Nepal is ornamented by various ranges of Mountain. In the upper part of the Himalayas, we can find glaciers, Icefalls, Lakes, and many icy streams. We can experience many Mountain Lakes in the upper Himalayas of Nepal. Mountain Lakes is playing a very active role in promoting the tourism sector. There are many high altitude lakes in the world but the highest altitude lake in the world-Tilicho Lake is situated in Nepal. Not only the Mountains but Lakes have been also very handy to gain the popularity of Nepal throughout the world. So some of the famous Mountain Lakes of Nepal have been briefly described below:
Table of Contents
Rara Lake
Rara Lake is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Nepal. It is situated in the Jumla and Mugu Districts covering an area of 6.11 sq miles. Rara Lake is located at an elevation of 2990 meters and the area covered by the surface of the water is 10.8 km per square. The maximum depth of this lake is 167 m (548 ft) as well the length is 5.1 km and the width is 2.7 km. This peak has been famous among trekkers as well. Surrounded by the Rara National park trekking to this peak offers thrilling scenery and stunning views of Himalayan peaks. Trekking to this peak begins with the scenic flight to Jumla then after, the trail leads us through the beautiful villages to Rara Lake. The lake has religious significance as there is a temple named Thakur Baba’s Temple. There is the belief that the god Thakur shot the arrow and let the lake reduce the damage caused by floods. This lake is playing a vital role in the increment of the tourism sector in Nepal.
Gosainkunda Lake
Another famous mountain lake of Nepal is Gosainkunda Lake. Located in the Rasuwa District, the elevation of this lake is 4380 m with a size of 4.0 sq. mi. Lake melts and flows down to the famous river Trishuli River and during the month of October to June, it remains frozen. Known as one of the famous pilgrimage sites, this lake carries its own religious significance. There is the belief that Lord Shiva created this lake when we were poisoned in his throat. So to get rid of the poison he dug this lake to drink the water. During the time of Janai Purnima and Gangadashahara, numbers of pilgrims visit this lake. In terms of Trekking, this lake also carries an important role. Dhunche-Helambu trekking route and Langtang valley trek can be explored in the same district.
Tilicho Lake
The highest altitude lake in the world is known as Tilicho Lake, which is situated in the Manang district of Nepal. Lying at the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas, the lake carries an altitude of 4919 meters (16138 ft) with a max length of 4 km and a width of 1.2 km. The water surface area is approx. 4.8 km per square as the average depth is 85 m. No, an aquatic organism has been recorded in this Lake. As it lies in Annapurna Range, people who explore the Annapurna circuit can easily access this Lake. It may take 3-4 days of hiking to reach this lake. Lake is surrounded by panoramic peaks like Khangsar, Muktinath Peak, Nilgiri peak, and Tilicho Peak. People who explore the Annapurna circuit most explore this lake once.
Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo Lake is anotherfamous freshwater lake that lies in the Dolpa District of Nepal at an elevation of 3611.5 m. The area covered by the lake is 1.91 sq. mi along with a max length of 5.15 km and a width of 800 m. According to the Survey of 2004, the maximum depth of the lake is 145 m. You can also trek to this lake in order to enjoy the amazingly beautiful scenery. You can explore the number of stupas in the southern part of the lake whereas there is a Gompa in the eastern side. You can experience the unique culture of Buddhist people. One can explore Shey Phoksundo National Park along with the lake and its surrounding, which give chance to experience the flora and fauna around the Lake.
Gokyo Lake trek
Gokyo Lake is a mighty freshwater Lake of Nepal situated in the Solukhumbu District at an elevation of 4700-5000 meters. There are several tributaries of this lake facing each other in different directions. The main Lake called Dudh Pokhari lies in the eastern part covering an area of 106 acres whereas Thonak Cho Lake covers an area of 160.8 acres this lake is also the largest lake in the area. Similarly, Gyazumpa Cho covers 72 acres of land with the Tanjung Cho covering the area of 41.9 acres. Likewise, another Lake named Ngojumba Cho has an area of 35.6 acres. These Lakes have their own importance in terms of religion as well as the trekking sector. As we see the history then, in the month of August number of Pilgrims travel here to take a holy bath in Janai Purnima Festival. There is the belief that these places are the residing place of “Naag Devta”. And another fascinating highlight of this Lake is, that it is also a famous destination fortrekking in Nepal. According to the source annually about 7000 tourists visit here to explore Gokyo Lakes along with the Gokyo lake trek.
