The largest artificial lake in Nepal, Indra Sarovar Lake, is just about 45 km away from the bustling city of Kathmandu, taking no more than 2 hours to reach.
Located in Markhu, Makwanpur, this lake is a part of the Kulekhani rock-fill dam. The hydropower here has a total capacity of 106 MW, distributed over three hydropower projects – I, II, and III (source).
Spanning an area of around 1.3 sq. km, it was hard for me to believe that this serene reservoir is man-made.
Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about getting to this beautiful lake and why it’s a must-visit destination.
Key Facts About Indra Sarovar Lake
| Location | Markhu, Indrasarowar, Makwanpur, Bagmati Province |
| Altitude | 1,533 m (source) |
| Area | 1.31 sq. km |
| Distance (from Balkhu) | 35-50 km approx. (depending on the route) |
| Mode of Transportation | Private (preferred) |
| Ride Duration | 2 hours approx. |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons (except prime monsoon) |
How to Reach Indra Sarovar Lake?
There are multiple routes to reach Indra Sarovar Lake. I’ve been there 4–5 times, and every time, I’ve taken the longest route, which spans about 47–50 km from Balkhu.
Until a few years ago, this was the only option available, with only fewer off-road sections.
However, roads in Nepal are frequently under construction, making conditions unpredictable. Always check road updates before planning your trip and choose the route accordingly.
If you start your journey early in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a few other attractions along the way. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Begin with Kirtipur, where you can spend some time before heading to Taudaha Lake.
- Take a quick walk around the lake to enjoy good vibes.
- If time permits, visit Pharping Hydropower.
Note: Google Maps may now suggest a shorter route via Fakhel once you reach Pharping Chowk. Since I haven’t taken this route myself, you’ll have to navigate it yourself—good luck!
- If you’re taking the other (my) route, head to Dakshinkali Temple for morning prayers. Not if it’s a Saturday as the temple is usually crowded.
- Stop for breakfast at a local hotel along the way.
- Continue towards Chhaimale continuing on the Pharping-Kulekhani road. You’ll pass Sundaradevi before reaching Kulekhani.
- At the diversion board near Kulekhani, take a left to visit the dam area. Keep in mind that there’s an army checkpost, so you’ll need to adhere to the speed limit. The first time I visited, photography wasn’t allowed—let me know if that’s changed.
- After exploring the dam, return to the diversion and head in the opposite direction to reach Kulekhani Village, just about half an hour away.
For a quicker route, you can opt for the Chandragiri-Chitlang road, which is almost always under construction. Personally, I prefer taking this route on the way back from Markhu.
Safety Note: Drive cautiously, especially on the uphill off-road sections. Many travelers have told me that they nearly missed that one particular cliff.
And if you’re taking a public transport, buses to Chitlang are available. From there, you’ll need to hike to Indra Sarovar Lake.
Since there’s no buses going directly to Markhu or Kulekhani, you can stay overnight in Chitlang and visit the lake the next day.
Also, if you’re in a big group, you may hire a private HiAce or jeep for convenience.
Where to Stay Near Indra Sarovar Lake?
You’ll find both high-quality resorts and local hotels in Kulekhani/Markhu. If you’re planning an overnight stay, head to your preferred accommodation first.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling on a weekend, make a reservation in advance. On one occasion, we arrived late and almost couldn’t find a room, ultimately paying a premium.
Hotel rates range from NPR 1,000 per room to NPR 3,500 per person for a package, depending on availability and your choice of accommodation.
For a relaxing weekend, I recommend staying at a resort with a swimming pool to enjoy quality time with friends or loved ones.
If you’re on a day trip, prioritize reaching the boat counter as early as possible so that you’re not late when returning to Kathmandu.
Things to Do in Indra Sarovar Lake
Start your day early with breakfast and head to the boat counter in Markhu. You can leave your belongings at your hotel or resort.
Once you reach the destination, enjoy your on the open ground, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Inra Sarovar lake before indulging in your preferred boating experience.
Basically, you can choose between standard boating and motor boating. These are the local prices that I remember during my last trip (which may vary):
- Boating Costs: NPR 150 per hour per person
- Motorboat Costs: NPR 800 per person
- Cost comes down when you add extra hours
- And don’t forget to ask the driver to show off his skills (True adventure this way! But don’t forget to wear those life jackets for safety.)
While fishing isn’t common among tourists, you might spot locals with fishing nets along the lakeside. Be sure to try the freshly caught fish—it’s delicious!
Note: During the prime monsoon, the dam is operated and hence the water in the man-made lake is cut out to prevent overflow. In that case, you’ll neither be able to enjoy the view nor be able to enjoy the boat rides.
Other Attractions Near Indra Sarovar Lake
Yup! There are plenty more to explore beyond the lake in this region of Makwanpur:
- Mohini Waterfall: Accessible via a one-hour off-road bike ride or a motorboat ride followed by a half-hour hike. Your boat will pick you up afterward. It’s a kind of their business there that they won’t allow the normal boats for the two-way ride.
- Bheda Farm: You’ve seen this on social media, right? However, it’s less picturesque in real life, especially in winter when the farm dries up.
- King Goat Statue Park: On your way to Chitlang, you’ll see a big entrance gate: enter here and climb uphill for panoramic view of the area, including Bheda Farm.
- Zipline: Though I haven’t tried it, this offers an exhilarating ride with stunning views of the lake.
- Chitlang Village: A culturally rich village that once served as a trade route between Kathmandu and neighboring districts.
- Naspati Garden: Situated in the Chitlang Organic Resort, this Asian pear garden is perfect for tea breaks and photos. Not promoting the resort though (hopefully, someday :p)
- Chandragiri Hills: On your way back, take the cable car to visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev. Besides, the hill station also features a children playground, view tower, and in prime winter, you can even expect snowfall!
Estimated Budget
Since this Markhu-Chitlang trip can be done luxuriously or on a budget, your total expenditure can vary accordingly.
Catering to the needs on budget, your main expenses should be on fuel, meals, snacks, boating, and one-night accommodation.
This should be about NPR 2000 to 2500 or could go up to Rs. 3000.
Final Words
So, as you can see, we managed to complete the entire trip in just one night and two days.
We’ll definitely provide a more detailed guide soon, but here’s a quick breakdown of what you should do:
Head to Markhu > Spend the night there > Go boating early in the morning > Hike to Mohini Jharana > Head to Chitlang (visiting Bheda Farm and the Goat Statue along the way) > Stop by the Naspati Garden > Proceed to Chandragiri Hills (make sure to move quickly) > Return to Kathmandu.
If you can spare an extra day, you could further explore the Chitlang area and even try the zipline across Indrasarovar Lake!
If you have any queries, don’t hestiate commenting below.
Happy travelling to Makwanpur!
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