Begnas Tal & Rupa Tal

Introducing Begnas Tal & Rupa Tal

About 10km southeast of Pokhara, a road leaves the Prithvi Hwy for Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal, two gloriously serene lakes that see few foreign visitors, despite their proximity to Pokhara. The hiking trail between the lakes forms the final leg of the popular Annapurna Skyline Trek.

Local buses run from the highway opposite the main Pokhara bus stand to Begnas Bazaar on the shore of picturesque Begnas Tal. It's a peaceful spot and the mountains of the Annapurna Range are brilliantly reflected in the rippling waters. If you feel energetic, you can rent boats for leisurely paddles on the lake for Rs 200/150 per hour (foreign/Nepali).

Rupa Tal is via a 3km hike along the trail that winds uphill from the bus stand in Begnas Bazar. It's much more isolated than Begnas Tal but the surrounding country-side is delightful and you can stay at several laid-back teahouses on the ridge overlooking the lake.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009