The sacred lakes of Nepal hold immense spiritual significance. Additionally, religious myths, legends, and rituals are often associated with them. Many lakes in Nepal are mentioned as holy sites in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Many hermits, priests, founders, and peace seekers have traveled to these lakes for meditation and profound spiritual experience. Consequently, in this blog post, we will learn about the sacred lakes of Nepal, the story behind the religious enigma, and the trail to those heavenly lakes.

1. Embark on a spiritual journey to the Sacred Lakes of Nepal. It is not just a spiritual act but, in
addition, an opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes with the cultural and religious
tapestry of the region. The tranquil ambiance, combined with the jaw-dropping views of the
Himalayas, the spiritual journey to the sacred lakes of Nepal is a transformative experience for
those seeking a deep connection with the divine and nature. Furthermore, Nepal is blessed with
natural beauty in abundance. Nepal is home to eight out of the ten highest mountains around the
globe. The globe's highest peak, Mt. Everest, stands tall in the territories of Nepal. With diverse
terrain that ranges from the lowlands of Terai to high altitudinal regions of mountains, Nepal is a
country of spectacle and opportunities. Amongst the spectacles of this beautiful Nepal is Sacre
Lakes.
The sacred lakes of Nepal hold an immense spiritual significance!
The sacred lakes of Nepal hold immense spiritual significance. Additionally, religious myths,
legends, and rituals are often associated with them. Many lakes in Nepal are mentioned as holy
sites in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Many hermits, priests, founders, and peace seekers have
traveled to these lakes for meditation and profound spiritual experience. Consequently, in this
blog post, we will learn about the sacred lakes of Nepal, the story behind the religious enigma,
and the trail to those heavenly lakes.
1. Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake is one of the sacred lakes that lies in the Langtang National Park of Nepal (at
an altitude of 4380 meters above sea level). Lake is situated in a picturesque setup, surrounded
by stunning snowcapped mountains. That includes Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal ranges.
Gosaikunda Lake holds immense religious significance, particularly in Hinduism.
Religious myth and importance of Gosaikunda Lake
The religious importance of Gosaikunda Lake is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The story of
Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and its association with the Hindu Deity Lord Shiva
adds layers' of religious significance to this lake. Moreover, Gosaikunda Lake has been mention
in Hindu epics like Bhagwat Puran, Vishnu Puran, Ramanyan, and Mahabharat. Furthermore,
Samudra Mathan, in those Hindu epics, has been explained as a cosmic event of extracting the
elixir of immortality (Amrit) by churning of the ocean. In addition, during the process, poison
formed that could destroy the entire world. To save the world from the venom, Lord Shiva
swallowed the venom. Consequently, the venom was burning his throat, and he threw his trident
into the mountain to quench his thirst and pain from the mountain water. As a result, Gosaikunda
Lake formed from the same water from the mountain.
The lake attracts a large number of pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival. It is believed that
a bath in the holy water of Gosaikunda cleanses the sins and brings spiritual merit.

2. Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Gosaikunda Lake Trek is a rejuvenating trek that takes you deep into the Langtang region to
applaud the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes with its diverse flora, faunas, and local culture.
The trek is more than just a pilgrimage journey that takes you to a serene lake in the backdrop of
the majestic Himalayas. It starts from Syabrubesi in the Langtang region and goes along the
Langtang National Park to Gosaikunda Lake via Langtang Valley. Furthermore, the trail
traverses through forests, terraced farmlands, local villages, and high-altitude landscapes. The
trek is an opportunity to explore the unique culture of residents whose religious values and
lifestyles are similar to the Tibetan people. In adition, there are plenty of teahouses and lodges
along the way to cater to the food and accommodation needs of the trekkers and pilgrims.
2. Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is a picturesque lake known for its natural beauty. Additionally, its stunning
location and alluring landscape serve as a place of self-reflection and meditation. The Sacred
Lakes of Nepal include you as a wonder. Located in the Manang district of the Annapurna region,
at an altitude of 4949 meters, Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Often visited
by trekkers and pilgrims, Tilicho Lake Trek is itself a unique trek or a part of an itinerary that
can included in other trekking journeys to the Annapurna region like Annapurna Circuit Trek, etc.
The pristine lake in the majestic backdrop of beautiful Himalayas, no wonder Tilicho Lake is a
serene location to foster a meaningful connection with the divine.
Religious myth and importance of Tilicho Lake
Locals believe that ancient Hindu ''Sage Mrikula'' meditated in the vicinity of the Tilicho Lake,
which adds to the spiritual dimension of the lake and the area.
Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to
one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake, at an elevation of 4919 meters above sea
level. Moreover, the trek starts from Besisahar. which is also the starting point of the Annapurna
Circuit Trek. Furthermore, the trek diverges from the main circuit route towards the Tilicho Lake.
It is a pristine lake located in a breathtaking location, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The serene water of lake mirrors the mountains. The trek offers spectacular views of mountains
in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We have to plan around 10 to 14 days for the Tilicho
Lake Trek. It involves ascending to high-altitude regions hence, contains a risk of altitude
sickness. Finally, proper acclimatization is the key factor to the successful completion of this trek.
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3. Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes are a set of glacial lakes located in Gokyo Valley in the Sagarmatha National Park
of the Everest region of Nepal. The majestic mountains of the Everest region provide an
astounding back drop for the lakes. Imagine the sky dominating snowcapped mountains and blue

3. emerald-colored lakes embedded in the glacial mountain Valley! If heaven wasn’t a myth,
Gokyo Valley would surely be the heaven on earth. The main lakes in the Gokyo valley are
Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, and Gyanzumpa Cho. Additionally, Gokyo Ri is a nearby location that
serves as a viewpoint for the most outstanding views of Gokyo Lake. Many majestic mountains,
including Mt. Everest, surround the Gokyo Valley.
Religious myth and importance of Gokyo Lake
Gokyo Lake is a holy lake for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. In August, especially during
Janai Purnima, we can see the huge presence of Hindu pilgrims. Furthermore, it's believed that
Nag Devata(Snake God) resides in the lake. The majority of tourists who visit the Everest region
also visit this lake to relish its astounding beauty and picturesque location. The colorful prayer
flags, chortens, stupas, etc. add to the presence of Buddhism religion, which is prevalent in the
Everest region. Not only that, there is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the western
corner of the lake.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lakes Trek is a rewarding experience and a mélange of natural beauty and cultural
exploration. It is a 12-14 day journey. It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trek
takes you to the heart of the Himalayas, Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. The trek
follows a classic route that passes traditional Sherpa villages, dense alpine forests, and high-
altitude landscapes. Ascend to Gokyo Ri is a memorable part of this journey that offers some
mesmerizing views of mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho-oyu,
along with the serene views of Gokyo lakes.
4. Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal, situated in the Mugu district, in the remote northwestern
region of Nepal. Located inside the Rara National Park at an elevation of 2990 meters, Rara Lake
is a serene and virgin lake that offers an opportunity to experience the magnificent beauty of the
Himalayas in a less frequented setup. Moreover, the area around the lake is a part of Rara
National Park which is a home to variety of unique floras, faunas, birds, and animals.
Religious myth and importance of Rara Lake
The locals residing around the Rara lake are dependent on agriculture for livelihood. They are
also engaged in raising animals and harvesting medical herb for sale. The Thakur community
mostly inhabits this area. In the southeast corner of the lake lies a temple. It's renowned as
Thakur Baba Temple. It is believed that God Thakur shot an arrow to open the passage of the
lake to reduce the damage caused by flooding.
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek is a remote trekking experience to some wild and untouched sections of
northwestern Nepal. It takes around 10 to 14 days to complete this trek. The major attractions of

4. Rara Lake Trek are Rara Lake, Rara National Park, Chuchemara Peak, off-beaten trail, local
people, and their unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
5. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Firstly, Shey Phoksundo Lake is an alpine Lake located in the Dolpo region of Nepal. At an
elevation of 3611 meters above sea level. Furthermore, it is the deepest lake in Nepal, with a
cascading waterfall near the lake that adds to the beauty of this lake. Situated within the
periphery of Shey Phoksundo National Park, a visit to this lake is an opportunity to dive into the
wilderness of varieties of unique floras and faunas. The crystal clear water of the Shey
Phoksundo Lake reflects the views of surrounding mountain peaks, which is a breathtaking sight
to soothe your eye with.
Religious myth and importance of Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo Lake doesn’t have a specific religious myth; however, the lake holds an
important religious and cultural significance. The Dolpo region houses the Shey Phoksundo lake.
It has a strong Buddhist influence. Here are more than 20 stupas and one gompa around the
nearby area of the lake. We carry out annual prayers and worship. People in this region practice
traditional Tibetan culture. Furthermore, Bon religion, the unique religion of its kind is prevalent
in the Dolpo region. In the festive season and other special occasions, we can find pilgrims
visiting this sacred lake.
Phoksundo Lake Trek
Phoksundo Lake Trek is an opportunity to explore the less-explored sections of Nepal with
distinct cultural values and breathtaking landscapes. In the period of 9 to 12 days, you will
explore the serenity of Shey Phoksundo Lake and the rich biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo
National Park in the backdrop of the beautiful Himalayas. Moreover, the beautiful forests, cliffs,
and remote villages, Phoksundo Lake Trek has so much to offer. This lively journey that you
through picturesque landscapes to admire the excellence of sacred lakes, waterfalls, traditional
villages, Tibetan culture, and the unique Bon religion.
6. Panchpokhari Lake
Panchpokhari Lake refers to five ponds. Five alpine Lakes, placed in a beautiful setting, have an
elevation of 4100 meters above sea level. The serene lakes in the backdrop of beautiful
Himalayas make this place even more special. Likewise, the untouched beauty of landscapes
adds to the authenticity of this trek. However, though less traveled, the route receives the
maximum number of visitors during Janai Purnima. It owns to the religious and cultural
significance of this lake.

5. Religious myth and importance of Panchpokhari Lake
Panchpokhari, a group of five sacred alpine lakes is a holy destination for Hindu pilgrims.
Furthermore, hindu pilgrims crowd the lake during Janai Purnima festival, which falls in August
of each year. Devotees beleive that taking a holy dip in the lakes will cleanse their sins and
bring good fortune ( the pilgrims are performing this action). In addition, the lake isn't just
popular for Hindus but for Buddhist pilgrims as well. Additionally, one can see the influence of
Buddhism in that area. The colorful prayer flags, chortens, and other religious aspects symbolize
the influence of Buddhist culture.
Panchpokhari Trek
Panchpokhari Trek is a popular trek. It has gained a lot of attention lately. Located in the
Sindhupalchowk district of the Langtang region, the trek takes around 9 to 12 days, depending
upon your starting point. The trekking route is a newly opened trail. Furthermore, it's full of lush
hills, greenery, traditional Nepali villages, and stunning mountains on sight. The trek takes you
to Panchpokhari, which comprises five beautiful alpine lakes, and an elevation of 4100 meters in
the backdrop of beautiful Ganesh Himal ranges.
7. Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is a major attraction of Pokhara city. Pokhara is a tourist hub of Nepal that offers a
variety of options for trekkers, travelers, and adventure lovers. Trek to the Annapurna Base camp
consider this a gateway. Upon arrival, as soon as your plane reaches the city. You can witness
the beauty of Phewa Lake from your windows. Phewa Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake with a
temple over the lake that seems like a small island. The combination of the lake, surrounding
hills, greenery, mountains, and various recreational activities around the periphery makes Phewa
Lake a center for domestic and international tourists.
Religious myth and importance of Phewa Lake
In the southeast section of the Phewa Lake, between the lake, water lies a beautiful two storey
pagoda style temple dedicated to goddess Barahi, which is renowned as Tal Barahi temple or
Barahi temple. Goddess Barahi, portrayed with the face of boar is considered a manifestation of
Hindu goddess Varahi. Goddess Varahi symbolizes power and protection. Consequently, the
temple is a popular pilgrimage site for locals and tourists. Moreover, a boat will take you to the
temple and bring you back to the lakeside. The temple used to be very congested during festivals
and special occasions.
Pokhara Day Tour
Pokhara Day Tour comprises a variety of attractions and activities in the beautiful city of
Pokhara. First, it starts with a short tour to the lakeside and a visit to the Tal Barahi temple
between the lakes. The visitors should take a boat ride to the temple. After that, we follow a visit
to Phewa Lake with trips to Gupteswor temple. Then David Falls, The International
Mountaineering Museum, among other places.

6. The above-mentioned are some of the renowned sacred lakes of Nepal. Furthermore, a journey to
these lakes is not just a spiritual act. And have an opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and
various aspects of Nepal. So, if you are willing to explore these sacred lakes of Nepal, make sure
you remember Nepal Intrepid Treks, your reliable travel companion in Nepal.