6 Must Do Himalayan Lake Treks In Nepal

Nepal is a wonderland when it comes to the most fascinating trekking, hiking, and other adventurous sports. Nestled in the Himalayas, this nation is the home of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), seven other of the 8,000 class mountains (there are only 14 of these across the globe), and breathtaking pristine freshwater lakes.

So undoubtedly, this beautiful nation is the top choice when it comes to epic Himalayan trekking adventures. Besides the mainstream base camp and circuit trekking adventures, you can also enjoy the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal. Distinct from the regular trekking adventures, the Himalayan lake treks in Nepal take you to some of the highest glacial lakes in the world, which are the ultimate definition of peace and serenity.

As you might know, Nepal is a spiritual and religious country that holds the secrets to connecting with the universe; the Himalayan region, especially, is considered the purest form of the country’s spiritual ambiance. Thus, while doing any of the following best Himalayan lake treks Nepal, you will be able to experience the cultural and spiritual aspects of the country under a tranquil atmosphere. However, even though the Himalayan lake treks in Nepal may seem to have more emphasis on sacredness, religious significance, and spirituality, it doesn’t mean that this iconic mountain journey lags behind on other factors.

Like any other mainstream trekking adventure in the country, the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal also offer similar levels of thrills, excitement, and value. To explore the pristine Himalayan lakes,  you will traverse the diverse landscapes of the country, from the bright rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, lush hills, peaceful meadows, and even moraines of the glacier.

Similarly, the cultural experience on these trails is also quite immense, as teahouse trekking is a popular and beloved trend in Nepal. You will also have the opportunity to experience the cultural diversity, traditions, norms, lifestyle, and hospitality of the vibrant Himalayan settlements along the way. Here, we have created a list of the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal, if you are looking for a fully immersive and memorable journey to the most popular trekking destination in the world.

Gokyo Lake Treks

Gokyo Lakes Trek is the second most popular trekking adventure in the mainstream Everest region. Distance from the mainstream route of the Everest Base Camp Trek, this exciting Himalayan journey, which is considered one of the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal takes you to the isolated parts of the Gokyo Valley to the highest freshwater lake system in the world.

There are six major lakes in this lake system: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Gyazumpa Cho, Phonak Cho, Ngojumh Cho, and Tanjung Cho. These lakes rise from an altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters; Gokyo Lakes are also considered to be sacred among both Hindus and Buddhists. Thus, during your trek, you can expect a mesmerizing spiritual ambiance.

Starting your journey from Lukla, you will gradually follow the ascending route of the mainstream EBC trail and push all the way to Namche Bazaar. From Namche, the trail goes through the isolated part of the Everest region across Dole and Machhermo to reach Gokyo Lakes.

The journey doesn’t end with just exploration of the sparkling Gokyo Lakes; you will also hike to Gokyo Ri, a popular viewpoint in the valley, to catch the mesmerizing views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other surrounding peaks. So, Gokyo Lakes Trek is a rewarding journey that takes you across the beautiful Sherpa settlements, both mainstream and wilderness-strewn territories, with rewarding views of the Himalayan peaks.

Tilicho Lake Treks

Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in Nepal at an altitude of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet), is the crown jewel of the Annapurna region.This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the most iconic lake in the world that reflects the magnificence of the sparkling peaks. This lake also has great cultural significance and is believed to be the ancient lake of Kak Bhusundi, mentioned in the Ramayana. This lake attracts thousands of devotees of both Buddhist and Hindu religions across the world every year. As this exploration takes to the second most popular mainstream trekking destination, the experience is simply outstanding.

Tilicho Lake is inside the Manang district, one of the most popular regions of Annapurna, and one of the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal, and right beneath the Tilicho Peak (7,134 meters). During the trek, you will explore the charming Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Tamang, Chhetri, and Brahmin settlements.

Similarly, the views of the iconic central Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Chulu, Tilicho, and Lamjung Himal will make the everyday trek a magical experience. This exciting trek starts after a drive from Kathmandu to Chame, and you will slowly follow the mainstream route in the region across Pisang, Manang, and Siri Kharka to reach Tilicho Lake.The Annapurna Circuit Trek, including Tilicho Lake, is highly popular among adventure travelers.

Gosaikunda Lake Treks

Gosaikunda Lake Trek is another of the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal that has a great religious significance. During festivals like Janai Purnima and Gangadashahara, this lake is visited by thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims across the world.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created this lake with his trident to quench his thirst after swallowing poison that could have wiped out the world. Thats why this trekking adventure is quite popular among the Himalayan lake treks in Nepal. There are two ways to explore this sacred lake in the Himalayas; you can either do just the 5 Days Gosaikunda Trek, or you can mix up the adventure with Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek.

Langtang Valley is the third most popular trekking region of Nepal, and it is known for its remarkable cultural experience as the trails pass through Tamang, Yolmo, and Bhotia settlements influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. This trekking region also doesn’t lag behind when it comes to incredible Himalayan vistas; the mesmerizing peaks of Langtang Lirung, Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, and others will accompany your trekking trails.

The standard Gosaikunda Lake Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, and you will slowly move along the winding trail across Chandanbari to reach Gosaikunda. This journey will also include the hike to Lauribina Pass to enjoy the hypnotizing views of the Himalayas and surrounding valleys.

Phoksundo Lake

If you are looking for the best Himalayan lake treks Nepal, you might have certainly stumbled on the classical Phoksundo Lake Trek. Also known as Dolpo Shey Phoksundo, this famous Himalayan lake in Nepal is famous for its stunning turquoise color and the spectacular scenery around it.

Located in the Dolpo region, one of the isolated and restricted trekking regions in the western part of the country, this trekking journey ensures a serene and immersing adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the mainstream crowds. You can either do just the Phoksundo Lake Trek, or you can enjoy an extensive journey including the 24 Days Upper Dolpo Trek for an extensive experience.

Traversing across the Shey Phoksundo National Park, you will also explore the raw wilderness of the Himalayas untouched by modernization. This journey will also introduce you to some of the ancient and traditional settlements in the region, and the trekking trail will offer rewarding views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Kanjiroba, and other surrounding peaks. If you are just doing the Phoksundo Lake Trek, you will start your adventure with the Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight. Slowly, trekking across the traditional settlements of Juphal, Dunai, Chhekpa, and Ringmo Village you will reach the Phoksundo Lake.

Kyanjin- Sara Lake

Kyanjin- Sara Lake trek is another popular highlight of the Langtang Valley. Know for its enchanting landscapes, iconic mountain views, and immersive cultural trails, this trekking trail is one of the complete and best Himalayan lake treks Nepal. This fascinating journey will introduce you to the mainstream trails of the Lantang Valley Trek as you slowly head toward the iconic viewpoint of the valley.

This Himalayan lake trek adventure in the Langtang Valley takes you on the serene trail of the Langtang Valley as you head toward the glacial lake. Kyanjin- Sara Lake Trek is a unique blend of cultural and natural exploration that takes you alongside the Tamang heritage trails and takes you to the highest point of the valley.

You can do this Himalayan lake treks in Nepal with two options, you can either directly follow the trails of the Kyanjin Ri to explore the glacial lake. Or, you can do an extensive journey that takes you along the trails of the mainstream Langtang region and slowly climbs toward the Kyanjin- Sara Lake.

Panch Pokhari Lake

Panch Pokhari Lake Trek, among other mainstream and best Himalayan lake treks in Nepal is an unforgettable journey that takes you to one of the main highlights of the Langtang region. This Panch Pokhari (Five Lakes) exploration takes you across the popular Sindhupalchowk district of the central Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of over 4,100 meters, this Himalayan lake also has great cultural significance in the Hindu and Buddhist communities.

If you are looking for a quick retreat from the modern lifestyle to reconnect with nature, our 11 Days Panch Pokhari Trek is an ideal option for you. This completed Himalayan journey takes you across a diverse landscape of the country, from verdant forests and alpine meadows to the glacial lake at the foothill of the Himalayas.

The trekking trail in this Himalayan lake trek in Nepal, which is close to the capital valley, takes you on an exploration across the traditional Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin, and Gurung settlements. Despite being the closest Himalayan trekking destination from Kathmandu, the mountain vistas in this journey are simply epic.

On this Adventure, You will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of Gauri Shankar, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Madiya, Langtang Himal, and other surrounding peaks are just breathtaking. You will start the trekking part from Chautara and move along the traditional settlements of Phurse, Kami Kharka, Pauwa Bas, Hille Bhanjyang, and Nasim Pati to reach Panch Pokhari.