Famous Lakes in Pokhara to visit in 2024

Pokhara or the City of Lakes is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers offering a picturesque destination with a mesmerizing blend of majestic mountains, lush landscapes, and serene bodies of water. Imagine yourself walking beside the pristine Phewa Lake in the city with a splendid Macchapuchre peak reflecting in the emerald lake. 

The vibrant city offers unparalleled adventure activities and an escape to tranquility for travelers seeking a thrill, adventure, or peace. Let’s delve into a journey through Pokhara’s breathtaking beauty and unique charm, each offering a unique experience and life-long memories. In this blog, we will explore the most
popular and must-visit lakes in Pokhara in 2024 along with some of the hidden gems that offer equally
eye-pleasing serenity and tranquility. Join us on this journey as we explore the magnificent lakes of
Pokhara that glisten as sapphires in the daylight.

Phewa Lake 

Phewa Lake, formerly called Baidam Tal is one of the most popular and the second-largest lake in Nepal attracting thousands of tourists each year. This lake is quite popular for its emerald green waters that mirror the iconic Annapurna range capturing its tranquil beauty. Another main highlight of Phewa Lake is Tal Barahi Temple which is located in the middle of the lake. The sacred temple is a symbol of the goddess Barahi which can be reached via boats. 

If you’re a first-timer, you will definitely enjoy Phewa Lake’s relaxing and peaceful vibe with its scenic landscape and mesmerizing mountains at the back. You can spend hours in the lake strolling, boating, swimming, or even fishing along the shore and soaking in nature. Travelers can witness a breathtaking view of the Annapurna range during sunrise and sunset from the lakeside.The lakeside area of Phewa Tal is one of the most famous place to visit in Pokhara among the local and international tourists. The ideal time to visit Phewa Lake is from March to May and September to November when the weather is clear and pleasant, offering the best conditions to fully enjoy its beauty. 

Begnas Lake 

Situated just 15km away from Pokhara, Begnas Lake is a less crowded haven for those seeking a quieter retreat away from everyday bustling city life. This lake is quite popular for its peaceful environment, serene retreat, and tranquility. Some of the key highlights of Begnas Lake are boating, fishing, swimming, and strolling around the shore. The lush greenery and dense forests encircling the lake offer a refreshing escape that soothes the soul.

Unlike Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake is quieter and less crowded providing a tranquil retreat perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Just like other lakes in Pokhara, here, you can go for a swim, fishing, and boat ride for as long as your heart desires. And if you want to soak in all nature’s magnificent beauty, you can simply stroll around the lake for a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in nature. The best times to visit Begnas Lake are the Spring and Autumn seasons when the weather is clear and the water is somewhat warm for a quick dip.

Rupa Lake 

The third largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, Rupa Lake is an ideal haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Rupa Lake is renowned for its clear waters that sparkle like a sapphire on a clear sunny day reflecting the blue sky and its surrounding lush forests. Besides the lake itself, another key highlight of this place is the picturesque terraced fields that surround the lake and provide a breathtaking backdrop.

The lake is less crowded, is a hotspot for biodiversity, and is home to dozens of wildfires like birds, animals, fish, and plants. If you’re lucky enough, here you can spot a rare species of birds in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy a tranquil boat ride around the serene waters of Rupa Lake and even a refreshing picnicking at a perfect sport on the shores. The best times to visit Rupa Lake are the Spring season from March to May and the Autumn season from September to November. During these times, the weather is exceptionally clear with pleasant days enhancing the overall experience and allowing you to fully enjoy the moment and take in the beauty.

Gude Lake

Gude Lake is a picturesque lake in the Pokhara region which falls in the list of lesser-known hidden gems. This beauty got its name from the high presence of a hydrophyte called Gude in Nepali. This hidden gem is nestled amidst lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes offering a perfect retreat and peace from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its calming atmosphere and peaceful environment make it an ideal spot for relaxation, rejuvenation, and meditation. 

You can soak in the natural beauty of this place by relaxing by the lake, listening to the sounds of birds and nature for peace of mind and unwinding. Besides this, you can even hike around the lake on multiple trails offering stunning views and a little bit of an adventure. Just like any other popular lake, the perfect time to visit this place is between March to May during spring and September to November during autumn when the weather is nice and clear with ample opportunities to enjoy the lake’s serenity and beauty.

Dipang Lake 

Dipang Lake is one of the smaller lakes in the Pokhara and Kaski region which is home to a number of aquatic plants and fishes. This hidden gem is also known as the “Honeymoon Lake” offering a unique and secluded yet tranquil experience for visitors. This beauty is less crowded making it perfect for someone looking to escape the crowds and soak in nature’s untouched beauty as much as possible. The lush green forests circling the lake offer a serene atmosphere and a rustic charm making it ideal for relaxation.

You can boat around the calm waters or even go for a quick dip amidst the serene environment making it a perfect activity for relaxation. Dipang Lake is also a top choice for picnicking along the lakeside with the picturesque view. Also, you can go for a short hike and discover the untouched biodiversity in the nearby areas around the lake. This place is off-limits during monsoon and the best times to visit are during Spring and Autumn when the weather is calm, clear, and sunny making it ideal for an outdoor adventure.

Khaste Lake 

Khaste Lake is a sanctuary and haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. This Lake is also referred to as the “Bird Wetland” for its diverse bird population and scenic natural beauty. This place is home to multiple species of birds, from local to migratory birds, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The scenic natural beauty with an abundance of avian life makes Khaste Lake one of the ideal spots for bird photography in their natural habitat. You can enjoy this spectacular scenery with your binoculars as well. 

Besides bird watching, you can capture the scenic landscape, biodiversity, and wildlife that the lake offers. This hidden beauty is also a perfect spot for a cute picnic date with friends and family amidst the peace and calming energy of mother nature. To experience the lake’s full potential, visitors are advised to go during the Spring from March to May and Autumn from September to November when the weather is calm and pleasant with clear skies and sunny days. 

End Note,

Pokhara, the Jewel of Himalaya, or the City of Lakes is a paradise for travel enthusiasts, nature lovers, and explorers seeking adventure, peace, rejuvenation, and thrill. Popular lakes like Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake welcome thousands of tourists each year while hidden gems like Gude Lake, Dipang Lake, and Khaste Lake offer a secluded experience, rich biodiversity, and scenic beauty. 

After a day of exploring the beautiful lakes in the vibrant city of Pokhara, book a stay in one of the best resorts in the area, Dorje’s Resort and Spa. Cuddled amidst lush greenery and the lakeside, Dorje’s resort offers a peaceful environment with stunning views perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. At Dorje’s resort, you can soak up stunning views of Phewa Lake and the city and enjoy comfortable rooms, delicious foods made from locally sourced ingredients, a relaxing spa treatment, and a refreshing swim. 

The resort offers a range of amenities, including a tranquil garden, a cozy lounge area, and easy access to the lakeside designed to enhance your relaxing stay. With Dorje’s Resort and Spa, you can experience the essence of calm and comfort making your stay as memorable as your trip will be. Book your stay at Dorje’s Resort and Spa now to experience the ultimate hospitality with a warm and cozy ambiance and exceptional facilities.