Lakes & Hills

Phewa Lake

A freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley region of Nepal, it is the most visited spot in the country. It is kept in check by the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of man-made and natural freshwater lake.

The second largest lake in the country, it is extremely famous for the natural beauty, the Barahi Temple which is based on an island in the lake, and the mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre in its waters.

Gokyo Lakes

Situated in the shadow of world’s sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu, are some of the most amazing high-altitude lakes of Nepal, the Gokyo Lakes. Lying at an altitude of 4700-5000 meters above sea level, the Gokyo Lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system, and within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu region. Formed mostly from glacial seepage, the lakes are fed from the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The Gokyo Lake system comprises of numerous lakes, of which there are six prominent ones: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho (the largest), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngozumpa Cho, and Longbanga Cho. The main lake of the system is Gokyo Cho, also known as the Dudh Pokhari (milk lake). Collectively, the lakes discharge into the Dudh Koshi river system.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes of Nepal. Situated at 4919 meters, it is connected with one of the world’s classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit trek. It’s as if the lake blends with the bluish skies in distance, where the two meet. The high altitude surrounding lack vegetation, thus enhancing the magnificence of the lake.

Tilicho Lake, while technically not falling on the typical Annapurna Circuit trek, can be made a part of the trek. The trail to Tilicho is separated from the Manang Valley, leading westward, while the trek to the Thorang La (on the main ABC circuit) forks away to the north. Lake Tilicho falls inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and is the source of the river Marsyangdi. Also check out the Panoromic 360 view of Tilicho Lake during trekking.

Phoksundo Lake

Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake, lies in Dolpa district, far to the west of Kathmandu, which can be experience during the trek to dolpo region. The freshwater lake sits at an altitude of 3615 meters. Eric Valli's 1999 hit movie Himalaya/Caravan portrays an insightful life of people, culture and the Dolpo region as whole (and was the first Nepali movie to be nominated for a foreign film academy award).

The trek to Phoksundo Lake follows an amazing trail through pristine landscapes, beautiful forest, snowcapped mountains and magnificent views. The lake itself is aesthetically pleasing. The pristine blue waters of Phoksundo sit within an alpine semi-arid landscape with patches of pine forest. Part of the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Phoksundo Lake is a wetland with ecological importance, listed as a Ramsar site.

Gosaikund

Gosaikunda Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Nepal. At an altitude of 4380 meters in the district of Rasuwa, around 150 kilometers to the north of Kathmandu, the lake holds religious importance and is a pilgrimage site during Janai Purnima. Though the lake remains frozen for only a short time during winter, the name "Frozen Lake" is often used for Gosaikunda.

Enlisted as a Ramsar site, Gosaikunda is within the Langtang National Park, and can be added onto the Langtang Valley trek. It is an important wetland, and the region actually comprises over 108 lakes. A short trek of about an hour from Gosaikunda will take you to Suryakunda, Aama Kunda and other small lakes with views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. The trail continues from there to Helambu region.

Paanch Pokhari

The road least travelled by takes you to the beautiful lakes of Paanch Pokhari. This is an alpine lake system situated at 4100 meters, in the Langtang National Park. It is definitely one of the least visited places, but still offers majestic views and an amazing trek into the wilderness of Sindupalchowk.

Paanch Pokhari is also famous for its religious significance, the lake receives many visitors during the festival of Janai Purnima. But the rest of the year, the trails remain mostly undisturbed and the views of the Himalayas are also spectacular. Trekking to Paanch Pokhari requires camping trek.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot (2195m), another top hill station located 32 km east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Nepal. The spot is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya. While enjoying Kathmandu Tour, you can easily cover Nagarkot. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise.

Nagarkot has acquired fame as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley as well as an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. Besides, short treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature’s wonders.

Dharan

Dharan (349m), the popular hill station of the eastern part of Nepal, is a gateway to Makalu Base Camp Trek and the eastern hilly districts such as Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Terathum. The geographical location, climate, religious shrines, and places of religious and historical values make Dharan an important destination for national and international visitors. The hill station embraces cleanliness, openness, and friendly hill people.

Dharan is basically reputed for having over 25 Temples and holy sites like Pindeshwar temple, Dantakali temple, Pancha Kanyan temple, Buddha Subba temple etc., making it an important pilgrimage destination.

Daman

Daman (2,400m) is such a hill top station from where travelers can have a view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of Mount Everest. It is eighty kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the mountain highway known as Tribhuvan Highway and has a view tower fitted with a long range telescope.

The view tower at Daman offers the views of an amazingly large section of the Himalayan range stretching from Mt. Everst in the East to Mt. Dhaulagiri in the West. Enjoy hiking around the villages that offers an opportunity to connect with the local life.

Gorkha

Gorkha, a scenic hill town with great historical significance situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, offers a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. Beyond the mountain views, Gorkha Durbar primarily attracts the visitors. The historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township.

On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular. Gorakhnath Cave and Manakamana Temple are other religious landmarks of Gorkha. Besides, while being at the yard of Around Manaslu Trek you can also make various short trek from Gorkha. One can also walk a long day’s walk to Besishahar, which is the usual starting point for Annapurna and Manang treks.