beautiful forest, snowcapped mountains and magnificent views. The lake itself is aesthetically pleasing. The pristine blue waters of Phoksundo sit within an alpine semi-arid landscape with patches of pine forest. Part of the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Phoksundo Lake is a wetland with ecological importance, listed as a Ramsar site.
Gosaikunda
Gosaikunda Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Nepal. At an altitude of 4380 meters in the district of Rasuwa, around 150 kilometers to the north of Kathmandu, the lake holds religious importance and is a pilgrimage site during Janai Purnima. Though the lake remains frozen for only a short time during winter, the name “Frozen Lake” is often used for Gosaikunda.Gosaikunda is the point of origin for one of the major river systems of Nepal-the Trishuli River.
Rara
Far in the western reaches of Nepal sits the largest lake in Nepal, Rara Lake, at 2990 meters. Rara Lake is not as frequented as many other lakes, so offers an unspoilt environment. You will likely have an undisturbed wilderness to yourself. Rara is another important wetland of Nepal listed as a Ramsar site, within Rara National Park.The most striking thing about the lake is its ability to change to seven different colors during the light of day. This peculiar phenomenon makes it a unique lake in Nepal. The lake is so large that it takes almost a whole day to go around it. Rara Lake drains into the Mugu Karnali river.
The lakes of Nepal are beautiful and extremely varied—from high-altitude turquoise bodies of water surrounded in snow, to focal points of chilled-out relaxation, there is a Nepal lake experience to suit every traveller’s itinerary or interests. Remember that Nepal is much more than ancient culture and high mountains—it is sparkling blue lakes, too!
