---
title: "Beyond Phewa: Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara's Quiet Twin Lakes"
canonical: "https://lokoon.com/blog/begnas-rupa-lakes-pokhara"
author: "Lokoon"
published: "2026-11-09T01:44:05.120994+00:00"
modified: "2026-11-09T01:44:05.121144+00:00"
kind: "blog"
---

# Beyond Phewa: Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara's Quiet Twin Lakes

> Swap Lakeside crowds for Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara's quieter twin lakes: how to get there, boating, the ridge walk between them and when to go.

Love Pokhara but not the Lakeside crowds? Begnas and Rupa, two quieter lakes about 15 km south-east of the city, make an easy, peaceful day trip. Here's how to get there, what to do and when to go.
Phewa gets the postcards. But step out to the eastern side of the Pokhara Valley and you'll find something closer to what Pokhara felt like before the cafés arrived: calm water, fishing boats, terraced hills and mountain reflections on a clear morning.
Meet the twin lakes
Begnas Lake is the second-largest lake in the Pokhara Valley after Phewa, and a listed Ramsar wetland. Rupa Lake sits right next door, smaller and even quieter. The two are separated by a forested ridge called Panchbhaiya Danda.
On a clear day, both lakes reflect the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Mornings in the dry season give you the best chance of that mirror-still water.
Getting there
Begnas is roughly 15 km from Pokhara, about 30–40 minutes by road. A taxi or private car is the easiest option. Many visitors hire a car for the day and visit both lakes.
Tip: if you're seeing both, visit Rupa first and finish at Begnas. It's easier to get transport back to Pokhara from the Begnas side.
What to do
Go boating on Begnas
Rowboats are hired at the lake shore. Boating here is calmer and more regulated than on Phewa, so it's a slower, quieter experience. Agree on the price and time before you set off.
Walk the ridge between the lakes
Cross Begnas by boat and climb the short forest trail up the ridge. In about 20 minutes you'll reach a viewpoint looking down on Rupa Lake. It's a gentle, rewarding walk, and you'll often have it to yourself.
Climb to Sundari Danda
For a bigger view, hike up to the Sundari Danda view tower from the Begnas area. From the top you can see both lakes, the valley and, on clear days, the snowy Himalaya beyond.
Eat fresh fish
Begnas is known for its fresh fish, and eateries near the shore serve it. Ask what's fresh that day.
Birdwatching
As a protected wetland, Begnas is a good spot for birdwatching, especially in the quieter morning hours.
What it costs
- Entry: free to visit the lakes.

- Boating: priced by boat and time; agree at the shore before you go.

- Transport: a private taxi for the day is the biggest cost, so share it if you can.

When to go
October to April brings the clearest skies and the best mountain reflections. Early mornings are calmest. In the summer monsoon, the hills turn deep green, but views of the peaks are rare.
Etiquette and tips
- Respect the wetland. Carry out all rubbish and keep noise down.

- Wear a life jacket on the boat if one is offered.

- Ask before photographing fishers and villagers.

- Bring cash for boats, snacks and transport.

- Start early for the best light and calmest water.

Loku's tip: pack a thermos of tea and sit on the Rupa viewpoint for ten minutes. No cafés, no music, just water and hills. That's the whole point.
More Pokhara ideas
Planning time in Pokhara? Subscribe to The Lokoon Letter for monthly day-trip ideas, seasonal picks and new places to wander.

Source: https://lokoon.com/blog/begnas-rupa-lakes-pokhara