Begnas Lake is a freshwater lake located in the southeast of Pokhara Valley at Kaski. The lake is quite big compared to another lake in Pokhara. Begnas Lake is 3rd largest lake in Nepal. It is the second largest lake of Pokhara Valley among eight lakes.. the water level of the Begnas Lake is regulated through a dam on the outlet stream of Khudi Khola constructed in 1998.
It has a surface area of 225 ha, a maximum depth of 7.5 m, and an average depth of 4.6m. The lake has unstable temperature stratification. at the surface, the water temperature varies from 15.1 to 30.30 over the year. The area of the lake consists of several resorts with many swampy areas around it. Begnas Lake is one of the most popular destinations for the people visiting Pokhara. You can say that Begnas Lake is an integral part of the Pokhara tour. The water of the lake is used for irrigation. Some part of Begnas Lake is used for caged fisheries. The place is famous for its delicious fish and other items.
History of Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is a natural lake but the dam was constructed by the late King Mahendra in the 1960s as a hydroelectric development project. The lake serves as a reservoir for the nearby Begnas Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The lake extends over an area of about 795 hectares with a maximum depth of 15 meters. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning scenic beauty and serene atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green forests, which create a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.
Highlights of Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is renowned for its serene and picturesque natural setting, surrounded by lush green hills and the Annapurna mountain range in the backdrop. Here are some of the highlights and key things to know about Begnas Lake:
Boating
One of the most popular activities at Begnas Lake is taking a boat ride. Visitors can hire traditional wooden boats or pedal boats to explore the lake and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Boating at Begnas Lake is comparatively cheaper than at Fewa Lake. Its low cost can be attributed to the fact that it lies away from major city areas.
During boating in the Begnas lake, you can stop the boat in the middle of the lake and you can swim in the freshwater of the lake. Around the corner, you can find a peaceful spot to dock your boat at Begnas Lake.
Take a moment to rest and embrace the exceptional natural beauty, surrounded by the lake’s lush flora and serene fauna. The place around Begnas Lake has a number of resorts. For boating, visitors should take a boat on rent with or without a driver and take the most enjoyable and entertaining ride on the lake.
Tharu Cultural Village
On the eastern shore of the lake, there is a Tharu Cultural Village, where visitors can learn about the unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the indigenous Tharu community.
Lakeside Restaurants and Cafés
The area around Lake has several restaurants and cafés that offer local and international cuisine, as well as stunning views of the lake.
Also Read: Lakes of Nepal: Fewa Lake, Nepal’s Second Largest Lake
Butterfly Breeding Center
Near the lake, there is a butterfly breeding center where visitors can observe different species of butterflies in their natural habitat.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The area around Begnas Lake offers several hiking trails and nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding hills and forests. Begnas hiking is the best experience to do in Pokhara. It is considered the most popular hiking trail in the country.
You can do the Begnas Thulokote hiking. It is a part of the Annapurna royal trek which was completed by King Charles who is the prince of whales in 1980. You can explore the area of Pokhara region to see beautiful unspoiled countryside villages and beautiful stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre range. You can see a clear view of the mountain range.
Bird Watching
The Lake is a popular spot for bird watching, as it attracts a variety of migratory and resident bird species.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Compared to the more touristy Fewa Lake in Pokhara, Begnas Lake offers a more peaceful and serene environment, making it a popular spot for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
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Occupation
The primary occupations of the people living in the Begnas Lake area in Nepal are:
Agriculture:
Farming is one of the main occupations for the local communities residing around Lake. The fertile lands surrounding the lake are suitable for cultivating crops like rice, maize, mustard, and various vegetables.
Fishing:
Given the abundance of fish in Lake, fishing is a common livelihood for many families living in the area. They engage in small-scale fishing activities, catching fish for their own consumption as well as for selling in local markets.
Tourism-related activities:
With the growing popularity of Begnas Lake as a tourist destination, many locals have taken up tourism-related occupations, such as:
– Operating boats for lake tours and recreational activities
– Running hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants
– Working as tour guides
– Selling handicrafts and souvenirs
Small businesses and shops:
Some locals own and operate small businesses, such as general stores, tea shops, and other small enterprises catering to the needs of both residents and tourists.
More: Annapurna round Trek – with Tilicho Lake
Animal Husbandry:
Raising livestock, such as cattle, buffaloes, and goats, is a common occupation for many households in the Begnas area, as it provides milk, meat, and other dairy products for their sustenance and income.
Handicrafts:
Traditional handicrafts, like weaving, pottery, and woodcarving, are also practiced by some members of the local community, particularly the Tharu people, as a means of income and cultural preservation.
While agriculture and fishing remain essential occupations, the growth of tourism in the Begnas region has diversified the livelihood opportunities for the local population, with many individuals finding employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The best time to visit Begnas Lake
Pokhara weather stays delightful nearly year-round, making it one of the best destinations for visitors. Autumn would be the best time to visit Begnas Lake from September to November and from February to April during the spring seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies will be clear which provides excellent visibility of the lakes and the surrounding hills.
In autumn, the weather is dry and mild, making it ideal for trekking, hiking, and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges in the day from 150 to 250 c, the night can be cool with the temperature ranges dropping from 50 to 100c.
During spring the surrounding hills are covered with colorful blossoms, making it a perfect time for nature lovers and photographers. The temperature ranges from 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius at day, and at night the temperature drops from 10 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius.
If you don’t mind the rain, you can visit Lake during the monsoon from June to August. When the hills turn lush green, and the lake is full to the brim. but the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, and some activities may not be possible due to safety concerns.