Begnas Lake Travel Guide

What comes to the minds of most travelers when they think about Pokhara is usually the lively Fewa Lake with its vibrant plying boats and busy cafes. However, lying hidden not more than 15km away, east of the city, is the Begnas Lake, an idyllic and less crowded place where nature does the talking. In contrast, Begnas is peaceful, quiet, and ideal for those seeking relaxation away from the crowds, unlike Fewa.

This lake is edged by green pastoral hills and terraced fields and in the background are the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. It is an idyllic place to photograph, as on a clear day, the snow-capped mountains are a reflection in its glassy waters. However, Begnas is not only about views; it is also about taking time out, getting fresh air, and reconnecting with nature.

The beauty about Begnas is the way it is simple yet endearing. There you will encounter local fishermen who row their boats, small seafood restaurants along the coast, and locals doing their daily chores. You can sit and relax, boat, or meditate at the lake. 

Why Visit Begnas Lake?

In case you have been wondering about reasons to include Begnas Lake in your travel itinerary, here are some:

• Peaceful Escape: It promises an escape from the bustling traffic of Pokhara. Here you will experience nature in the real sense and not with hordes.
• Nature Beauty: There are snow-capped mountains, serene waters and green hills that give an ideal picture postcard setting.
• Cultural Experience: Gurung and Magar communities exist in the surrounding villages and you can taste the local lifestyle.
• Something to Do: Enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking or take a rest; the opportunities are endless.
• Romantic and Family-friendly: Couples prefer this place for its privacy, while families also appreciate its welcoming atmosphere.
• Begnas is one such place where your time seems to have stopped. You just take it easy, and you watch and enjoy it.

How to Reach Begnas Lake?

From Pokhara

When you are already in Pokhara, it is fast and convenient to reach Begnas Lake. The lake is just 15 kilometers away, meaning that you can get there within half an hour by car or taxi. Taxi cabs are readily available in the city and the journey is a ride through scenic green fields and small villages before giving an open view of the silent lake. Local buses are also an option and are very cheap- an option that a traveller on a budget can utilize. The buses are a little slower but they also provide you with an experience of the local life during the trip.

From Kathmandu

Tourists in Kathmandu have to travel to Pokhara first and then to Begnas Lake. The quickest one is a short domestic flight that can last about 25 minutes, giving you a bird's-eye view, especially of the hills, rivers and even the Himalayas, provided the sky is visible. Tourist and local buses cater to travelers who prefer road travel, taking approximately 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara. The automobile trip is picturesque in the art du jour with its meandering roadways, river valleys, and sights of village life. Once you reach Pokhara, then it takes only 30-40 minutes to reach the begnas Lake.

Private Vehicles

Renting a motorbike, scooter, or even a car is one of the most exhilarating experiences for independent tourists traveling to Begnas Lake. The ride also allows maximum freedom to make stops somewhere in the middle to take photos or take a short break. During your ride you will experience villages, terraced farms, and curving roads with views of hills and valleys, and this will be as good as the destination. Peddling a scooter or motorbike brings the element of adventure into it and also to those who prefer the open roads. Do note, however, that you can just as easily be comfortable in local traffic conditions before driving this way.

The Journey

Whichever route you opt for, getting to Begnas Lake on its own is a trip. The streets meander at a leisurely pace along hillsides, overlooking small villages with locals able to be spotted working farmlands, strolling to markets, or fishing. On the road you will even see some terraced fields and some green forests and valleys starting out there. The landscape changes, and it suddenly opens a view of Begnas Lake, a calm, inviting, and nature-surrounded stretch of water. The route's scenery and peacefulness are so memorable that you can recall the trip before reaching the water.

Best Time to Visit the Begnas Lake

Different seasons create unique variations in the beauty of Begnas Lake, which means that it is beautiful throughout the entire year. The most ideal time to visit is fall (September to November) due to the spectacular clear sky, agreeable weather, and scenic Art of vision of the Annapurna and Manaslu peaks. The lake seems to shine, and the snow-covered mountains reflected in the smooth, calm water create a stunning collection for photographers. It is also an ideal season to go boating or hiking, or rather, just relax outside without the need to carry a raincoat.

In case nature in its full recovery is the reason you want to visit this place, then spring (March to May) will be a perfect period to choose. The adjacent mountains become green and fertile and there are plenty of wildflowers and rhododendrons filling the view. This is also a good season that offers light hikes around the lake since the weather is warm without being too hot. On the other hand, Winter (December to February), however, is quiet and tranquil. It can be cold in the mornings, yet the calm is so peaceful on the lake; still, back up in the distance are snow-covered mountains giving it a warmth about itself.

In monsoon season (June to August), the Begnas Lake is picturesque and green. The hills and forests provide rainwater and create a tropical atmosphere, while the less crowded lake contributes to an overall fresh tropical feel. Heavy rains, however, can always spoil a travel plan, particularly road travel plans. However, it is yet to be beaten: autumn is the best option in case photographing or visibility towards the mountains is your key priority. However, spring and monsoon time can be amazing as well, in case you prefer the green beauty, calm moments and fewer people.

Things to Do in Begnas Lake

• Boating & Canoeing: Visit a canoe or row a traditional wooden boat on the still waters. It is the quietest method to enjoy the lake.
• Fishing: Begnas is well known for fresh fish. In case you like fishing, you could attempt to catch some yourself— or just have fish meals at local restaurants.
• Nature walks and Short Hikes: There are a few trails around the lake and in the local villages. Such walks will provide you with the opportunity to encounter the locals and have panoramic views.
• Meditation & Yoga: It is also found that Begnas is ideal for doing meditation or yoga with a calm atmosphere. Some resorts offer wellness retreats to varying degrees.
• Photography & Birdwatching: It is a live, infinite photo opportunity at the lake day and night. You may also see some kingfishers, herons and so on.

Accommodation Near Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake offers a variety of stay options for all types of travelers. Lakeside resorts are a wonderful place to be when you are in need of a view. They are constructed on hillocks that offer fantastic views of the lake and Annapurna range through your balcony. Some resorts also offer health-related activities, such as yoga retreats, music retreats, spa services and meditation retreats, and this fits perfectly in the serene environment. These destinations are best suited to couples and families or anyone who simply wants to have fun in the wilderness without doing away with luxury.

Budget guesthouses and homestays are available in local villages to those that desire a more basic and real experience. Living with a local Gurung family also helps integrate into the Gurung/Magar culture that they are part of and in this way, you get to experience the local hospitality and the feeling of being among the nationals. If you enjoy a combination of liveliness and proximity to a city, consider staying in Pokhara, which is only 30-40 minutes away, and spend a day in Begnas. That would give you the best of the two worlds: peace at the lake and fun in Pokhara.

Food Near Begnas Lake

A major attraction of Begnas Lake is its food, which includes fresh fish dishes. Most restaurants along the lake prepare fish caught right out of Begnas, served in a variety of ways: grilled, fried, or cooked in traditional Nepali Curry. Dining out at a small restaurant called Cao Lau by a small lake, eating fish with rice and looking at the lake plain is a simple but still memorable experience. Besides fish, there are also Nepali dishes, such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), thakali sets with vegetables and meat, and dhido (traditional dish of buckwheat), that provide you with a real flavor of the region.

Begnas also provides a choice of cafes and resorts that offer international food types, such as pasta and pizza and pancakes for breakfast. Teahouses around the lake also can offer tea, momos (dumplings), and light snacks, which are ideal to have on a walk when you simply need a quick meal. The focus here is not on pretentious eating, but rather on the freshness of food and the warm, homely service provided. You feel like you're part of a Begnas dinner, not just a meal, no matter which you choose.

Available Packages

In case you want to maximize your experience in Begnas Tal, below are some of the packages:

• Pokhara City Tour: Transportation to/from Begnas Lake for boating and A lake restaurant lunch.
• 10 Days Nepal Trek: See Begnas and its sister lake, Rupa. Like boating, taking short hike routes and cultural expeditions.
• Wellness Package: Overnight stay at a resort that is on the side of a lake. Local wholesome foods, yoga and meditation. This arrangement is perfect for two individuals or those seeking solitude.
• Kathmandu Pokhara City Tour: Begnas Lake Packages for treks in The Annapurna Region. Ideal agent to visit someplace quiet and adventurous.

Final Thoughts

Begnas Lake may not be as popular as Fewa, but this lack of popularity is what makes it so special. It is peaceful, organic, and virgin. You can stay there a day or a few nights but what the lake does is refresh and inspire you.

Wish to include Begnas Lake in your trip to Nepal? Whether it is serene day tours or leisure lodging, Nepal Trek Adventure is ready to craft a customized tour just the way you want it.’