Highest Lakes In Nepal

There are several of the highest lakes in Nepal. Nepal is a small country located between China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south. It’s a country known for its high mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest in the world. Nepal has many glaciers, rivers, and beautiful lakes. The lakes originate from the glacial rivers on the top of the Himalayas. 

There are around 5,300 lakes in Nepal, each unique in its way. Rara Lake is the biggest, located in the remote western part of the country. The lake at the highest altitude is Tilicho Lake, sitting at about 4,919 meters above sea level. Gokyo Lake is also very high and famous among trekkers. The lake at the lowest altitude is Phewa Lake in Pokhara, a popular visitor spot. Some lakes, like Shey Phoksundo, are less visited because they are harder to reach, while Phewa Lake is one of the most visited due to its easy access.

10 Biggest And Highest Lakes In Nepal

Tilicho Lake

Altitude: 4,919 meters

Location: Manang District of Nepal

Tilicho is Nepal’s highest lake, at 4,919 meters above sea level. It is 55 kilometers from Pokhara, a gorgeous and lively city. So, when trekkers visit Pokhara and want to experience a tranquil, quiet, high-altitude trek, the Annapurna with Circuit Tilicho Lake trek is the place to go. The Tilicho Lake trek, while one of the nearest treks in Pokhara and situated in the Annapurna region, presents quite a challenge.

The pathways are rough, passing through harsh rocky peaks, narrow roads, twists and turns through the jungles, and so on. Tilicho Lake stands out as one of Nepal’s stunning lakes. It has clear turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. 

Rara Lake

Altitude: 2,990 meters

Location: Mugu District, Karnali Province

Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest freshwater lake. Rara Lake is also the deepest lake, with an elevation of 2,990 meters above sea level. It is located within Rara National Park. The Rara Lake is situated between the remote and secluded regions of Mugu and Jumla. The Rara Lake covers a total area of 6.11 square miles. Rara Lake is among the top ten biggest lakes in Nepal. 

Rara Lake has been a protected Ramsar site since 2007 due to its significance in the surrounding region and popularity among international tourists. The lake is home various vegetation and fauna, and the National Park surrounds it. The fauna surrounding the lake includes species of birds and 51 species of animals. There are about 1074 species of flora in Nepal, with 16 of them being indigenous to the country.

Imja Tsho

Altitude: 5,010 meters

Location: Everest Region of Nepal

Imja Tsho, also known as Imja Lake, is a glacial lake formed when meltwater started to pool at the base of the Imja Glacier on the lower part of the glacier. Imja Tsho is one of the most dangerous lakes in the Himalayas and one of the fastest-growing lakes. At a height of 5,010 meters, it is in Nepal’s Everest region at 27° 53’ 55” north latitude and 86° 55’ 20” east longitude. At the very bottom of its mother glaciers, on the tip of the Imja and Lhotse Shar Glaciers, is where the lake is.

There is a glacier called the Lhotse Shar Glacier that flows southwestward. Unlike the other glaciers, the Imja Glacier flows northwestward and is about 5,100 meters high. These glaciers flow west, meeting about 3.5 kilometers above the terminus. They run right next to Imja Tse’s trekking trail.

Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake

Altitude: 4,580 meters

Location: Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District, Nepal

Tsho Rolpo is the largest glacial lake in Nepal. It is located in the Dolakha district at an elevation of 4,580 meters between the stunning Langtang and Everest peaks. On your journey to the lake, you can see breathtaking views of Mt. Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and the Langtang Himalayan range. The trip from Dolakha to Nagaon is the most difficult, with frequent uphill and height changes. Tsho Rolpa Lake is reached the following day after a two-and-a-half-hour trek. In the wide-angle snowfields, the breathtaking blue update of cold liquid shines like a gemstone. 

Gosainkunda

Altitude: 4,380 meters

Location: Rasuwa district of Nepal

Gosaikunda is known as a beautiful and sacred body of water. Situated in the Rasuwa district of Nepal, this area spans approximately 13.8 hectares, which is about 34 acres. These people usually believe that the Lord bathed in this lake after decades of meditation in Tibet and Nepal’s Himalayas. We believe that Lord Shiva made Gosaikunda Lake when he pushed his Trishul (Trident) into a hill to get water to heal his poisoned throat.

The area has around 108 Kundas (Ponds), with Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, and Surya Kunda being the most popular. Every year, Hindus and Buddhists travel to this pond to take a bath, and pilgrims from all across the country arrive by helicopter and trek. Most people first trek via the Langtang Valley and then go to Gosaikunda. They then continue the hike to Chisapani. Nagarkot. The Lake is 4,380 meters above sea level. Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking is one of the most popular treks in Nepal.

Shey Phoksundo Lake

Altitude: 3,611.5 meters

Location: Dolpo District, Nepal

Shey Phoksundo is Nepal’s deepest lake. It is in the Doplo district, far west of Kathmandu, and can be seen on a trip to Dolpo. It spans 494 hectares and contains 409,000,000m3 of water. It was named a Ramsar site in 2007 and is known for its beautiful turquoise color. It has 20 stupas in the southern belt and one gompa on the eastern side of the lake, which are used for annual prayers and devotion. The Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal’s most famous high-altitude and scenic trekking spots. 

Gokyo Lake

Altitude: 4,700-5,000 meters

Location: Solukhumbu District

Gokyo Lake lies in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, at an incredible elevation of 4,700-5,000 meters above sea level. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Gokyo Lake. It is widely recognized as the world’s most beautiful lake. The Gokyo Lakes consist of 19 lakes, six of which are main lakes and are considered the world’s highest freshwater lakes. 

The largest lake in the Gokyo Lakes is Gokyo Cho, also known as Dudh Pokhari, which covers 42.9 hectares. Gyazumpa Cho covers is 29 hectares, Tanjung Cho is 16.95 hectares, and Ngojumba Cho is 14.39 hectares. The ice-cold water reflects the magnificent azure sky above, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region.

Begnas Lake

Altitude: 650 meters

Location: Kaski, Nepal

Begnas is the third largest lake in Nepal, situated in the southeastern part of the Pokhara Valley. Begnas and Rupa Tal are two beautiful freshwater lakes that are often referred to as twins. It lies far from the busy city life. The atmosphere is calm, tidy, and tranquil. Furthermore, it is home to many species that came to Nepal during the bird migration season. Begnas Tal’s focal point is the shadow cast by the surrounding hills on the crystal clear lake. Most visitors come to this location for boating and fishing, as it allows boating from every place on the lake. 

Phewa Lake

Altitude: 742 meters

Location: Kaski, Nepal

Phewa Lake, known as Phewa Tal and formerly Badam Tal, is Nepal’s second-largest lake. Phewa Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations for local and foreign visitors. You will also see the Tal Barahi temple in the center of the lake, reflected in the water. It also has a stunning reflection of Mount Machhapuchhare. On a clear day, the Annapurna mountains can be seen through the mirror layer, and the Rani Ban flowers give the like a green tint.

Bishazari Lake

Altitude: 286 meters

Location: Chitwan, Nepal

Bishazari Lake, also called Beeshazari Lake, is in the southern part of Chitwan, about 5 kilometers from the city of Bharatpur. In 2003, it was named a Ramsar site and is a popular tourist place. It is 3200 hectares in size and stands 286 meters tall. Chitwan National Park surrounds it. You can see many rare animals like one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gharial, crocodile, and white-rumped vulture. Tourists from all over the world and within the country come here to watch birds and go on jungle tours. It’s a big oxbow lake, and people who love nature will be amazed by its beauty.

Lakes and Their Religious Significance

• Gosaikunda Lake: This Lake is holy for both Hindus and Buddhists. People believe Lord Shiva created it, and many visit during the full moon in August for prayers.
• Rara Lake: Locals believe Rara Lake is a gift from the gods. They come here to pray for good luck and blessings, as it is linked to Hindu stories.
• Phoksundo Lake: Tibetan Buddhists consider this lake very important. Monastries nearby use it for meditation and religious ceremonies. 
• Tilicho Lake: As mentioned in ancient texts, Hindus consider this lake sacred. Many people visit it during their treks for spiritual reasons.
• Phewa Lake: The Tal Barahi Temple is located on an island. People come here to pray for safety and blessings.

Conclusion

Nepal is landlocked; its borders do not touch any oceans or seas. However, the country has some of the best natural beauty, such as villages, forests, mountains, and lakes. People from all over the world travel to Nepal due to its natural beauty. Many places in Nepal are suitable for trekking or touring. The beautiful lakes with clear water are one of the best things about these destinations. The glacial rivers at the top of the Himalayas formed the lakes. Nepal is a beautiful destination; the lakes make it even more breathtaking.

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