Top Lake Treks in Nepal

lake treks in nepal

What drives adventures to journey through the lands of Nepal? Well, there are many reasons to do so. However, the pristine Himalayan landscapes and natural beauty drive the most to Nepal. That being said, exploring the top lake treks in Nepal can be the ideal choice. 

Trekking to the lakes in Nepal lets you discover the charm and peacefulness of high-altitude lakes. Adding to that witnessing a clear crystal lake with majestic mountains in the backdrop is mind-blowing. 

On the other hand, the lake treks in Nepal ensure an exploration of remote and off-beaten tracks that are lively and culturally diverse. The various flora and fauna, glaciers, high valleys, waterfalls, and more showcase the beauty of trekking to the lake regions of Nepal. 

Here, we’ll go through the top lake treks in Nepal that are sure to allure all the adventure enthusiasts around the world. 

Gokyo Lake Trek

Soaking in the pristine beauty of a turquoise blue lake with the majestic giants in the backdrop, Gokyo Lake Trek is truly among the best lake treks in Nepal. 

The trek to the Gokyo Lake is situated in the Everest Region (Khumbu region) of Nepal and begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Though the trek lies in the Everest region, trekkers can follow the less crowded trails, unlike the popular Everest Base Camp Trek

This trek usually takes around 10-12 days to accomplish. As the journey initiates from Lukla, you’ll come across several settlements afterward such as Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machhermo, which eventually leads to the Gokyo Valley. 

When reaching the Gokyo Valley, you’ll encounter several Himalayan giants like Everest (8,848 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and many others. This panoramic view is an amazing sight sight to behold. 

Besides the majestic mountains, the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and Gokyo Ri are also the major attractions of the trek. 

The Gokyo Lake Trek has a significant altitude gain taking you to the altitude of 5,483 meters at Gokyo Ri. Once you reach above 2,500 meters, you’re likely to suffer from altitude sickness. 

That is why, proper acclimatization is a must during the trek. That being said, this doesn’t mean just sitting idle to acclimate. During the acclimatization period, trekkers need to hike to higher elevations and sleep at the lower region ultimately. 

Consequently, the journey to Gokyo Lake can be accomplished while enjoying the breathtaking scenery at every trail. 

Key Facts

FactDetails
LocationEverest Region of Nepal
Highest AltitudeGokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft)
Duration10-12 days
Best SeasonSpring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Major AttractionsGokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri viewpoint, Ngozumpa Glacier, Everest views
Difficulty LevelStrenuous (due to high altitude)
AccommodationTea houses and basic lodges
Starting PointLukla (after a flight from Kathmandu)
Ending PointLukla
Permits RequiredSagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

If you are looking for an untouched trail to explore, Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is the best option to discover the pristine beauty of nature.

Taking you to the unexplored Dolpo region of Nepal, this far-west trek starts with the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj followed by Juphal. Then the trekking journey starts from Juphal leading to Dunai. 

As the trek advances, the trail passes through diverse landscapes along with high river valleys and alpine pasturelands in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. 

On the way to Phoksundo Lake, charming villages like Chhepka, Jharana, and Ringmo enchant you with their warm hospitality and tradition. And thus you arrive at the final destination, the mystical lake situated in the Lower Dolpo Valley which reflects the magnificent Kanjirowa massif. 

This amazing lake trek in Nepal lets you explore medieval settlements, Dhaulagiri ranges, Buddhist monasteries, glaciers, and many more. Inhabited by the followers of the Bon-Po religion, the journey proves to be the fusion of natural beauty and cultural discovery. 

Since the trail along Phoksundu Lake is untouched by modernization, remoteness and isolation are the main part of the journey. Due to this, you must find comfort in the basic facilities. From lodges to meals, the options are very limited. 

Nevertheless, the lasting memories you capture along the trek are worthwhile.

Key Facts

FactDetails
LocationDolpa District, Western Nepal
Highest AltitudeShey Phoksundo Lake (3,660 m / 12,007 ft)
Duration12-14 days
Best SeasonSpring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Major AttractionsShey Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, Dolpo region
Difficulty LevelEasy to Moderate
AccommodationTea houses and basic lodges
Starting PointJuphal or Dunai
Ending PointJuphal or Dunai
Permits RequiredShey Phoksundo National Park Permit, Restricted Area Permit

Rara Lake Trek

Have you ever wondered about trekking to the biggest lake in Nepal? If yes then the Rara Lake Trek is what you are looking for. This trek offers the most scenic and pristine beauty of a fresh water lake while enjoying the off-beaten-track. 

Taking place in Rara National Park, the trekking route is isolated from the modern infrastructure situated in the Karnali region. The journey begins with a flight leading northwest of Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. 

Since the Rara Lake Trek takes you to one of the best national parks in the world, you are likely to encounter diverse flora and fauna such as Red Panda, Wild Boar, Musk Deer, Danphe, Juniper and Pine forest, and more. 

Moreover, the extraordinary view of serene Rara Lake surrounded by majestic mountains is truly captivating. Similarly, the unique culture enriched by diverse ethnic groups lets you discover cultural diversity. 

So, the trek to Rara Lake is a journey of exploration adorned by the beauty of the northwestern Trans-Himalayan terrace of Nepal.

Key Facts

FactDetails
LocationMugu and Jumla Districts, Western Nepal
Highest AltitudeRara Lake (2,990 m / 9,810 ft)
Total DistanceApproximately 40 km (25 miles)
Duration6-8 days
Best SeasonSpring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November)
Major AttractionsRara Lake, alpine meadows, diverse flora and fauna
Difficulty LevelModerate
AccommodationTea houses and basic lodges
Starting PointJumla
Ending PointJumla
Permits RequiredRara National Park Permit

Tilicho Lake Trek

Prepare to be amazed to travel to the world’s highest glacial lake, Tilicho Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters. The trek to Tilicho Lake is often combined with the Annapurna Circuit Trek offering the best experience ever. 

The Tilicho Lake Trek is the jewel of the Annapurna region which begins with a drive to Chame from Kathmandu. The adventure takes you through the lovely villages of Upper Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, and others. As you head for the lake, you’ll come across Tilicho Base Camp as well. 

Trekkers can explore from the culture of the lowland to the highland along with differing lifestyles. Furthermore, the stunning views of the mountain giants like Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Lamjung Himal, and more are exceptional. 

The trek to the lake is quite difficult due to the terrain and high elevation. Since you’ll be trekking above 3,000 meters, you’re vulnerable to altitude sickness. However proper acclimatization and gradual ascend can help you in preventing the sickness. 

Key Facts

FactDetails
LocationAnnapurna Region, Western Nepal
Highest AltitudeTilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft)
Duration8-10 days
Best SeasonSpring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Major AttractionsTilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Annapurna views
Difficulty LevelModerate to Difficult
AccommodationTea houses and basic lodges
Starting PointBeshi Sahar or Chame
Ending PointBeshi Sahar or Chame
Permits RequiredAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit

Final Say

To sum up, the top lake treks in Nepal are sure to astound each and every traveler around the world. The exceptional natural beauty, cultural experience, and physical challenges are sure to add adventure through and through. 

With the list of lakes mentioned above, you can choose any of these and plan your own adventure based on your preference. However, be sure to make essential arrangements like securing permits, hiring guides, and whatnot. 

For hassle-free arrangements, you can contact High Route Adventure and experience the adventure at its fullest. We ensure your safety and arrange all the necessary processes needed for accomplishing a trek in Nepal. 

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