Rupa Lake
One of the freshwater lakes that flow inside the Pokhara valley is Rupa lake. The lake from Kaski district is located at the Lekhnath Metropolitan Municipality of Pokhara. At the altitude of 600 meters, Rupa lake has a depth of 6m *max) and 3 meters ( average). The third biggest lake of Pokhara valley among the 8 with Phewa Tal and Begnas Tal being 1st and 2nd respectively has covered the surface area of 1.35 sq km. The lake that inflows from Talbesi stream and Dhovan Khola has and surface elevation of 600 meters( 2000 ft). The different types of flora and fauna found in this place add more beauty to the lake.As per the record, around 36 species of the waterbird are found in this lake.
This beautiful lake is one of the tourist destinations of Pokhara. Rupa Lake has always been one of the favorite places to visit among the tourist as it receives a fair number of visitors every year. Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal which lies side by side are said to be the twins which are separated by a panic ridge which gives a beautiful view of both lakes; some even consider it as the eyes of Pokhara. Apart from that, we can witness many local as well as international tourists visiting this place for boating and fishing. Tourist is also permitted to swim in this lake if they want. Besides the tourism activities, the other major economic booster of the lake is fish farming by practicing cage culture ( which can also be called as cage fisheries) and pen culture where around 120 – 150 kilograms of fishes are caught on a daily basis. The locals from the area have operated boats and fishing on the lake which has become one of their source of income and around 19 boats are operated for boating purposes here in this lake.
But this beautiful lake is said to be extinct in the near future if we do not take care of the lake and its surrounding property. Pollution, the unorganized and mismanaged tourists activities, haphazard growth of the plant species and many other reasons have degraded the quality of the lake for which it is said to be extinct in the coming years if we do not take immediate action. So the responsible authorities should immediately take the necessary measures.
Rupa lake which is located in the south- east of the Pokhara definitely has caught the eyes of tourists. This beautiful lake that is elongated from north to the south is the third biggest lake in around the Pokhara valley and is often called as a twin to the second biggest lake, Begnas Tal among the 8 lakes inside the valley.With a maximum depth of 6 meters, boating and swimming are pretty much safe in this lake. Rupa Lake welcomes the fair number of tourists every year, there should be more promotion and preservation of the lake so that it still stays same and beautiful in the coming years.
Rupa Lake is another Top 10 Places to visit in Pokhara Nepal. A fifteen-kilometer drive to the east of town lies two fascinating lakes which are less visited. The trip is an alternative to Fewa Tal. A hike to Panchabhaiya offers the fascinating view of twin lakes and Annapurna Himal on the background. Rupa Lake is also on the list of places to visit in Pokhara, Nepal. Rupa Tal is about 10km southeast of Pokhara, a road leaves the Prithvi Highway.