Begnas Lake: Pokhara’s Quiet Second Lake

Are you in Pokhara and searching for a place to slow down with less crowd? Then, Begnas lake is an ideal destination for you.

Begnas lake is the second-largest lake in the Pokhara Valley is popular for its quieter lakeside experience where nature does the talking with calm waters, green hills, traditional fishing boats, and charming countryside settlements. Just a short drive from the vibrant Lakeside area, this peaceful destination offers a refreshing escape from the vibrant and bustling city life of Pokhara.

From relaxing boat rides, savoring freshly prepared fish at a lakeside restaurant, exploring nearby villages, or simply spending an afternoon surrounded by beautiful scenery, Begnas Lake makes a wonderful escape from the city. So, if you have an extra day in Pokhara, why not venture a little farther and discover the charm of a quieter lake in 2026.

Where is Begnas Lake?

Begnas lake is located in the Lekhnath region of Pokhara, Kaski District of Nepal. It rank as the second largest lake out of the eight lakes of Pokhara, lies 15km east of the central Pokhara at an altitude of 650 m above sea level.

Begnas is a natural fresh water lake that covers an area of 3 square km and has a depth of 10 meters. The clean lake is surrounded by:

• forested slopes,
• agricultural terraces,
• villages, and
• smaller Brahmin-Chhetri and Gurung settlements.

History and Origin of Begnas

Begnas is the third largest freshwater lake in Nepal that has been there since ages. Its peaceful nature has attracted the hearts of solitude lovers and since the 1980s tourists started visiting it as a quieter alternative to Fewa lake.

The lake is surrounded by villages like Majhikuna in the southeast corner and Syangkhudi in the north. In 1988, dam was created on the southwest side of lake which helps maintain the water level and villagers use the water for:

• Irrigation in nearby paddy farms and
• fisheries.

Moreover, Begnas lake is separated from Rupa lake via a forested hillock, Panchabhaiya Danda.

How to Reach Begnas Lake from Pokhara

Begnas Tal is easily accessible from Pokhara. You can either hire a private or shared vehicle, take a local bus, for a fulfilling experience, hiking and biking is also available.

By Local Bus

Catching a local bus is one of the most affordable ways to reach Begnas Lake. You will need to reach Prithvi Chowk area of Pokhara to take a local bus.

Every hour the bus leaves Prithivi chowk to Majhikuna, Begnas and it will cost you NPR 100 per person. Depending upon the season and traffic, you will arrive within 30 to 45 minutes.

By Taxi or Private Vehicle

Hiring a taxi or private vehicle is one of the most convenient options for those who want a direct and comfortable journey. The journey via taxi is quite flexible and it will make you reach Begnas within 20 to 39 minutes.

It will cost NPR 8000 to 10,000 for two ways and become expensive if you hire it alone. So, we suggest you share the private vehicle if you are on a budget-travel.

By Cycling or Biking

If you enjoy outdoor adventure, you can choose cycling. You can hire a cycle from Pokhara lakeside area which will cost you NPR 800 to 1000 for 12 hours.

Cycling to Begnas Tal is more affordable and it allows you to enjoy both urban roads and countryside scenery. There are many ride sharing apps like Yango, Pathao, Indrive which allow you to book a motorcycle or scooter to reach Begnas lake in 2026.

Best Time to Visit Begnas Lake

The Spring and Autumn season is considered as the best time to visit Begnas lake although it is feasible throughout the year.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings clear sky, comfortable temperature and offers one of the best views of snowcapped mountain peaks such as Annapurna and Manaslu.

The season starts right after monsoon which makes the surrounding hills become green and the reflection of the snow covered mountain peak on the calm surface of Begnas creates a picture perfect landscape. You can go boating, hiking in nearby hills, relax in the courtyard of Majhikuna resort enjoying the calm and serenity of the Begnas.

Winter (December to February)

The season brings cold weather conditions making morning and evening quiet and peaceful. With layered and warm clothing, you can have a memorable and pleasant time for relaxed lakeside visits.

The clear mountain views and migratory birds flying near surrounding hills offer one of the best photography and birding opportunities.

Spring (March to May)

It is another best season to visit Begnas lake and hike nearby the lake. The weather is quite warm and the surrounding hills are covered with blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons.

Monsoon (June to August)

Begnas receives regular rainfall during monsoon and the surrounding landscape becomes especially green. The lake and nearby countryside can look beautiful during this period.

However, heavy rain, cloudy skies, slippery trails, and leeches can affect outdoor activities. Mountain views are also less reliable because of cloud cover.

Things to Do at Begnas Lake, Pokhara

Begnas lake offers a wide range of activities to visitors exploring it. It is not a destination where you will need to have a packed schedule but the appeal lies in enjoying the outdoors, discovering nearby villages, and spending time beside the water.

Enjoy a Peaceful Boating

You can explore Begnas lake by boating. You can book row boating and paddle boating. During boating, you will get to witness locals fishing on the shore, terraced farming on the nearby lands.

Row boating costs NPR 700 to 2200 for 1 to 4 hours while if you plan to cross the lake, it will cost you NPR 1000 per person. The cost of paddle boating to cross the lake is NPR 2500 while if you plan to explore 1 to 4 hours, it will charge you NPR 1500 to 4500.

Relax by the Lakeside

You can simply book a hotel or resort right near the lake and spend some time enjoying the peaceful and calming atmosphere. The serene and tranquil nature will help you recharge your soul and body.

You can also swim near the shore but we suggest you not to swim alone or go too far from the shore.

Explore the Lakeside Villages

Begnas lake is surrounded by villages like Majhikuna, Sundari Danda, Gairekhet etc. Exploring these villages allow you to witness how locals are spending their rural life by visiting:

• traditional houses,
• agricultural fields,
• small shops, and
• Farm lands and fisheries.

Visit Sundari Danda View Tower

The Sundari Danda View Tower is located on the east side of the Begnas. The view tower offers one of the best views of:

• Begnas and Rupa lake,
• Green hills,
• Snow-capped mountains,
• Distant terraced farming.

You can reach the view tower within 15 minutes of walking from Majhikuna. The entry cost for Sundar Danda view tower is:

• NPR 50 for foreigners
• NPR 30 for Nepali citizen
• NPR 30 for Nepalese with student card

Hiking Around Begnas Lake

You can enjoy the beauty of Begnas by hiking into routes like Thulokot, Begnas Kot, and the Chakra Devi Viewpoint. These hiking trails are short and can be completed within 1 to 3 hours.

Thulokot

From Begnas, Thulokot is 9.2 km away and can be reached within 2 and half hours of walking.

Begnaskot View Tower

Begnaskot view tower is another hiking trail which demands you to cross the lake first to reach Baraha temple. Then, a continuous hike makes you finally reach the viewtower. You will be covering a distance of 6.8 km one way and it takes around 2 hours to reach the view point.

Chakra Devi Hiking

Chakra Devi hike lies on the way to Thulokot. Many hikers stop here to rest. It takes one and half hours to reach Chakradevi viewpoint but the views are not as great as compared to Thulokot. The one way distance of the viewpoint is 5.4 km from Begnas.

Birdwatching and Nature Photography

The surrounding green forest, clear skies, reflection of mountains on calm water surface, fishing boats, village life, and terrace farming offer one of the best backgrounds for nature photographers. A clear day offers the best opportunity to photograph the Himalayan backdrop.

If you enjoy birding, then an early morning visit in lakeside area allow you to witness different species of birds like:

• kingfishers,
• egrets,
• herons, and
• cormorants.

Meditation Retreat

The calming and peaceful atmosphere of Begnas is best for doing meditation and yoga. Depending upon your holidays, you can join the course of meditation and yoga retreat.

If you have enough time, you can also join a Vipassana meditation center but it demands 1 to 2 months of advance booking.

Taste Fresh Fish and Local Food at Begnas Lake

Begnas Tal is popular for its fresh fish dishes. The fishes are caught right out from the Begnas lake and are served in several restaurants in Majhikuna and other lakeside settlements.

There are variety of fish dishes in menu and some of the popular ones are:

• grilled fish,
• fried fish,
• Traditional Nepalis fish curry.

You can combine these fish items with traditional staple dish Dalbhat with side dishes. As most of the restaurants offer outdoor spaces for seating, it allows you to enjoy the meals with the best views of the calming lake and its refreshing air.

Trying locally prepared fish is a particularly worthwhile experience for visitors who want to explore the food culture of the Begnas area.

Suggested Itinerary for Begnas Lake, Pokhara

If you are in Pokhara and want to do a Begnas lake day trip, plan your day with our suggested day itinerary:

• 7:00 AM-Depart from Pokhara
• 7:45 AM- Arrive at Begnas Lake and enjoy the morning scenery
• 8:30 AM -Enjoy breakfast or tea near the lake
• 9:30 AM -Go boating and explore the lake
• 11:00 AM – Visit Sundari Danda View Tower

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• 12:30 PM- Enjoy a local lunch at Majhikuna
• 2:00 PM-Explore nearby villages or take a short nature walk
• 3:30 PM- Spend some relaxing time beside the lake
• 4:30 PM- Return to Pokhara

Where to Stay at Begnas, Pokhara

There are a wide range of accommodation options available near Begnas lake but limited in comparison to Pokhara lakeside. You will find simple homestays to star rated resorts with best views of the lake and the surrounding nature.

If you are a cultural enthusiast and enjoy learning about different cultures and traditions, then booking a homestay will be best for you. Some of the popular resorts, homestays and hotels you should book when visiting Begnas are:

• The Begnas Lake Resort & Villas
• InterContinental Pokhara Resort
• Begnas Aqua Park Resort & Restaurant
• Indralok Hotel and Sky Garden
• Double Lake View Homestay
• Himalaya Serene View Guest House & Farm Stay

Most of the newly established hotels and resorts offer health-related activities, such as:

• yoga retreats,
• music retreats,
• spa services and
• meditation retreats.

The recreational activities fit perfectly in the serene environment of Begnas lake.

Conclusion

Begnas lake is a beautiful destination which offers a quieter and more natural side of Pokhara. The serene and tranquil atmosphere allows you to slow down amidst the chaotic and bustling city life.

From boating across the freshwater lake and enjoying freshly prepared local fish to visiting scenic viewpoints and walking through rural settlements, there are plenty of ways to spend meaningful time in this part of the Pokhara Valley. Though it is situated in the outskirts of Pokhara, it can be reached within one and half hours and is worth adding in your next Pokhara tour itinerary.

Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences are not found in the busiest destinations but in places where nature and everyday local life continue at their own pace. Begnas Lake is one such place.