Breathtaking Lakes of Nepal You Must Visit at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Explore Nepal's Beautiful and Stunning Lakes: Natural Beauty and Sacred Serenity

Nepal is famous for its beautiful lakes, each a peaceful treasure in the stunning Himalayas. As you trek through Nepal, you’ll find many amazing lakes, each with its own charm. The northern Himalayas feed hundreds of rivers with snowmelt, creating a stunning scene with over 5,300 lakes, including 2,300 glacial lakes. Many of these lakes are also considered sacred.

While it might be challenging to visit every lake, exploring Nepal’s top lakes will be a memorable experience. Whether you’re interested in their natural beauty or their spiritual significance, these lakes offer a special look at Nepal’s mountain wonders. We invite you to experience these must-visit lakes, each one promising its own moment of awe and peace.

Gokyo Lakes: A Beautiful Lakes in Khumbu Valley

• Location: Solukhumbu District
• Area: 1.96 sq km (Thonak Cho, largest lake)
• Depth: 62.4m (deepest)
• Altitude: 4,700–5,000m

Nestled high in the Everest region of Nepal, the Gokyo Lakes are a mesmerizing collection of six glacial lakes that captivate adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Perched between 4,700 and 5,000 meters above sea level, these lakes are some of the highest freshwater bodies on the planet. Surrounded by an awe-inspiring backdrop of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, the Gokyo Lakes offer breathtaking panoramic views that make every step of the journey worthwhile.

To explore these stunning lakes, embark on our Gokyo Valley Trek or the Gokyo Valley with Renjo La Pass Trek. Both journeys offer a captivating adventure through traditional Sherpa villages, picturesque rhododendron forests, and rugged landscapes. Starting from Lukla, Namche Bazaar and you'll traverse scenic paths, cross beautiful suspension bridges and reach Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Himalayas. Each trek promises a memorable experience and stunning vistas.

The Fifth Lake, known as Ngozumpa Tsho, is part of the Gokyo Lakes system in the Everest region. Located at an altitude of about 4,980 meters (16,339 feet), it is one of the less-visited lakes compared to the main Gokyo Lakes but offers incredible views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse.

Many our valued guests make the hike from Gokyo village to the Fifth Lake as a day trip. The journey offers not only breathtaking scenery but also the chance to see the scenic viewpoint of Scoundrel's Viewpoint, which provides a stunning panorama of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Dudh Kunda Lake: A Sacred Alpine Gem

• Location: Solukhumbu Region
• Altitude: 4,560m

Dudh Kunda, or “Milky Lake,” lies serenely at the base of Mt. Numbur in the Solukhumbu region. This sacred lake, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike, attracts pilgrims every August during the full moon. They come to bathe in its crystal-clear waters, believing it will cleanse their souls. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Dudh Kunda is a serene escape into both spiritual and natural beauty.

To immerse yourself in the magic of Dudh Kunda and explore the rich Sherpa culture, consider our exclusive Trekking Holy Hills and Holy Lakes itinerary. This special trek takes you along peaceful, lesser-known trails to this sacred lake, offering a truly authentic experience away from the usual crowds.

Dhumba Lake

• Location: Mustang District
• Altitude: Approximately 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)

Dhumba Lake is a beautiful, serene lake situated near the town of Jomsom in the Mustang region. The lake is known for its striking blue waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. It is relatively accessible and offers a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged landscapes of Mustang.

We’ve included a visit to Dhumba Lake in our Annapurna Circuit Trek to ensure you experience its unique beauty and serene tranquility. This addition is designed to offer our valued guests the very best of Nepal's landscapes, making your adventure even more memorable.

Birendra Lake

• Location: Samagaun, Nepal
• Altitude: 3,691 meters

Tucked away in the peaceful village of Samagaun, Birendra Lake is a stunning freshwater gem fed by the Manaslu Glacier. Its vivid turquoise waters mirror the majestic Himalayan peaks, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. For trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit, this lake offers a serene escape, providing a perfect moment of tranquility amidst the rugged trek.

In our thoughtfully designed Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, a visit to Birendra Lake stands out as a key highlight. Trekkers can pause to soak in the lake’s pristine beauty and the surrounding spectacular mountain views. Its close proximity to Samagaun makes it a convenient and rewarding detour, enhancing your adventure with a touch of serene natural splendor.

Tilicho Lake

• Location: Manang, Nepal
• Altitude: 4,919 meters

Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, is a stunning highlight along the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With its clear turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, it offers a breathtaking experience. Though there are no fish due to the high altitude, the lake’s natural beauty and the adventurous trek to reach it make it a memorable destination.

To explore this magnificent lake, you can join our Tilicho Lake and Mesokanto Pass Trek or simply add 2 extra days to our Annapurna Circuit itinerary for a dedicated visit.

Phewa Lake (Pokhara)

Phewa Lake, the second largest in Nepal and a gem of Pokhara, is framed by the stunning Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre. It’s an ideal spot for boating, fishing, or enjoying breathtaking views. The Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in the lake, offers a peaceful place for reflection.

Explore this enchanting destination with our Best of Nepal Tour. This specially crafted journey includes a visit to Phewa Lake and other iconic sites, ensuring a memorable experience filled with Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural wonders.