Lakes

Lakes of Nepal.

There are number of lakes and tanks of glacial and tectonic origin in Nepal. Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo, Phewa etc., are majestic in extent and beauty. Rara Lake If you ever visit the Rara Lake, make sure that it is during the months of spring and autumn as the lake is at its best during these months. Located to the north west of Nepal, it is about 2980 meters long making it the largest lake in Nepal. It is also popular as the Mahendra Tal. If it is a magnificent view that you want to capture then Chuchemara Danda will be the best place from where you can capture the best of the lake. The easiest way to get here is via Jumla in the Karnali zone. The source of water for the lake is from the Karnali River of this region. The major attraction that draws people to this lake is the fact that it is the biggest lake in Nepal. The presence of the Rara national park in close vicinity is an added bonus. The national park is home to several rare and endangered species like Red Panda, Black Bear etc. It is a paradise even for the bird lovers as there are several migrating birds that visit the Wildlife preserve. There also exists very diverse vegetation that can be seen here. You will find several trekkers and also river rafters who enjoy the rapids that the river Karnali is very famous for. On the whole, Rara Lake can be best described as a nature lover’s delight. Fewa Lake (Fewatal) People of Nepal consider the Phewa Lake as the pride of Pokhara. Phewa, as mentioned is located in Pokhara and is the biggest lake in Pokhara. Very famous for the boating, it is the second largest lake in the whole of Nepal covering about 4.43 kms. The lake is very beautiful and reflects in its clear waters the hills of Kaskikot and Sarangot flanking it. You will also find the beauty of the snow clad mountains of Annapurna and Macchapuchre reflected in the waters. Another interesting attraction is the temple, Barahi Bhagwati, located in the center of the lake. The temple is dedicated to Varahi, an incarnation of Vishnu, the Hindu deity. It is a two storied structure in the typical pagoda style that Nepal is famous for. To the east of the banks of the lake are the souvenir shops and hotels that are very popular among the tourists. You will find all kinds of souvenirs, books and lodges that provide good accommodation, all in this one place called Baidam. Phewa Lake, also called the Fewa Lake, is rightly called the “Beauty of Pokhara”. Phoksundo Lake The deepest lake of Nepal is located in the lower Dopla area of Nepal. It is having a depth of 650 meters and is about 4 kms in length. The lake is considered very holy by the local people here. The Dolpo community has been residing on the banks of the lake from time immemorial. The very traditional Tibetans reside on the upper Dolpo region whereas in the lower Dolpo region one can see the existence of Buddhism and Bon-Po. One can see 20 or more Stupas that are on the southern side and a Gompa, which is to the east side where prayers take place. Hence, the lake is very holy for the locals especially the Buddists. Another major attraction of the lake is the crystal-clear aquamarine green colour of the waters. The view of the Himalayas just add to the beauty of the scenery. The lake’s southern end is the Ringmo village, which is on the nearly 40,000 year old dam. It was this very dam that caused the formation of the lake. Look further, and there are beautiful waterfalls that draw a huge amount of visitors to this site every year. Shey Phoksundo National Park can be cited as the next best reason to visit this lake. It covers the districts of Dolpa and the Mugu. This national park is considered as the largest with an area coverage of about 3555 sq kms. The park has several varieties of flora and fauna of national importance. It also protects several endangered animals like the musk deer and the snow leopards. Gosainkunda Lake We find the holy lake of Gosainkunda to the north Katmandu. This lake is also called Gosain Kunda and is a freshwater lake. The lake is considered holy especially among the Hindus. They believe that the rock seen in the lake is the remnant of a Shiva temple. The legend behind this is that this lake is considered to be the home of the Shiva and Gauri of the Hindu mythology. The great epics like the Mahabharath and the Ramayan speak of this lake as having originated from the churning of the ocean that was done by the gods and demons in order to get nectar, endowed with the power of immortality. The lake holds immense reverence especially during the festival of Janai Purnima when the devotees throng the place from all over Nepal and India. Another legend has it that Shiva was very thirsty after having drunk the poison puked by the great snake used for churning the ocean. He came here and with his trident dug the very spot where the lake exists and drank from it to quench his thirst. Hence, due to these several legends attached to the lake, it has been revered by one and all. The lake is located in the district of Rasuwa at a height of 4300 meters. The best and easy way to reach the location is by reaching Rasuwa. The lake remains frozen for about six months, and then it begins to melt to form the river Trishuli. The lake falls in the path of Dhunche- Gosaikunda trek path with a lot of trekkers. The simple life of the Sherpas who inhabit the place is another reason for the trekkers to choose this path. One need not mention the kind of scenery that will meet the eye. A little farther from this path, the trekkers will find the Langtang trek path. On the outskirts of the lake is the Langtang valley, which is another beautiful scenic spot. There is also the Langtang National park that is very popular among the people who trek in this path. The Lauribina pass, a very difficult pass to trek, can also be found on the outskirts. Tilicho Lake Tilicho Lake is considered as one among the highest lakes in the world. However, it is very less frequented due to the difficulty in reaching it. The Lake is at an altitude of about 4949 meters and the surroundings are very difficult to manage making it very inhospitable. The people who trek, especially people who prefer difficult and challenging treks, towards Annapurna Circuit sometimes choose to pass through the Tilicho Lake as an alternate route. It is very difficult and tedious, challenging all the experience of the trekkers. Hence, it is not very popular among tourists. There are several mid-land and low-land lakes in Nepal. However, the above mentioned are the most popular ones that a tourist or trekker should not miss. The scenic beauty of the valleys and mountains surrounding the lakes makes every effort worth the while.