10 Best Lakes in Nepal You Must Visit in 2026

10 Best Lakes in Nepal You Must Visit in 2026

Nepal is not just the land of mountains it’s also home to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes. From the blue waters of Rara Lake in the far west to the mystical Phoksundo Lake in the Dolpa region, Nepal offers a diverse range of lakes that are perfect for trekking, photography, and cultural exploration.

This guide covers the Best Lakes in Nepal to visit in 2025, with details on how to reach them, best seasons, activities, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure traveler, or photographer, these lakes provide an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

1. Rara Lake – The Blue Jewel of Nepal

Located in Mugu district, Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest freshwater lake, covering 10.8 km². Surrounded by coniferous forests and snow-capped mountains, it is often called the Blue Paradise of Nepal.

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

• Activities: Boating, trekking around the lake, wildlife spotting

• Nearby attractions: Rara National Park, Mugu villages

Rara Lake is a highlight in the Best Lakes in Nepal list for its pristine environment and remote location, making it ideal for travelers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

2. Phoksundo Lake – The Sacred Blue Gem

Phoksundo Lake, in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Dolpa, is famous for its deep turquoise waters and sacred significance to the local Buddhist and Bon communities.

Shey Phoksundo Lake

• Altitude: 3,611 meters

• Unique feature: Lake has a distinct blue color and is considered sacred

• Activities: Hiking to the lake, visiting nearby monasteries

Phoksundo Lake ranks among the Best Lakes in Nepal for its stunning beauty and cultural value.

3. Tilicho Lake – The High-Altitude Wonder

Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest lake, located at 4,919 meters in the Annapurna region.

• Trek: Tilicho Lake Trek, part of the Annapurna Circuit

• Best time to visit: April–May and September–October

• Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, high-altitude adventure

This lake is included in the Best Lakes in Nepal list for adventure seekers and trekkers who want a challenge combined with breathtaking scenery.

4. Gosaikunda Lake – The Sacred Alpine Lake

Gosaikunda Lake, situated in Langtang National Park, is a sacred Hindu site, especially during Janai Purnima festival.

Gosaikunda

• Altitude: 4,380 meters

• Activities: Trekking, religious pilgrimage

• Nearby: Langtang village trails, serene alpine forests

Gosaikunda Lake’s spiritual significance makes it a must-visit in the Best Lakes in Nepal list.

5. Begnas Lake – A Tranquil Pokhara Gem

Begnas Lake is located near Pokhara, smaller and less crowded than Phewa Lake.

• Activities: Boating, fishing, lakeside resorts

• Best time to visit: October–March for clear skies

• Nearby attractions: Pokhara valley, Sarangkot viewpoints

Begnas Lake is perfect for travelers seeking peaceful lakeside retreats in central Nepal.

6. Rupa Lake – The Serene Neighbor of Begnas

Rupa Lake is another hidden gem near Pokhara, offering calm waters and birdwatching opportunities.

• Activities: Canoeing, photography, picnics

• Nearby: Begnas Lake, local villages

• Highlights: Fewer crowds, natural serenity

Rupa Lake is often included in the Best Lakes in Nepal itineraries for its quiet and scenic environment.

7. Phewa Lake – Pokhara’s Iconic Lake

Phewa Lake is perhaps the most famous lake in Nepal, located in Pokhara Valley.

• Activities: Boating to Tal Barahi Temple, lakeside cafes

• Highlights: Views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain)

• Best time to visit: Year-round, especially autumn for clear skies

Phewa Lake is on the Best Lakes in Nepal list for its accessibility, amenities, and postcard-perfect scenery.

8. Khaptad Lake – A Hidden Plateau Gem

Khaptad Lake is located in Khaptad National Park, Far-West Nepal, surrounded by green meadows and sacred hills.

Khaptad National Park

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

• Activities: Trekking, photography, spiritual exploration

• Nearby: Khaptad plateau, Gurung villages

Khaptad Lake is unique in the Best Lakes in Nepal list because it blends nature and spirituality.

9. Shey-Phoksundo’s Smaller Lakes

Apart from Phoksundo Lake, the national park has several smaller alpine lakes such as Khamche Lake and Phoksumdo Lake tributaries, ideal for hiking and photography.

• Activities: Trekking, wildlife observation

• Best time: Spring and autumn

• Highlights: Less crowded, pristine nature

These smaller lakes are often overlooked but deserve inclusion in the Best Lakes in Nepal list for offbeat adventures.

10. Rupa & Begnas Lake Circuit

For travelers wanting a combined lakeside experience, the Begnas-Rupa lake circuit near Pokhara is ideal.

• Activities: Hiking between lakes, boating, birdwatching

• Best time: October–March

• Highlights: Scenic beauty, peaceful retreat, cultural villages

This circuit is perfect for photographers and nature lovers, making it a must on the Best Lakes in Nepal list.

Best Seasons to Visit Nepal’s Lakes

• Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, clear skies

• Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, vibrant landscapes

• Winter (December–February): Clear mountain views, fewer tourists

Monsoon season (June–August) is not recommended due to rainy trails, landslides, and reduced visibility.

Accommodation Around Nepal’s Lakes

1. Rara & Phoksundo: Basic guesthouses and community homestays

2. Pokhara Lakes (Phewa, Begnas, Rupa): Lakeside resorts, boutique hotels, homestays

3. Gosaikunda & Tilicho: Teahouses along trekking routes

4. Khaptad & Far-West Lakes: Community homestays and camping

Tip: Booking early is recommended in peak tourist season (spring & autumn).

Activities at Nepal’s Lakes

• Trekking: Annapurna Circuit, Langtang trails, Rara & Phoksundo treks

• Boating & Canoeing: Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa lakes

• Photography: Sunrise and sunset reflections, alpine scenery

• Cultural Exploration: Visiting Gurung, Thakali, and Bon communities

• Wildlife Watching: Birds, musk deer, Himalayan monal

Estimated Costs for a Lake Trip

Tip: Combining multiple lakes in one trip requires budget planning and itinerary optimization.

Travel Tips for Visiting Nepal’s Lakes

1. Carry trekking essentials for high-altitude lakes (warm clothes, boots, water)

2. Hire local guides for safety and cultural insight

3. Respect nature — avoid littering, follow eco-tourism guidelines

4. Photography gear: Drones allowed with prior permissions in certain lakes

5. Acclimatize when visiting high-altitude lakes like Tilicho or Gosaikunda

Photography Tips

• Golden hour: Sunrise or sunset over the lake reflects mountains beautifully

• Long exposure: Ideal for flowing streams or waterfalls feeding the lakes

• Cultural shots: Local villagers, monasteries, and rituals around sacred lakes

• Wildlife photography: Himalayan birds, deer, and flora

Nepal is a paradise for lake lovers, offering diverse experiences from serene alpine lakes to culturally sacred waters. The Best Lakes in Nepal are not just scenic they are gateways to adventure, spirituality, and Himalayan culture.

Plan your 2025 visit to:

• Witness the blue waters of Rara and Phoksundo

• Trek to Tilicho and Gosaikunda

• Enjoy peaceful lakeside retreats at Begnas and Rupa

• Explore hidden plateaus at Khaptad

Each lake is a story, a photograph, and a memory waiting to happen. Make sure to add these Best Lakes in Nepal to your travel bucket list for 2025.