Phewa Lake | Pokhara

Information

Landmark: Phewa Lake
City: Pokhara
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal, Asia

The Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake located in the south of the Pokhara Valley in Pokhara, Nepal. It is the second largest lake in Nepal and serves as a primary source for hydropower and irrigation in the region.

Visual Characteristics

The lake surface covers approximately 4.43 square kilometers with an average depth of 8.6 meters. The water color varies from olive green to dark blue depending on sediment levels and sky conditions. It is a semi-natural freshwater lake with a dam at the southern end; the shoreline consists of a mix of terraced cultivation, subtropical forest on the southern slopes, and a developed tourist strip to the east.

Location & Access Logistics

The landmark is situated directly adjacent to the Baidam district of Pokhara. It is 3km west of the Pokhara Airport. Access is primarily via Lakeside Road, which runs parallel to the eastern shore. Local taxis are available throughout the city, and public buses operate along the main Prithvi Highway, with stops at Hallan Chowk. Boat transfers to the island temple and the southern shore are managed at several organized jetties.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake is ecologically classified as a warm monomictic lake. Historically, its size was increased by the construction of the Pardi Dam in 1967 for electricity generation. The surrounding geological formations consist of fluvial deposits and quaternary gravels within the Pokhara Valley basin.

Key Highlights & Activities

Boating is the primary logistical activity, with options for wooden "doonga" rentals or fiber boats. Hiking the trail to the World Peace Pagoda on the southern ridge is common, requiring a boat crossing to the starting point. Religious visits to the Tal Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the lake, occur daily. Paragliding landing zones are situated on the northern lakeshore.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The eastern shore (Lakeside) features a continuous line of restaurants, gear shops, and hotels. Public restrooms are located at the main boat jetties. The area has high-speed 5G cellular signal coverage. Shade is provided by trees on the southern bank, while the eastern promenade is largely exposed. Food vendors are concentrated in the Lakeside district.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time for photography of the Annapurna Range reflection is between 06:00 and 08:00 when the water is calmest. The most stable weather and clearest mountain views occur from October to December. During the monsoon season (June to August), water turbidity increases due to runoff.

Facts & Legends

The Tal Barahi Temple on the island is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga in her boar incarnation; local legend claims the temple was established after the goddess appeared in the dream of a local king, instructing him to build a shrine on the spot where a stone was found in the water.