It goes without saying that the Himalayas draw most of the attention to Nepal. Yet, there are several beautiful lakes in Nepal that rival the Himalayas in their beauty. Some lakes are just a short drive away, while others require rewarding treks through remote trails.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing boat ride in Pokhara or a high-altitude adventure in the Everest or Annapurna region, Nepal offers a lake for every type of traveler. In this guide, we've rounded up the top 10 beautiful lakes in Nepal, along with their highlights, best time to visit, and how to reach them.
| Lake | Location | Elevation | Best For |
| Rara Lake | Mugu | 2,990 m | Nature & Photography |
| Phewa Lake | Pokhara | 742 m | Boating & Relaxation |
| Tilicho Lake | Manang | 4,919 m | High-altitude Trekking |
| Gokyo Lakes | Everest Region | 4,700–5,000 m | Everest Trekking |
| Shey Phoksundo Lake | Dolpo | 3,611 m | Remote Adventure |
| Gosainkunda Lake | Langtang | 4,380 m | Pilgrimage & Trekking |
| Begnas Lake | Pokhara | 650 m | Peaceful Escape |
| Rupa Lake | Pokhara | 600 m | Birdwatching |
| Panch Pokhari | Sindhupalchok | 4,100 m | Spiritual Trek |
| Kapuche Lake | Kaski | 2,546 m | Hidden Himalayan Gem |
Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest and one of the most beautiful natural lakes in Nepal. Located inside Rara National Park in Mugu District, the lake is renowned for its deep blue water, pristine forests, and peaceful surroundings.
Unlike Nepal's busy trekking routes, Rara offers a quieter experience where visitors can enjoy nature, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain views without large crowds.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
How to Reach: Fly to Talcha Airport from Nepalgunj, followed by a short hike, or take an overland journey.
Located in the heart of Pokhara, Phewa Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Nepal. Surrounded by the Annapurna Range, the lake offers incredible reflections of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), creating one of the country's most iconic views.
Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, lakeside cafés, and a visit to the famous Tal Barahi Temple, situated on a small island in the middle of the lake.
Phewa Lake is also the starting point for many popular trekking adventures, making it an ideal place to relax before or after exploring the Himalayas.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach: Easily accessible from Pokhara city.
Located 4,919 meters above sea level, Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The Annapurna Circuit Trek leads to the lake, which lies in the Annapurna region. The route to Tilicho is first a trek through stunning villages, vast valleys, and rugged mountain scenery before ending at the blue lake surrounded by high Himalayan mountains. For adventure seekers, visiting Tilicho Lake is often one of the highlights of trekking in Nepal.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: April–May and October–November
How to Reach: Trek from Manang via the Annapurna Circuit.
Related Trek: Tilicho Base Camp with Throng la pass
The Gokyo Lakes are a group of stunning glacial lakes located in the Everest region. These sacred lakes sit at elevations between 4,700 and 5,000 meters, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glaciers.
The highlight of the journey is climbing Gokyo Ri, which offers one of the finest panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Compared to the classic Everest Base Camp route, the Gokyo Trek is less crowded while offering equally spectacular scenery.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
How to Reach: Trek to Lukla via Namche Bazaar.
Related Trek: Gokyo Lake Trek, Gokyo Lake Renjola Pass Trekking, Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek
Shey Phoksundo Lake is famous for its vivid turquoise water combined with dramatic mountain landscape and located within Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Unlike many lakes in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo has no visible aquatic life due to its mineral composition, giving the lake an exceptionally clear appearance.
Its remote location makes it one of Nepal's most rewarding destinations for experienced trekkers seeking untouched natural beauty and authentic Himalayan culture.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: May–October
How to Reach: Fly to Juphal and trek through Dolpo to the lake.
Gosainkunda Lake, located at a height of 4,380 meters within Langtang National Park, is one of the holiest lakes at a very high altitude in Nepal. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created the lake with his trident to quench his thirst after consuming poison. Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the lake during the Janai Purnima Festival every year, so the place has also become spiritually important. It is a great place for worship as well as a rewarding trekking experience.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
How to Reach: Trek from Dhunche via the Langtang region.
Related Trek: Gosainkunda Short Trek, Langtang Valley Gosainkunda Lake Trek
Only a short ride away from Pokhara lies Begnas Lake, a peaceful escape from the city's busy tourist areas. Surrounded by green mountains and traditional villages, it is the perfect place to get away from the world and reconnect with nature.
Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, lakeside dining, or simply relax by the quiet beauty of nature.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach: Approximately 30 minutes by road from Pokhara.
Often overlooked by visitors, Rupa Lake is one of Pokhara Valley's hidden gems. The lake is surrounded by forests, wetlands, and farmland, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Compared to the more popular Phewa Lake, Rupa Lake offers a quieter and more authentic experience.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: October–April
How to Reach: Around 35 minutes from Pokhara by road.
Panch Pokhari, meaning “Five Lakes” in Nepali, is a group of five sacred alpine lakes located in Sindhupalchok District. Besides its religious significance, the area is famous for its untouched Himalayan landscapes and spectacular mountain views.
The trek to Panch Pokhari is less crowded than many popular trekking routes, making it perfect for travelers looking for a quieter adventure.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
How to Reach: Trek from Chautara or Bhotang.
Kapuche Lake is gaining popularity as one of Nepal's hidden natural treasures. Situated at an elevation of around 2,546 meters, it is widely recognized as the lowest glacier lake in Nepal.
The hike from the valley to Kapuche lake is quite easy and scenic, going past beautiful Gurung villages, forests, waterfalls, and a breathtaking view of mountain landscape.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November
How to Reach: Drive to Sikles and trek to the lake.
Whether you're visiting a lakeside destination in Pokhara or trekking to a remote alpine lake, these tips will help you enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
From the peaceful waters of Phewa Lake to the breathtaking alpine beauty of Tilicho Lake, Gokyo Lakes, and Gosainkunda, Nepal offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
At Roving Nepal Trek, we specialize in guided trekking adventures and customized tours that help you explore Nepal's most spectacular lakes safely and comfortably. Start planning your next adventure with Roving Nepal Trek and discover the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
Which is the largest lake in Nepal?
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal, covering approximately 10.8 square kilometers within Rara National Park.
Which is the most beautiful lake in Nepal?
Beauty is subjective, but Rara Lake, Phewa Lake, Gokyo Lakes, Tilicho Lake, and Shey Phoksundo Lake are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
Which is the highest lake in Nepal?
Tilicho Lake is one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919 meters above sea level.
Which lakes can I visit near Pokhara?
Popular lakes near Pokhara include Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake, all of which are easily accessible by road.
What is the best time to visit lakes in Nepal?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for visiting most lakes in Nepal due to clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and excellent visibility.
Are Nepal's high-altitude lakes safe to visit?
Yes, high-altitude lakes such as Tilicho Lake, Gokyo Lakes, and Gosainkunda Lake are safe to visit when properly prepared. Trekking with a licensed guide, acclimatizing gradually, and traveling during the recommended seasons will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
