Rupa Lake or Rupa Tal is a freshwater lake in Nepal located in Kaski District. It is the third biggest lake in the Pohara valley of Nepal and at an altitude of 600 m (1,969 ft) covering an area of about 1.35 km2 (0.5 sq mi) with an average water depth of 3 m and a maximum depth of 6 m. There are boating activities available for the visitors, from where people can enjoy the amazing landscape. One can even get indulged in fishing activities as well.

Rupa Lake is a blessing from Mother Nature and has been there since the rise of humanity. As this lake resides further away from the landmass of Pokhara, it does not get the appeal that it deserves. In recent times, due to the crash in the Tourism Industry, Rupa Lake is gaining quite a bit of attention and praise. It is less congested than Phewa Lake, and you can enjoy the tranquility and chirping of birds.

Rupa Lake is the second biggest Lake among all seven lakes in Lekhnath. This Lake is also known as Rupa Tal. 

If you are going to visit Rupa Lake during your Nepal trip, you will find it excellent during October because it is in a more natural and beautiful appearance, during this time you will also find a variety of fauna and flora. There are lots of additional activities that will attract you to this place.

The Rupa Lake is in an average depth of 3m and they have caged fisheries, Caged fisheries are one of the great economizing boosters for the lake. The flora and fauna around the lake are a thing for applause as well. A large number of water birds are found here along with some of the exotic freshwater fishes. The taste is super delicious and equally healthy.

Distance of rupa lake from Pokhara City: 19.7km (40 min approx)

Charming Landscape Views

Nepal is blessed with Rupa Lake and its astounding beauty. The lake is settled in the middle of green hills and is covered by perennial rivers like the Talbesi stream & the Dhovan Khola (Khola means river in Nepali). The water of the lake is drained through Tal Khola. There is a mountain ridge, that separates Rupa Lake from Begnas Lake. During tourist seasons, you can get several boats on the lakeside and people walking on its banks, it is a great sight to capture and. The ridge between the Begnas Tal and the Rupa tal offers an altogether view of both the lakes, which a lot of people have mentioned as the eyes of Pokhara. The most appropriate way to reach Rupa tal would be to trek around the lake. One should enquire about the bus timings to avoid any difficulties.

Rupa tall is an extraordinary place with a simple sense of beauty. There are no astounding experiences however you’ll find it much better than a lot of places that promise more but have less. The easiest way to reach Rupa tal would be to have an adventurous trek around the lake. One should ask about the bus timings to avoid any problem. The beautiful Rupa Lake is 10 km away from Pokhara in the southeast part. There are numerous ways through which you can reach there. If you prefer to go there by bus, then you can easily catch a bus on Prithvi Chowk, Pokhara. The bus ride takes you there within 30 minutes.

Things To Do Near Rupa Lake

In Rupa Lake, you will also find boating facilities during your visit here. If you love boating in a natural Lake, then this place will be perfect for you. There are lots of visitors who come here to spend some quality time in the beautiful Lake with boating. While you are on the way to Rupa Lake, you can be engaged in numerous activities. One can wake up early, and head out to the Lake premises to relax your morning yoga. You can also go to visit the fish farming areas as well. You can also indulge yourself in nature and explore Begnas Lake during your visit to Rupa Lake. You can have a recreation or leisure time with your family and friends in the nearby Begnas Bazar as well. Otherwise, you can choose the other attraction and add it to your journey, the great Peace Pagoda and Davis Falls.

At this place, you will also find facilities for activities like fishing. There are several species of fishes in the lake, and you can visit here for fishing.

When it comes to the Rupa Lake people visit here for bird watching, you will find about 36 species of waterbirds in the lake. In this lake, you will find about 19 % of the total 193 wetland-dependent birds of the country. You can capture some beautiful photos of these birds during your visit to this lake. Despite their rich breed and its beautiful existence, these birds are facing several kinds of threats, including hunting, trapping, human disturbance, water pollution, and more.

When you are going to visit this lake in Nepal, you can stay away from crowded and polluted city life and can spend some quality time witnessing the natural beauty of this place. Every year, lots of people visit this place for bird watching, fishing, boating, and spending some good time here.

You will find this Lake one of the less crowded places in Nepal, and you can also include this place in the list of places that you want to explore during your Nepal trip. You can find out lots of impressive experiences when you are exploring this natural destination in Nepal. If you want to make your experience better, you should make an online reservation for the package where you can include this location on your list. If you want to visit here from Pokhara airport, it is located at a distance of 20.49 km. You can visit here any time during the year to find such experiences.

Interesting Facts About Rupa Lake

• You can find a total number of 36 species of water birds, which add up to 19% of the total 193 wetland-dependent birds found in Nepal.
• There are different species of fish living in the lake.
• Rupa Lake is a major attraction for thousands of tourists throughout the year, which has contributed to its immense popularity.
• You can come across the cage culture as well as pen culture in the Rupa Lake for fish farming.
• Annually, there is Pokhara Mahotsav which means festival and you can find many fairs and fun exhibitions that are held in these parts of the city.

There is no need for permits to enter Rupa Lake, but you must pay some fees in order to do boating activities. The fee for boating activity in Rupa Lake is comparatively lower than boating in Phewa Lake. The fee for boating here depends on the type of boat you are hiring, and how long you are renting it for. If you are choosing to hire a canoe, then the price of a canoe per hour with a paddler is about Rs. 400.

Other Information About Rupa Lake

“The lake is dropping off every year, and its depth has also reduced noticeably,” said Dina Nath Dhakal, chairman of the Rupa Tal Conservation and Tourism Promotion Committee.

As per information the Lekhnath Municipality recently says that of the total area is 163.9 hectares of land of the lake, only 121.76 hectares are occupied by the lake while crops are grown in the  33.43 hectares of land.

The lake is under constraint from diverse anthropogenic agents. Birds of Rupa Lake face a number of threats that include trapping/hunting, fish farming using nets, habitat destruction by soil erosion, sedimentation and agricultural conversion, human disturbance, water pollution, and deforestation. 

Some Best Hotels Near Rupa Lake

1. Begnas Lake Front Guest House

This is a beautiful hotel near the Lake and is the best accommodation you will find near Rupa Lake, Rupa Lake is just 12 min walk away from the hotel, 2 min walk away from Begnas Lake, and Pokhara Zoological Park is just 3 min walk away

The hotel has a restaurant, a fitness center, and a wonderful rooftop terrace and it is a smoke-free guesthouse. It has good WiFi services in public areas and free and spacious parking is also provided on the premises. In additional services, we have dry cleaning, laundry facilities and a 24-hour front desk are on-site for your services. There are 11 rooms where they provide complimentary wireless Internet access, balconies or patios, and good room service (during favorable hours). Premium bed mattresses, rice cookers are also provided if you are willing to cook some simple meal or you can inform the hotel staff to prepare it for you and free newspapers are among the other amenities available to guests.

Begnas Lakefront guest house offers 11 well-organized rooms for accommodation with good amenities and free newspapers. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Beds have premium mattresses. Guests can use the internet using complimentary wireless Internet access in the comfort of their room. The Bathrooms include baths and showers and complimentary toiletries. The best part is that the rooms include rice cookers and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis for a clean and healthy stay.

Location:  Pokhara Metropolitan City 31 Begnas lake, Pokhara 33700, Nepal

Room Amenities: The rooms have a good wifi connection, private balconies, good bathrooms with showers, rice cookers, and also newspapers.

Room Rates: Approx, 5000 to 9000.

Hotel Amenities: The hotel has good parking, great hotel staff, great wifi services, and daily housekeeping.

2. Hotel Seven Lake Paradise

The Hotel Seven Lake Paradise is located in Lekhnath near Begnas Lake, the view from the hotel is just fabulous and Rupa Lake is just 3 min drive from the hotel compound.

The compound has a restaurant, this hotel also has a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café for refreshment. The Hotel provides amazing continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also there in the premises. Other Hotel amenities include a 24-hour business center, concierge services, and dry cleaning facilities. All of the fifteen rooms offer free WiFi, private balconies or patios, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Other amenities available to guests are amazing room service (during limited hours), premium bedding, and coffee/tea makers are also available. The hotel premises also have babysitting services, a Garden, a picnic spot, and an open terrace for entertaining your eyes with the astonishing view of the Lake and the whole landscapes seen from the compound.

Location: Begnas Sadak, Lekhnath 33700, Nepal

Room Amenities: The rooms have good bathroom facilities, complimentary toiletries, great internet connection, private balconies, flat-screen TV with cable connection, great room service, and complimentary toiletries, coffee and tea making machines, desk.

Room rates: Approx. 8000.

Hotel Amenities: The hotel has a garden, picnic spot, an open space terrace, business center, babysitting services, Garden, concierge services, and welcoming hotel staff at your service.

3. Rupakot Resort

Rupakot Resort is stretched out in an area of 10 hectares and nearly 1-hour drive from Pokhara Lakeside and the airport. Magnificent view of the Begnas, Rupa, and Fewa lakes, couple of hiking routes, an infinity pool, a world-class spa and wellness facilities, a great restaurant, exotic bar, and much more to explore. It’s marvelous as your room will have an amazing view of the breathtaking landscapes it seems woven gracefully into the landscape directly connecting to the Annapurna Himalaya range. You will be enjoying a true sense of space and uninterrupted views of the serene lakes from your private spacious balconies. Giving the touch of Nepali rural life, this is a luxury resort where you’ll discover the next level of service with ultimate comfort.

The resort is an extraordinary setup and welcoming from the angle you see. It is seen from the highway it looks like a gem nestled on top of Rupakot hill. You have to drive through a few green hills to reach the resort. Beautiful Rupakot village lies beautifully on the next hill within walking distance. There are Muslim community villages, a government school, hiking routes area, jungle, farm, and temples around Rupakot Resort where moments spent cannot be tracked. Not just the resort ground but all nearby surroundings are equally beautiful.

Location: Maidan -6, Rupakot, Pokhara, Nepal.

Room Amenities: The rooms have private balconies, coffee and tea making machines, room service, wifi services, complimentary toiletries, and a breathtaking view of the landscapes from your room.

Room rates: Approx. 8000 to 13000.

Hotel particulars: The hotel premises have a restaurant, bar, spa, and wellness facilities, shuttle services, garden, and a great welcoming atmosphere with warm and friendly hotel staff.

Adventure Activities To Do Near Rupa Lake

1. Seti River Rafting

Seti River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Nepal with a gushing string of white waters. It is also said to be one of the warmest rivers. Rafting in Seti River is a thrilling adventure that will never let the excitement fade away. With every turn, the scenic beauty of the valley surrounding the river will leave you in awe and at the same time, the water will take you on a bumpy ride that will keep the thrill high. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Pokhara.

Duration: 90 Minutes

Price: INR 3180

2. Bungee Jumping

Located in central Nepal, this quaint city is settled on the Phewa lake and is famed as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit which is the entrance to the Himalayas. Owning a number of high peaks, bungee jumping in Pokhara becomes a worth-trying activity. From the serene temples to the tranquil yoga centers, this place has a whole platter of all of it. Apart from being located on an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level, it also has a Mountain museum where you can take a deep insight into the lives of mountaineers. Places like Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Davis falls, and several others are the major tourist attractions of this silent city.

Opening Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm, daily

Price: INR 5000/person

3. Paragliding

Pokhara is renowned worldwide for its mesmerizing paragliding site and without a doubt, makes for one of the best sites to enjoy the thrilling activity of paragliding. Upon taking a flight, you will witness towering mountain ranges on one side and a beautiful lake on the other. The view from the top will render you speechless. Imagine the thrill and excitement while gliding over the lake. To add to this, the glider lands just beside the lake which makes this whole experience more delightful. The Paragliding experience is unforgettable and is one of the most popular things to do in Pokhara.

Duration: 25 Minutes Approximately

Price: INR 7000/person

4. Ultralight Flying

Imagine flying in an ultralight aircraft soaring through the clouds and savoring a bird’s eye view of the Pokhara Valley. During the flight, the views of snow-clad mountain ranges like Annapurna, Machhapuchchhre, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri, etc. can be witnessed from a close distance which will astonish you. The glimpses of the green lush valley, verdant meadows, dense forests, quaint villages of Nepal, and the scenic Lake Phewa are a treat for your eyes. This thrilling activity is once in a lifetime experience and you will cherish these moments forever.

Duration: The duration of the flight varies from 15 minutes to 90 minutes depending upon the package you choose.

Price: INR 7500- Starting

5. Zip Flying

Zip Flyer in Pokhara is undeniably one of the most extreme zip lines in the whole wide world. It is the longest, the tallest, and the steepest zip line with a length of 1.8km, an incline of 56 degrees, and a vertical drop of 600 meters. You will be taking a flight at a speed of 120 km per hour above the verdant vegetation and lush green forest and in front of you will be the snow-clad towering mountains of the Himalayas. 

Duration: 2 Minutes

Price: Starts from INR 5200

Mode of Reach to Pokhara

Air: Pokhara has its own domestic airport, but you have to reach it by taking a direct flight from Kathmandu International Airport. Pokhara airport operates flights every day between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Just in 40 minutes, you will reach Pokhara from Kathmandu if you choose an airplane.

Road: The roadway is also the best choice to reach Pokhara. The city is well-connected with roadways to the nearby cities and capital city Kathmandu. You can easily choose a bus from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara. The total distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 200.9km (5hrs approx). 

Train: There is no direct railway option to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu due to the high altitude region and the railways are not connected directly to Pokhara.