· Gokyo Lakes
· Gosaikunda Lake
· Tilicho Lake
· Rara Lake
· Phewa Tal
· Paanch Pokhari
In the world entirely built by the impeccable mother nature, Nepal, although being a small country, holds a surprising number of natural wonders all over it. There are astonishing places to see in every corner of it, with nature in its purest form holding wildly diverse geographical features. Nepal is not only the home for most of the highest peaks of the world but also a sanctuary of stunning lakes that are sure to give you a heavenly experience through their beauty. From the most elegant lakes hidden behind the tall mountains to the quite subtle ones lost somewhere along the road less travelled, Nepal has a total of more than five thousand lakes, among which almost two thousand are glacial lakes. Due to these gifted features of the country and the wide-ranged possibility of tourism development, the government of Nepal has authorized this year with “Visit Nepal 2020” to make it a year committed to the development of tourism industry and making it one of the ideal travel destinations.
Below are some of the most beautiful lakes for you to add to your adventure bucket list this year to keep that wanderlust spirit moving!
Gokyo Lakes
Situated in the altitude of 4,700 to 5000 meters above sea level in Sagarmatha National Park, Gokyo lakes consist of a total of 19 lakes, carrying the world’s purest freshwater in such high altitude. Lying somewhere between the range of the one and only mount Cho Oyu; Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho , Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngozumpa Cho, and Longbanga Cho are the six main lakes of Gokyo lake system where Thonak Cho is the largest one and Gokyo Cho is also called Dudh Pokhari. It takes a two-day long hike from Namche Bazar to reach the Gokyo lakes through the Gokyo lakes trek. Since the place is one of the main pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists, and it comes with a breath-taking view of the huge mountains and their reflection on the clear blue water of the lakes, it is a famous site for tourism and has won the admiration of thousands of visitors.
Gosaikunda Lake
Another one of the biggest freshwater lakes, Gosaikunda lake is situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level in Langtang National parks. It is one of the most famous lakes of the country that is surrounded by the captivating breath of the magnificent mountains of Rasuwa district. It also holds a whole lot of religious values where people from Nepal and India come here to take a holy bath, especially during the occasion of Janai Purnima. Alongside, it is one of the major tourist sites, as well, that needs a hardcore four-day trek on Dhunche-Helamby trekking route and Langtang valley trek route to be reached.
Tilicho Lake
When talking of magical places to visit, Tilicho Lake definitely comes at the top of the list. Situated at an altitude of 4919 meters beside the famous Annapurna range of Himalaya, Tilicho lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of Nepal as it is heavily surrounded by some of the thick snowy mountains like Khangsar, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Muktinath peak. which takes almost three to four days of hiking through the Annapurna Circuit trek to reach. The hiking route goes through the watershed between Manang and Kali Gandaki Valleys, because of which it is the most preferred route for common visitors. However, there is another alternative route from the north for the risk-takers to reach the lake. So if you’re an adventure seeker, looking for a new spontaneous experience in your life, Tilicho lake is the place for you!
Rara Lake
The largest and deepest lake of Nepal at an altitude of 2990 meters above sea level, Rara lake perfectly fits in between the dense green hills of Mugu and Jumla districts. Despite the difficult and complicated path that leads to this lake, it is still immensely admired by the visitors because of its miraculous natural beauty through its strange ability to change into seven different colours in the light of the day. The journey has to start with a flight from Nepalgunj to Mugu, from where you can either go on a long adventurous trek of nineteen days or choose to fly on a helicopter for a couple of hours. Either way, the breathtaking view of the Rara is worth the while.
Phewa Tal
As cliche as it may have become, Phewa Lake still remains, hands-down, the most favoured lake in almost every traveller’s itinerary and in every Nepali’s to-visit bucket list. Situated at the south of Pokhara city, Phewa lake finds its immense life-like beauty with the clear reflection of Mount Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri over the forests during the day time and the reflection of a thousand different golden lights of the most beautiful city of the country during the night. Also, In the heart of the Lake, Tal Barahi temple is situated. If you’re a non-trek kind of person and prefer an effortless vacation, Phewa Tal is the lake for you.
Paanch Pokhari
The most underrated yet absolutely beautiful lakes have to be Paanch Pokhari, situated at an altitude of 4100 meters in Langtang National park. As the name suggests, five different sized lakes are situated together between the midst rocky Himalayas a couple of kilometres above Sindhupalchowk. Either during the monsoon weather, when the lakes are surrounded with wet green grasses and smokey mists or during the winter when the edgy features of the rocky mountains are reflected, this place serves one of the wildest and exquisite beauties that definitely deserves more recognition. With rich religious importance and tourists preferences, now the trek to Paanch Pokhari is newly opened, starting from a bus ride from the capital to Chautara, from where an eight days long trek is needed to reach the beautiful destination.
