Those world travelers who are preparing to plunge into the world of mountain trekking in the Himalayas may not know one fact that Himalaya region is full of stunning lakes. Many travelers yearn to visit the Himalayan Lakes as a primary trip during their trip in the Himalayas and they feel their trips incomplete if they happen to miss the trip to Himalayan lakes. The below listed 8 turquoise mountain lakes forever attract the attention of the world travelers in the Himalayas.
1. Lake Rara
Rara Lake (3,060m) situated in Mugu district in the far western region of Nepal is the largest Himalayan lake of Nepal. It is also one of the highest lakes in the world, sitting in a valley surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain vistas. The region is so beautiful that it enthralls the nature lover in the Himalayas. The entire location of the lake is made up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Therefore, anyone who intends to go for trekking in the Himalayan region of Rara Lake he or she will gain ideal trekking experiences in the midst of mountain vistas, pristine lake and Himalayan flora and fauna.
2. Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake (784m), the second largest lake in Nepal, is located in the Pokhara Valley. It is the central attraction for the travelers in Pokhara. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image. Annapurna looms in the distance from the lake and the lake is famous for the reflection of Mount Machapuchare on its surface. The holy Varahi mandir is situated on an island in the lake.
3. Gosainkunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake (4,380m) is located in Rasuwa district and is one of the popular pilgrimages for Hindus. The alpine freshwater lake is on the way of a popular trekking route of Dhunche-Gosainkunda-Helambu trail. Gosainkunda trek adjoins the famous Langtang trek in the same district. There are 108 lakes in this area, small to medium in size. The Gosaikunda area has been described as a religious site. Hindu mythology attributes Gosaikunda as the abode of Hindu deities, Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Hindu scriptures Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, and the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata refer to Samudramanthan, which is directly related to the origin of Gosaikunda. Basically on the occasion of Janai Purnima festival thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area.
4. Shey Pokshundo Lake
At an altitude of 3,611.50 meters above the sea level SheyPhoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal. The alpine lake is located in the lower region of Dolpa which is the best known of the many isolated high Himalayan valleys across northern Nepal. The lake is considered sacred by the local ethnic tribe therefore swimming is prohibited. The exotic lake is one of the most scenic and beautiful natural tourist destinations in Nepal. Furthermore, the Dolpa region is has been captured beautifully on film by the renowned director Eric Valli in his movie “Caravan”. Thus, the travelers who desire to visit this region enjoy the traditional Tibetan culture; can see Buddhist monasteries, waterfalls, and rare Himalaya flora and fauna.
5. Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake (4,949m) is the highest lake in the world. It is in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Nepal. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus – “The Ramayan”. Those travelers, who are interested to visit in this lake side can also enjoy the taste of trekking in the Annapurna region in the company of the unrivaled views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, and Chulu West Peak.
6. Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes are the group of six lakes at the foothill of Everest Himalayan range. Those mountain lovers who are preparing for an adventure trek in the Everest region find their trip incomplete if they happen to miss the opportunity to visit these lake sites. Trekkers in the Khumbu region, passing through the landmarks of Everest region toward Everest Base Camp can encompasses these series of small turquoise mountain lakes.
7. Namtso Lake
The Namtso Lake (4,710m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, is the highest salt water lake in the world. The lake is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyechen Tangla mountain range (7,000 m) with pure clean water. The surface water on the lake reflects a beautiful image of blue sky. Thus, the local people named it Nam as in Tibetan language, Nam means “Sky”. There are 5 islands lying on the water, which is said that they are embodiments of gods. Every year, huge numbers of pilgrims visit turquoise blue water lakes to worship the Holy Spirit they represent.
8. Mansarovar Lake
Lake Manasarovar, situated approximately 30km away from Mt. Kailash, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The sacred lake is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. It is believed that bathing in the holy water of Manasarovar cleanses one’s sins. This huge lake with the mirror like image of snow capped mountains in its crystal clear waters is just fabulous. Mansarovar has exceptional beauty that varies from crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green color at the center. There are a few monasteries on the shore of the lake as well.
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