Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is the second-largest lake in the Pokhara Valley and a tranquil alternative to the more visited Phewa Lake. Surrounded by forested hills and far from the bustle of Lakeside, Begnas offers a serene setting for boating, fishing, and enjoying unspoiled natural landscapes.The lake is a popular destination for birdwatching, with kingfishers, herons, and migratory waterfowl frequenting its shores. The surrounding wetlands and agricultural land add to its charm as a peaceful rural escape.

Begnas covers roughly three square kilometres and is separated from the smaller Rupa Lake by the Panchabhaiya ridge, which is crossed on foot in about two hours. It is dammed at its southern end for irrigation, so the water level drops noticeably through the dry season. Cage fish farming here supplies much of Pokhara's freshwater fish, and the lake is around 15km from Lakeside.