I’ve asked around, and the travel experts have reported back with the most beautiful lakes in the world for you to explore on your next outdoor vacation!
From the pretty lakes with turquoise hues in Canada to the floating villages found on lakes in Myanmar, I have collected plenty of personal experiences at the most scenic lakes in the world. Whether visiting these beautiful lakes on a New Zealand cruise, or planning a longer trek into the wilderness, these top beautiful lakes in the world are absolutely stunning.
So grab your free travel planner, equipped with budgeting guides and itinerary worksheets, and buckle up, because we are going to explore the prettiest lakes in the world featuring some of the best secluded destinations and outdoor adventure spots!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Bacalar Lake, Mexico
Recommended by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo
Located in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar, Mexico, is one of the country’s 130 or so pueblos magico, or magical towns. A prestigious designation from the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, there are many reasons a pueblo (small town) is considered magic, and in the case of Bacalar, it’s for the natural beauty of Lake Bacalar, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
This is the second largest freshwater lake on Earth, at about 35-miles/55km long, and at its widest point, about 1.25-miles/2km across. Besides its impressive size, Laguna Bacalar is known for beautiful crystal-clear blues waters that have earned it the nickname, the Maldives of Mexico
The native Mayans from this part of Mexico call Bacalar the Lake of Seven Colors, because you can see seven distinct shades of blues in the water. The reason for this is the lake has depths from zero to 300-feet-deep (100m). In the shallows, the water looks very light blue, and in the deep parts, you’ll see dark, indigo blues.
Bacalar, as one of the prettiest lakes, is still somewhat of a hidden gem in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, but Instagram, YouTube and social media are bringing more and more attention to Bacalar Lake. Visitors flock to Bacalar for relaxation, natural beauty, sunrise standup paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and more.
To visit Bacalar there, fly into Cancun International Airport, and drive or take a bus four-hours south to Bacalar.
Fusine Lakes, Italy
Recommended by Olivia from Inspired by Croatia
Laghi di Fusine (Fusine Lakes) are two gorgeous glacial lakes, some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, located in the Julian Alps of northern Italy. Seated at the foot of Mangart Mountain, Laghi di Fusine can be easily reached from nearby Austria and Slovenia and make for a wonderful day trip.Laghi di Fusine is composed of two lakes: Lago di Inferiore (Lower Lake) and Lago di Superiore (Upper Lake). Both of the lakes are surrounded by hiking trails that are easy, yet adventurous, with paths connecting the two. The scenery that encompasses these beautiful bodies of water is absolutely breathtaking. The surrounding forest is lush and alive with wildlife, while the mirror reflection of Mangart Mountain against the blue-green water of the lakes is truly a sight to behold.Laghi di Fusine can be visited during all four seasons, each with its own individual charm. In the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming in the lake and cooling off beneath the trees, while winter provides a truly magical experience when the entire area is covered in snow.
Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Recommended by Michelle from The Scrapbook of Life
Located a short distance from the Angkor-famed city of Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake is one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in Cambodia and most beautiful lakes in the world. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and provides half ofall the fish consumed across Cambodia! During the monsoon season Tonle Sap Lake does something quite astonishing when it can more than quadruple in size!Tonle Sap Lake is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve given the nature there, and is connected to the Mekong by the Tonle Sap River. Watching the sunset over the Lake with water as far as the eye can see on a warm Cambodian evening is one of the best things to do in Siem Reap!In the waterways around Tonle Sap Lake there are an abundance of settlements which house the families who fish on Tonle Sap Lake, such as the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Kompong Phluk is full of wonky stilted wooden homes, schools and temples, and offers the opportunity to see a unique way of Cambodian life!You can visit beautiful Tonle Sap Lake year-round but it is particularly spectacular when the water levels are at their highest. The rainy season lasts from May to October, during which time the lake will be bursting with water and the nearby mangrove forests are flooded! The best way to visit Tonle Sap Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in the world, is to take a day trip from Siem Reap, which will usually include a stop in one of the floating villages such as Kompong Phluk.
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Recommended by Carley from Home to Havana
Known for its distinct bright red color, Laguna Colorada is one of the most fascinating lakes in South America, most beautiful lakes in the world, and a popular destination for travelers in Bolivia. Located in the desert-like high plains of southwest Bolivia, getting to Laguna Colorada can be challenging, and is almost always visited by booking a tour through the area in a jeep 4X4.
However, as it is just a few hours away from the famous Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, visiting Laguna Colorada is a popular way to extend a journey to the Salt Flats and experience more of this incredible landscape.
The most popular jeep tours usually last for at least three days, and take travelers all along the Bolivia – Chile border to discover snow-capped mountains, hot springs, colonial mining ghost towns, canyons, and other colorful lakes, including the blue-green Laguna Verde.
Plus, Laguna Colorada is also known as being one of the few beautiful places in the world to see the Andean Flamingos that live here and have a distinct bright pink color from consuming the lake’s algae.
Quilotoa Crater Lake, Ecuador
Recommended by Carley from Home to Havana
An enormous crater lake high in the Andes mountains, Quilotoa Crater Lake is a breathtaking destination in Ecuador, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and well known as one of the wonders of South America. This extinct volcano erupted in a massive explosion centuries ago, causing the cone to collapse inward and the crater to fill with water.
Visitors with shorter itineraries can do the popular Quilotoa Crater Hike, including the hike into the crater and down to the lake, or around the crater’s rim. While both hikes are relatively easy, you’re at such high altitude here in the middle of the Andes that you’ll need time to catch your breath with every few yards. Visitors aren’t allowed to swim in the lake, but can rent kayaks at the bottom of the crater, or camp near the water overnight.
The crater at Quilotoa is also the start of the multi-day Quilotoa Loop trek, one of South Americas best treks that takes you through the mountains and visiting remote indigenous villages along the way.
The best way to visit Quilotoa in a short itinerary is by taking a day tour from Quito, but the experience is best enjoyed by spending at least one night here. Buses leave frequently from the nearby city of Latacunga, and from there travelers can continue on to Quito or south to Baños.
Lake Nasser, Egypt
Recommended by Nicole, author of the Natural Beauty Travel Series published at Camping for Women
Located well to the south in a country known for its amazing history, Lake Nasser looks just gorgeous set against the surrounding desert. The famous River Nile runs through this beautiful lake, continually renewing the freshwater year-round keeping a decent water quality and the color a lovely clear blue.
This is not a small lake either. While appreciated for its natural beauty, Lake Nasser is in fact one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. As one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it covers a total surface area of 5,250 km² (or 2,030 mi²), it is 479 km (298 mi) long and 16 km (9.9 mi) across at its widest point.
Boats are available for hire to enjoy gliding across the calm waters here and many visitors to the northern part of lake visit Agilkia Island (also called Agilika Island). This island is home to the impressive Ancient Egyptian temple complex of Philae, built to honor the Egyptian goddess Isis.
To the south, close to the Sudanese border, the shores of the lake are home to the famous Abu Simbel, the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids. The southern tip of the lake itself crosses the border of Sudan, where it has been referred to as Lake Nubia.
Visiting here can be done at any time but the more pleasant months of January-March (their winter) avoids the worst of the Sahara’s sun.
Lake Hallstatt, Austria
Recommended by Jürgen and Martina from Places of Juma
Lake Hallstatt is probably one of the most famous places in the Alps and certainly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and spots to visit in Austria. Located in a breathtaking setting with the imposing high mountains in the background and the lovely village Hallstatt, this black lake is a real magnet for visitors. Tourists from all over the world come here to experience this one in your lifetime scenery, which is normally only known from Instagram pictures.
Having a boat ride on this lake, you will discover many lovely highlights. One of the most important places to visit is Hallstatt town with its the historic market square, where a wonderful Christmas market takes place in winter and which is decorated with countless colorful flowers in summer.
Also interesting is a visit to the Bone House, up by the cemetery, which houses a collection of 600 brightly painted skull bones. If you love photography, you should definitely also visit the Hallstatt Viewpoint where the best pictures are taken.
Also worth seeing are the Salzwelten, an interactive museum on the mountain with breathtaking views over Lake Hallstatt. Or you visit the Dachstein-Krippenstein Mountain with the 5-Finger-Skywalk, from which you can enjoy the most incredible view of Lake Hallstatt!
Moraine Lake, Canada
Recommended by Emma from Forever Lost in Travel
Every year many people vie to see Moraine Lake up close, arguably one of the most mesmerizingly beautiful blue lakes in the Canadian Rockies and most beautiful lakes in the world. Due to its popularity leave at least a couple of opportunities to see it in case you can’t get a parking spot the first time.
The road to Moraine Lake is off the main road to nearby Lake Louise and is typically only open June through late September. Even then, if the lake’s parking lot is full they simply close the road. Arrive very early in the morning or later in the afternoon when many people are leaving.
The best viewing point is a short distance from the parking lot up a well-maintained rock pile that has been formed into a picture-perfect lookout spot. Spend longer here by renting a canoe or hiking one of the many trails that start around Moraine Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in Canada.
Killarney Lakes, Ireland
Recommended by Cath from Travel Around Ireland
Some of the most beautiful lakes in the world are the Killarney Lakes. Situated near Killarney, in County Kerry in the south west corner of Ireland, these lakes form a large part of the Killarney National Park.
There are three lakes in this set; the Upper Lake, Muckross Lake which is the middle and Lough Leane which is the lower lake. They are connected by small channels and are among the best things to do in Killarney. They are surrounded by the rugged slopes of Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and are a must-visit.
The lakes are a beautiful place to visit and there are many things to do on the lakes and in the surrounding areas. Lough Leane has several islands including Innisfallen where you can visit a ruined abbey. Ross Castle also sits on the shore of this lake.
You can also combine a visit to the Gap of Dunloe with these beautiful lakes. Visit the Gap via coach, take a pony and trap to the top of the Gap and from there you can take a boat ride back through the lakes towards Killarney.
The Killarney lakes are a must-visit if you are in this corner of Ireland.
Lake Orestiada, Greece
Recommended by Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas
Lake Orestiada in Northern Greece is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and in Europe. Today it covers an area of 28 km², but in ancient times, was known as Lake Miocene and covered 164km².
The pretty lake has an average depth of 4.5 meters and at the deepest point is ten meters. The town of Kastoria stands on a promontory on the west bank of the lake. On the east bank, the ruins of the Neolithic settlement of Dispilio can be seen.
The beautiful lake is rich in avifauna. 200 different species have been recorded there and many overwinter on the lake. Mute swans, ducks, herons, and pelicans can often be seen.
The lake is rich in fish too, with 14 species. There is a path around the lake that is 34 kilometers in length, so best tackled by bike. The popular way to enjoy the lake is on one of the boat trips.
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the most beautiful lakes in the world is Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. Nestled in the central Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in the country. Its irregular shape – with numerous bends, turns, and arms – makes its coastlines breathtaking.
There are plenty of things to do in Lucerne near the lake as well. You can take a train ride up Rigi mountain for a birds-eye view of the lake and city! Be sure to check out Rigi’s website and webcams to check for visibility so you don’t waste your time and money. Kapellbrucke, or Chapel Bridge, in the center of Lucerne is a great place to start exploring the city.
As you walk across one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe, be sure to look up! There are paintings with scenes from Swiss history throughout the bridge. Lucerne is incredibly walkable – so walk around town and try some fondue from Pfistern, or indulge your sweet tooth at Max Chocolatier.
Lake Lucerne is a breathtaking lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, featuring a number of traditional Swiss experiences for every traveler.
Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan
Recommended by Michelle from Wander Eat Write
Lake Kawaguchiko, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is where many of Japan’s iconic landscapes are photographed, namely Mt. Fuji. It’s a popular destination for both locals and expats living in Japan alike. The area around the lake is known for its hot springs, breathtaking views of the country’s trademark mountain, and seasonal foliage.
The best times to visit Lake Kawaguchiko are either in the spring during cherry blossom season or fall when the leaves turn into shades of red and orange. There’s also seasonal flower fields around Oishi Park where you can get great pictures with Mt. Fuji in the background. If you happen to miss the main spring and autumn seasons, you can catch the lavender blooming in the field in early summer.
Lake Kawaguchiko itself has a perimeter of about 12 miles with many locals taking advantage of the pedestrian walking trail for viewing Mt. Fuji while getting some exercise. The most popular area of the lake is the northern end as it offers the best view of Mt. Fuji from the ground. For a different perspective, take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up nearby Mt. Tenjo where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the area.
Joffree Lakes, Canada
Recommended by Rachael from A City Girl Outside
Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in Whistler and all of British Columbia, Canada. This group of three stunningly blue glacial lakes is located around 3 hours from Vancouver and frequented by locals and tourists alike every summer. The hike in total is 8 km long with an elevation gain of 490 meters. To do Joffre Lakes as a day hike would take on average 6 hours there and back depending on fitness level.
The first beautiful lake is a mere 5-minute walk from the main parking lot. While the bottom lake is beautiful in it’s own right, it is the middle and upper Joffre lakes that will blow you away. The hike to the middle lake starts with a gradual climb and gets steeper as you get closer to it. Once you arrive at the second lake you’ll be greeted by bright turquoise water glistening in the sun surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This is where you’ll find the famous “log” that so many people get photographed on.
Getting to the second scenic lake is most of the hard work done. The third lake is just a 30-minute hike and just as bright and blue as the second. This lake is somewhat quieter as it doesn’t have the same “Insta” potential as the first.
The best time to visit Joffre Lakes, some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is in between June and September. The appeal of this lake is no doubt it’s pristine and bold colors, and in the winter months Joffre freezes over. While it is possible to visit in the winter, you will need micro spikes or crampons and have a fair bit of hiking and backcountry experience.
There are a few things you’ll need to know before heading out to Joffre Lakes. There is no cell service at Joffre Lakes and there isn’t any services in either direction for at least an hour. Always remember to bring your 10 hiking essentials. There is very little shade on the trail so ensure you bring more than enough water. Always implement leave no trace (LNT) principles and pack out whatever you pack in.
Camping is available at Joffre Lakes but spots must be reserved in advance and as this is a popular provincial park I would recommend booking your spot as soon as you can. You will also have to carry all your overnight gear to the campground so again ensure that you have the fitness ability in order to do this.
Lake Tahoe, USA
Recommended by Dhara from Roadtripping California
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and ideal for all types of travelers, from couples looking for a romantic getaway to families seeking a fun vacation and solo travelers wanting a peaceful retreat into nature.
The alpine freshwater Lake Tahoe is set in the midst of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and features beautiful scenery. Visitors can cruise the lake, go kayaking or canoeing, hike trails along the shore, do the scenic drive around the lake, and photograph beautiful landscapes. In winter, the lake doesn’t freeze, so you can still cruise or canoe Lake Tahoe…just remember to bundle up.
While you can visit Lake Tahoe year round, summer and fall are ideal for hiking, swimming, and other water pursuits. Visit in the winter if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
If you are wondering where to stay in Lake Tahoe, there are many hotels and resorts around the lake, or you can pick one of the charming cabins around the lake for a true mountain lake getaway experience.
Mount Ijen Lake, Indonesia
Recommended by Emma from Chasing Wow Moments
Mount Ijen is an active volcano in Eastern Java, Indonesia. What makes this volcano special is the dashing blue lake inside the crater, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. In fact, it is the largest highly acidic lake in the world! What makes it even more special is the fact that a chemical reaction between the acidic lake and the sulphuric fumes creates blue flames you can see at night!
To see this lake you’ll need to hike up the volcano, which takes about an hour and a half. Its size and its beauty from the rim will take your breath away. You can also choose to go down the crater to get even closer to the lake, but remember to be very careful: the path can be slippery at times.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, and if at all possible try to go during the low tourist season. Most tourists go there to see the blue fire, so if you only want to see the lake go after sunrise to avoid the crowds.
Remember to not disturb the Sulphur miners who work hard in the volcano. Make sure to also wear warm clothes and bring a water bottle and some snacks!
If you’d like to know more, check out this complete guide for everything you need to know before visiting Mount Ijen.
Fuente de Piedra, Spain
Recommended by Joanna from Andalucia in my Pocket
One of the most beautiful lakes in the South of Spain for bird lovers in the lagoon from Fuente de Piedra. Located close to Antequera, Fuente de Piedra is one of the preferred nesting places of the pink flamingo. Therefore, starting in February, when the weather starts warming up, over 30,000 pink birds come here to breed. The best time to visit Fuente de Piedra, if you want to see flamingo chicks, is between the end of April and the beginning of May.
Fuente de Piedra, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is also the home of over 170 different species of birds, some residents, some coming and going depending on the season. The lagoon at Fuente de Piedra is a temporary saltwater lake which dries out in summer, when the high temperatures cause the water to evaporate. This is when the flamingos leave, together with their now grown chicks who have learned how to fly, migrating towards Africa.
Fuente de Piedra makes a fantastic day trip from either Antequera or Malaga. There is not much to do in the area other than just relax whilst trying to spot as many birds as possible. The visitors center organizes every day bird spotting tours which can be booked online on their website.
Lake Manyara, Tanzania
Recommended by Joanna from The World in my Pocket
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the prettiest lake destinations included very often on a budget safari in Tanzania itinerary. The national park is famous for the lions who have made a habit of climbing and sleeping on tree branches. There are however so many other fantastic animals which can be seen roaming in the wild, during a safari. Among them are elephants, baboons, monkeys, giraffes, hippos, leopards and buffalos.
Easy to reach in just two hours from Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park can be explored on a day trip safari but also as part of a multi-day one. Because the beautiful lake is quite shallow, its shores are a great place for bird watching. Some of the most popular birds here are the pink flamingo, the pelican and the kingfisher.
What makes Lake Manyara special is the amount of safari activities that can be done here. Besides the classic game drives, visitors can also enjoy forest walks, kayaking on the lake when the water is deep enough, cycling along the shore, but also cultural visits to the local villages.
Abraham Lake, Canada
Recommended by Kat from Endless Wonder
Abraham Lake is a stunning lake located just off the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. Locals and visitors flock to Abraham Lake each winter to see a stunning and unique phenomenon – methane bubbles that are frozen in time through different layers of the ice. This unique occurrence is what makes Abraham Lake one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
The best time to see the frozen bubbles is the month of February. By this time the lake has had ample time to freeze and the bubbles are at their best. Visitors can expect to spend time taking photos and exploring the lake, and if it’s not too windy, ice skating is a popular activity to do here as well.
Canada gets cold in the wintertime and temperatures are known to fluctuate, therefore dressing warmly is a must. Visitors to the lake should come prepared in warm clothes or have extra layers to put on, as Abraham Lake is notorious for being a windy location.
Abraham Lake, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is a must for any travel bucket list; you won’t be disappointed by your visit!
Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan
Recommended by Disha from Disha Discovers
There are so many beautiful lakes in the world and Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan is one of them. It can easily be visited in a half-day trip from Almaty, the capital city.Located in Ili-Alatau National Park, this alpine lake is nestled between the mountains and is a beautiful teal and baby blue color. Behind the lake are three mountain peaks forming the perfect backdrop. Also, the lake is 2511 meters above sea level.An important thing to note is that you can’t swim in it because it’s the primary source of water for people who live in Almaty. There are, however, plenty of hiking opportunities. Be mindful of the routes that are closed off when hiking because you don’t accidentally want to cross over into Kyrgyzstan.The best time to visit Big Almaty Lake is between September and October because that’s when the water will be the brightest colored turquoise. The lake has more of a milky blue tint to it at other times of the year. Also, visiting the lake is free of charge but you do have to pay a small fee to enter the national park.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Recommended by Julie from The Cure for Curiosity
You’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new world when you arrive at Inle Lake in Myanmar. Famous for its floating villages and gardens, Inle Lake is home to communities that live entirely on the water.
While the lake is extremely picturesque, nestled in a valley between two mountain ranges, the real beauty of Inle Lake, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, lays in its unique style of life. You’ll encounter whole villages of tiny wooden houses propped up on stilts above the water as well as a number of stunning pagodas and traditional craftsmen sprinkled throughout the lake.
There are also plenty of things to do in Inle Lake. Take a boat trip around the lake to get a feel for life on the water, then rent bikes to explore the surrounding areas and the Red Mountain Winery. Don’t miss catching sunset from the middle of the lake where you can admire the fishermen with their distinct style of rowing where they wrap their leg around the oar. You’ll be impressed at what this amazing lake has to offer!
Dove Lake, Tasmania, Australia
Recommended by Amanda from Bucket List Seekers
One of the most famous places to visit in Tasmania, Australia is Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park. In fact, it’s the reason why many visitors make the trek to Australia’s most southern state to see one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Nestled in a crater at the foot of the Cradle Mountain range, Dove Lake is a reflective glacial lake surrounded by one of Australia’s most National Parks. The area is known for its unique biodiversity and is home to some of Australia’s most primitive species of wildlife including wombats, wallabies, Tassie Devils, possums and more.
The mountains around Dove Lake offer breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding National Park, so it’s no surprise that Dove Lake is one of the most popular places to visit on a Tasmania road trip.
The Dove Lake Circuit walking track is one of the easiest and most accessible walking tracks in Cradle Mountain National Park. A man-made track that circles the entire perimeter of Dove Lake, made mostly of boardwalk, so as not to disturb the surrounding ground cover. The 6 km circuit track includes views of Cradle Mountain, Glacier Rock, lakeside beaches, ancient forest, and a cute little boat shed. The circuit walk takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
There are also a number of more challenging hiking trails in Cradle Mountain National Park that offer amazing viewpoints overlooking Dove Lake. Some favorites include Marion’s Lookout (3 hours return), Hanson’s Peak (3.5 hours return) or Cradle Mountain Summit hike (13 km, 8-10 hours).
The best time of year to visit Cradle Mountain National Park is during the warmer months (November through April) when Tasmania experiences longer days and weather conditions are generally perfect for hiking. The shoulder seasons offer spectacular scenes of colorful foliage, wild flowers and plenty of animal activity. Dove Lake is located in an alpine environment and the weather can change dramatically at anytime of year, so it pays to be prepared.
Lake McKenzie, Australia
Recommended by Pauline from BeeLoved City
Lake McKenzie is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and is located in the heart of Fraser Island, Queensland.
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. You can only access it with a 4WD. From the ferry terminal, you will need to drive inland on a sand road to get to Lake McKenzie. Once you arrive, you will find a carpark and a path going down to the lake.
Lake McKenzie is very unique and as soon as you will reach these last steps, you will be struck by the beauty of the place. Firstly, the sand on the beach is incredibly white and soft. It’s made of silica which is quartz powder. It’s so soft that you can use it as a natural scrub!
The water in this beautiful lake is just as pretty, incredibly blue. As a matter of fact, it’s almost transparent near the beach but the closer you get to the center, the darker it gets. It’s very rare to see a lake with a beach and water so clear. That’s something you would expect to see on a Caribbean island!
The only amenities you will find at Lake McKenzie are picnic tables and a toilet block near the car park. Make sure to take everything you need with you as you won’t be able to get anything there.
That having been said, under no circumstances should you be taking food with you. Fraser Island is home to numerous dingoes and carrying food could get you in trouble. The best way to deal with this is to keep the food in your vehicle and to use the barbecues in the car park.
Kandol Lake, Pakistan
Recommended by Samantha from International Detours
Kandol Lake in Swat Valley, Pakistan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The bright blue body of water is one of the region’s largest alpine lakes and sits at an altitude of just under 10,000 feet.
Kandol Lake is located in Laddu Valley which is closest to the picturesque Utor Village. On the way to the lake, you’ll find lush fairytale forests, unadulterated mountain views, and even wild horses and wandering cows. Though a jeep track has now made the lake more accessible, it is still quite remote and is best reached via a moderate but short hike.
If you choose to hike to Kandol, expect your trek to take about 2 hours. The jeep ride is much shorter -about 30 minutes- but extremely bumpy and uncomfortable. For those who want to fully appreciate the beauty of Kandol, be sure to bring your own tent to enjoy it at sunrise and sunset!
Due to its high-altitude, Swat Valley becomes extremely cold during winters and as such, the best time to visit is between May-September, though you could still catch some warm days during April and October too.
Though Utror is the closest village to Kandol, the town of Kalam, which is about 18 km away, is the best place to stay as it has dozens of comfortable hotels and restaurants. To reach the lake from Kalam, you can either attempt to hitchhike (very easy to do in Pakistan) or hire a driver for the day, which costs around $20 USD.
Love all the lakes on this list, I enjoyed reading it
Gokyo Lake with everest base camp is one of the beautiful place to explore