Nepal isn’t just mountains. It’s water, too.
Scattered across the country from steamy lowland plains to frozen basins at 4,900m are some of the most beautiful lakes in Asia. Sacred pilgrimage waters. Vast remote lakes few outsiders reach. Turquoise city lakes reflecting the Himalayas.
This guide covers the 12 best lakes in Nepal where they are, how to visit, and which ones are genuinely worth your time.
Quick Reference: Nepal’s Best Lakes
| Lake | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Phewa Lake | Pokhara | Iconic, accessible, reflections |
| Rara Lake | Mugu | Nepal’s largest lake |
| Gosaikunda | Rasuwa | Sacred alpine pilgrimage |
| Tilicho Lake | Manang | World’s highest big lake (4,919m) |
| Shey Phoksundo | Dolpo | Turquoise, deepest lake |
| Begnas Lake | Pokhara | Quiet Phewa alternative |
| Gokyo Lakes | Everest region | Turquoise glacial lakes |
| Rupa Lake | Pokhara | Peaceful, birdlife |
| Panch Pokhari | Sindhupalchok | Five sacred lakes |
| Mai Pokhari | Ilam | Sacred eastern lake |
| Syarpu Lake | Rukum | Off-the-map beauty |
| Dudh Pokhari | Various | Sacred “milk lakes” |
The Iconic Lakes
1. Phewa Lake (Pokhara)
12 Best Lakes in Nepal
Nepal’s most famous and accessible lake.
Phewa sits right beside Pokhara’s Lakeside district, reflecting the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre on still mornings. Boat out to the Tal Barahi Temple on its little island, or just watch the sunset from a lakeside café.
Best for: Easy access, boating, mountain reflections
See our Pokhara sightseeing guide.
2. Rara Lake (Mugu) — Nepal’s Largest
The biggest lake in the country, in remote far-western Nepal.
At 2,990m, ringed by forest and snow peaks, Rara is stunningly beautiful and gloriously empty. Reaching it is an adventure but that’s the point.
Best for: Solitude, remote beauty, Nepal’s largest lake
Full details in our largest lake of Nepal guide.
3. Shey Phoksundo (Dolpo) — The Turquoise Jewel
Nepal’s deepest lake, and arguably its most beautiful.
Its impossibly turquoise water against barren Dolpo cliffs is one of Nepal’s iconic sights, featured in the film “Himalaya.”
Best for: Dramatic colour, remote trekking
See our Upper Dolpo trek guide.
The Sacred Lakes
4. Gosaikunda (Rasuwa)
Gosaikunda
High alpine lakes revered by Hindus and Buddhists.
At 4,380m in Langtang, legend says Shiva created it by striking a mountain with his trident. Thousands of pilgrims trek here each August full moon.
Best for: Pilgrimage, sacred trekking
Pairs with our Langtang Valley trek guide.
5. Tilicho Lake (Manang) — One of the World’s Highest
At 4,919m, Tilicho is one of the highest large lakes on Earth.
A dramatic side-trip from the Annapurna Circuit, its glacial waters sit in a stark high-mountain amphitheatre.
Best for: High-altitude drama, Annapurna Circuit add-on
6. Gokyo Lakes (Everest Region)
A chain of six turquoise glacial lakes in the Khumbu.
A quieter, arguably more beautiful alternative to Everest Base Camp, crowned by the view from Gokyo Ri.
Best for: Everest-region trekking, turquoise colour
See our Gokyo Lakes trek guide.
The Peaceful Escapes
7. Begnas Lake (Pokhara)
Begnas Lake
Phewa’s quiet cousin a serene, less-touristed lake just outside Pokhara. Perfect for a calm boat ride.
8. Rupa Lake (Pokhara)
Even quieter than Begnas, known for birdlife and peaceful surroundings.
9. Panch Pokhari (Sindhupalchok)
“Five lakes” a sacred high-altitude pilgrimage site at 4,100m, one of Nepal’s highest wetlands.
The Hidden Gems
10. Mai Pokhari (Ilam)
A small sacred lake in the eastern tea hills, surrounded by forest and legend.
11. Syarpu Lake (Rukum)
An off-the-map lake in western Nepal, beautiful and almost entirely untouristed.
12. Dudh Pokhari (“Milk Lakes”)
Sacred high-altitude lakes found in several regions, named for their pale, milky glacial colour.
Which Lake Should You Visit?
Easiest to reach: Phewa (Pokhara) — no trekking needed
Most beautiful: Shey Phoksundo or Gokyo (turquoise)
Most sacred: Gosaikunda
Biggest: Rara Lake
Highest: Tilicho (4,919m)
Most peaceful: Begnas or Rupa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest lake in Nepal?
Rara Lake in Mugu district, far-western Nepal, is the country’s largest lake. Sitting at 2,990m and surrounded by forest and snow peaks, it’s remote, pristine, and one of Nepal’s most beautiful — though reaching it takes real effort.
What is the most beautiful lake in Nepal?
Shey Phoksundo in Dolpo is often called the most beautiful, famous for its intense turquoise colour against barren cliffs. Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region and Phewa Lake in Pokhara are also strong contenders.
What is the highest lake in Nepal?
Tilicho Lake, at 4,919m in the Manang district, is one of the highest large lakes in the world. It’s a popular side-trip from the Annapurna Circuit.
Which lake is best for a first visit to Nepal?
Phewa Lake in Pokhara it needs no trekking, offers stunning Annapurna reflections, and has boating, temples, and lakeside cafés all within easy reach.
What is Gosaikunda famous for?
Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake at 4,380m, revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Legend says Shiva created it, and thousands of pilgrims trek there each August full moon.
Can you swim in Nepal’s lakes?
Some lower lakes like Phewa and Begnas allow boating and limited swimming, but many high-altitude lakes are sacred (like Gosaikunda) where swimming is discouraged or forbidden out of respect, and glacial lakes are dangerously cold.