Boating · Nepal
The Best Lakes in Nepal
Phewa, Begnas, Rara, Tilicho, Gosaikunda, Phoksundo and Gokyo — Nepal's most beautiful lakes and how to visit each.
From resort lakes reflecting the Annapurnas to remote alpine pools reached only on foot, Nepal's lakes span easy lakeside afternoons and high pilgrimage trails. Here are the best lakes in the country and what each is known for.
The short answer
The most accessible is Phewa Lake beside Pokhara, where you can hire a wooden boat and visit an island temple. Nearby Begnas offers the same setting at a slower pace. For wild beauty, Rara is the largest lake in Nepal, while Tilicho, Gosaikunda, Phoksundo and the Gokyo Lakes reward trekkers willing to climb high.
Lakeside and easy to reach
- Phewa Lake — the heart of Pokhara, with boating to the Tal Barahi temple and superb mountain reflections.
- Begnas Lake — a calm, less-developed lake in a green farming valley just east of Pokhara.
- Rara Lake — the largest lake in Nepal (about 10.8 sq km), a deep-blue jewel in the remote far-western highlands of Rara National Park.
High-altitude and remote
- Tilicho Lake — at about 4,919 m, one of the highest lakes in the world and a dramatic side trip on the Annapurna Circuit.
- Gosaikunda — a sacred alpine lake near 4,380 m in the Langtang region, the focus of the Janai Purnima pilgrimage.
- Phoksundo Lake — a stunning turquoise lake at about 3,611 m deep in Dolpo's Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Gokyo Lakes — a chain of glacial turquoise lakes between roughly 4,700 and 5,000 m in the Everest region, one of the world's highest freshwater lake systems.
Choosing your lake
If you have a day, head to Phewa or Begnas from Pokhara. With a week, fly to Rara for solitude or trek to Gosaikunda from Langtang. For the great high-altitude lakes, set aside ten days or more for Tilicho on the Annapurna Circuit, Phoksundo in Dolpo, or the Gokyo valley in the Khumbu.
For more on the country's waters see our lakes of Nepal overview, pair a lake visit with the best places to visit in Nepal, or start your trip in lakeside Pokhara. Tap any lake above for how to visit, boating, hikes and fast facts.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest lake in Nepal?+
Rara Lake, in the remote far west inside Rara National Park, is the largest lake in Nepal at roughly 10.8 square kilometres. Its deep blue water and complete isolation make it one of the country's most pristine sights.
What are the highest lakes in Nepal?+
Tilicho Lake on the Annapurna Circuit sits at about 4,919 metres and is one of the highest lakes in the world, while the Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region (around 4,700 to 5,000 metres) form one of the world's highest freshwater lake systems.
Which is the best lake to visit near Pokhara?+
Phewa Lake is the best and most accessible, ringed by cafes with the Annapurnas reflected in its water and boats to the Tal Barahi island temple. For a quieter alternative, nearby Begnas Lake sits in a peaceful farming valley.
Can you reach Nepal's lakes without trekking?+
Yes for the lowland lakes — Phewa and Begnas are short drives from Pokhara, and Rara can be reached by flight and a short drive. Tilicho, Gosaikunda, Phoksundo and the Gokyo Lakes, however, are high-altitude lakes reached only on multi-day treks.
