Top 7 Lakes In Nepal To Make Your Trekking Adventurous

Published: 20 Mar 2023   |   Last updated: 20 Mar 2023

The breeze of cold air, the sound of birds chirping, and the beautiful scenery of the magnificent mountains reflect in the crystal clear lake. That's just fabulous! Nepal is a landlocked country with a blend of cultural and natural sites. 

 

Moreover, It has a list of stunning and awe-inspiring natural wonders, including trekking sites, including famous lakes of the world. The surrounding landscape of the tallest mountain of Nepal creates a breathtaking image of the lakes. Gokyo Lake is one of the famous lakes of Nepal located in the region of Everest; three pass trek offers more than spectacular views.  

 

Stay with us, as we will take you through the list of lakes in Nepal that will make your trekking even more thrilling

 

Tilicho Lake 
Elevation: 16,138 ft

Depth: 279 ft

Location: Manang 

Tilicho Lake is located on the slope of Mt. Makalu, the world's highest-located lake. It would help if you started the journey from the Annapurna trekking region to the lake. Moreover, the final step to reach the lake starts from the Tilicho base camp. 

 

On this trail, you will pass through Thronag La pass, located in the Damdra Himal. Besides, the Throng la pass is 5,416 meters above sea level which is one of the highest mountains passes in the world. 
 



Giant peaks like Muktinath, Nilgiri, Khangsae, and Tilicho surround the lake. You will find huge pieces of ice floating on the lake's surface. The blocks of ice are the results of avalanches on the glacier covering the western slope of the mountains. The lake also holds religious value in the holy book Rmamayna as it is believed to be the ancient Kak Bhusundi lake. 


Fun factTilichho Lake has no aquatic organisms despite being freshwater. Due to the low temperature in the Himalayan belt. However, you can observe fauna like Alpine buttercup and Alpine astragalus in the area. 
 

Gokyo Lake 
Elevation: 16400 ft

Depth: 265 ft

Location: Khumjung Village, Solukhumbu District

Gokyo Lake is a freshwater lake situated in the Solukhumbu district, which is also the route of the adventurous Everest trekking region via Cho La (5,330 m). There are incredible additions for the places you can explore, like Everest Base Camp, Renjo La Pass, or embark on the Three Passes trek. 

 

It is located in the Gokyo Valley, comprising six other lakes. Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho are the six lakes, but if you ascend the valley, you will encounter 20 other lakes. Besides, these wetlands were designated a Ramsar site in 2007. 

The ascend also follows the Khumbu valleys from the Gokyo, which provides stunning views of four massive peaks Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the largest glacier, Ngozumpa. A day hike in the Gokyo Lake can offer the soaring sound of freshwater and reflections of crystal mountains. Besides, if it's winter, there is an opportunity to skate on the lake. The lake and its surrounding boasts many highlights and has less foot traffic to contend with than on the Everest routes. 

 

Gosaikunda 
Elevation: 14370 ft

Depth: 279 ft

Location: Rasuwa, Langtang National Park

Gosaikunda Lake is a freshwater lake that falls in the route of the Langtang trekking region. Besides, it is also located in the heart of Langtang National Park, home to wild flora and fauna. The lake offers an alluring view of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks, and Langtang Lirung. Moreover, the valley is home to three more lakes Saraswati Kunda, Bhiarb Kunda, and Surya Kunda. 

The trail can discover the ridges, crossing ravines, and suspension bridges winding through rhododendron oak and pine forest. Besides, it also provides a touch of the artistic side of the locals. Moreover, it holds religious values in Hinduism and Buddhist cultures. Lord Shiva formed the lake when he thrust his holy trident into the mountain to extract the water.  A dip in the sacred water washes our sins according to Rammayan and other religious books beliefs. 

 

Shey Phoksundo Lake 
Elevation: 11849 ft

Depth: 446.9 ft

Location: Dolpa 

Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the exotic destinations in Dolpo. It is an alpine freshwater lake that is also the deepest in Nepal. Besides, the Buddhist follower considers the lake sacred, providing a mix of nature and culture. The trail ascends through the dense forest filled with oak, fir, and pine trees and the stunning view of a 330 m high waterfall. 


Moreover, the Phoksundo area has more than 20 stupas in the south and one gompa on the site's eastern side, where annual prayers and worship are performed. The region also promotes Tibetan culture. Shey Phoksundo area is rich in wild fauna and endangered species like musk deer and snow leopard. Also, a day in Phoksundo Lake can help you feel fresh and calm as you relish the beauty of the lake along with the views of Kanjiroa Himal.

 

Khaptad Lake 

Elevation: 10007 ft

Depth: 167 ft

Location: Doti
 Khaptad Lake, also known as Khaptad Daha, is located in Khatad national park, with a lot to offer visitors. One of the Far Western region's hidden gems, it attracts many religious pilgrims. Khatpad area is a three-day trek trail and is the perfect place for taking the stunning view of Mt. Kailash, which is also the home of Lord Shiva.  Moreover, it is also home to various flora and fauna, giving us an insight into these beautiful natural wonders. The area is also lush with luxury vegetation. Badimalika, Sailshwori, and Khaptad Baba Ashram are significant attractions of his trail, making your journey even more memorable. 

 

Rara Lake 

Location: Mugu District, Karnali Province

Depth: 548 ft

Altitude: 9810 ft
 Rara Lake is an oligotrophic lake that is present inside Rara national park. It is one of the biggest freshwater lakes draining into the Mugu Karnali River. Unique floral and faunal species of Rara National Park surround the area. Besides, the place is gaining popularity daily for its stunning beauty and the vistas surrounding it, including gigantic mountains and Himalayan Peaks. 

Fun Fact: Rara Lake can exhibit different colors, blue, brown, purple, and crimson, at other times of the day. 
 


 

Tso Rolpa 

Location: Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District

Depth: 180 ft

Altitude: 15026 ft
Tso Rolpa is the biggest glacial lake in Nepal, located in Rolwaling Valley. The name Tso means lake, and Rolpa means Rolwaling Valley. Besides, the lake is expanding due to rapid snow melt.  The short trek can feast your eyes on the Gaurishankar Himal. Besides, the trial consists of several stupas providing peace and calm.  

Conclusion 

Nepal is the blessing of natural sites, including beautiful peaks, rugged terrain, and excellent water bodies. The crystal clear lake, along with the marvelous scenery of the landscape, can make your trekking trip wonderful. Enjoy the trip with Nepal Vision Treks, and collect the memories of the beautiful place. 


FAQs

How long is the Gokyo Lakes trek?

The Gokyo Lakes trek is around 12 days, but you can make the itinerary according to your requirement. 
 

Which is the most beautiful waterfall in Nepal?

Rupse waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in Nepal that is also a natural wonder. It is 300m long. 
 

Can we swim in Tilicho Lake?

The water of Tilicho lake is cold, so it is impossible to swim there. However, in the winter season, we can skate or walk in the lake. 

 

Which is the most beautiful lake in Nepal?

Gokyo lake is a beautiful lake in Nepal. It offers a lot of things like sightseeing, research, meditation, and many more. 


What should you know before trekking?
Before going trekking, you must know that you are physically active. You must carry out some daily exercises and warm up your body before trekking. You must have some knowledge of trekking before you go trekking.

What is the most beautiful lake in Nepal?
The most beautiful lake in Nepal is Rara Lake which is also known as the ‘Queen of Lakes’.
 
Why is Manang famous?
Mustang is famous for its natural foods, natural lifestyle, and beautiful environment.