Phewa Lake

Description

Phewa Tal, also known as Phewa Lake, stands as a captivating centerpiece in Pokhara, Nepal, drawing travelers from far and wide to its tranquil shores. As the second largest lake in Nepal, it offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities.

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Pokhara, Phewa Lake serves as a haven for both locals and tourists alike. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the majestic peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for leisurely boat rides and lakeside strolls. The lush Rani Ban, or Queen’s Forest, blankets the steep southwestern shore, adding a vibrant emerald hue to the scenery and providing a habitat for diverse birdlife.

Formerly known as Baidam Tal, Phewa Lake boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with the iconic Tal Barahi Temple resting on a small island within its waters. This Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Barahi, adds a spiritual dimension to the lake and attracts pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings.

The lake’s serene ambiance and breathtaking vistas make it a popular destination for various activities. Visitors can rent colorful doongas (boats) and leisurely explore the lake’s expanse, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests. Additionally, lakeside trails offer opportunities for walking, cycling, and picnicking, with the trek to the World Peace Pagoda offering panoramic views of the lake and beyond.

Phewa Lake is not just a scenic attraction; it’s a dynamic hub of recreation and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options along Lakeside, Pokhara’s bustling tourist hub adjacent to the lake. Cultural events, such as dances performed by local monks at sunset, add to the enchantment of the lake’s atmosphere.

For those seeking relaxation and adventure amidst nature’s splendor, Phewa Lake offers a myriad of possibilities. Whether it’s a serene boat ride, a tranquil lakeside walk, or a cultural excursion to Tal Barahi Temple, Phewa Lake captivates the hearts of all who visit, leaving lasting memories of Pokhara’s natural and cultural treasures.

Things to know before you go

  • Pottery Classes– Wonderful experience to get your hands dirty with and end up making your own clay crafts.
  • Juju Dhau– Bhaktapur is renowned for its Juju Dhau, also known as the King Curd, sweet and delicious yougurt made in earthen cups.
  • Peacock Window– Located at the old Pujari Math, showcases intricately adorned peacock at its center and tail feathers form an elegant lattice window design.

How to get there?

For the most convenient travel to Bhaktapur, many sightseeing tours provide round-trip car transfers, typically with private hotel pickup. Additionally, some Nagarkot tours, including trekking expeditions, include sightseeing stops at Bhaktapur along the way.

Best time to visit Phewa Lake?

Spring and Autumn, that’s when the vibes are just right, with clear skies and those majestic Himalayas popping up like magic. The best time to visit Bhaktapur is during the spring (March to April) and Autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather here is pleasant as the sky is clear and the Himalayas are visible.

Whats nearby Phewa Lake?

Nearby Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you’ll find an array of captivating attractions that complement its medieval charm. Just steps away, you can explore the historic 55 Window Palace, the bustling Taumadhi Square, the towering Nyatapole Temple, and the National Art Gallery. Don’t miss the Dattatreya Temple located few hundred meters away and Pottery Square, each offering unique insights into Bhaktapur’s rich cultural heritage.

You can also take a detour to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, popular hill station for sunrise viewing.

Popular Phewa Lake

Find some of the most popular Phewa Lake Tours

12 days Annapurna Base Camp​
Commence from the picturesque city of Pokhara at 890 meters, the transformative journey culminates at the majestic Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
9 days Annapurna Panorama
This Annapurna trekking offers an ideal choice for individuals in search of a short and relatively easy trek with Annapurna range in warmer temperatures due to lower elevations.
18 Days Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a perfect blend of adventure and fun, stands out as a unique trekking destination worldwide, providing a surreal view of the majestic Mt. Annapurnas.
8 Days Annapurna Base Camp
This 8-day trekking to Annapurna Basecamp caters to those with time constraints while providing an authentic trekking experience in the Nepalese mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are basically four different squares i.e. Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square.

To get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu, you have a few options. You can opt for a taxi or private car, which takes about 40 minutes from Thamel, covering around 16km. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from Ratna Park Bus Stand in Kathmandu or Lagankhel Bus Park in Patan. While local buses take longer due to frequent stops, they follow the same route and traffic conditions, so expect the journey to take around an hour.

Our tour experts and from recommendations of our guests we have handpicked Bhaktapur Day trips.

Attractions near Bhaktapur Durbar Square are 55 Window Palace, Taumadhi Square, Nyatapole Temple, National Art Gallery, Dattatreya Temple, Pottery Square.

The best outdoor activities to do in Bhaktapur are:

  1. Four Squares of Bhaktapur, Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur.
  2. Heritage Tour of Bhaktapur UNESCO Sites.
  3. Private Bhaktapur Sightseeing and Nagarkot Day Trip
  4. Panauti Village and Bhaktapur Sightseeing Day Tour

There is an entrance fee for international tourists. The fee goes towards the maintenance and conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s advisable to check current rates, as they may vary.

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