Phewa Lake, Phewa Tal or Fewa Lake (Nepali: फेवा ताल, [ˈpʰewa tal]) is a freshwater lake in Nepal formerly called Baidam Tal located in the south of the Pokhara Valley that includes Pokhara city; parts of Sarangkot and Kaskikot. The lake is stream-fed but a dam regulates the water reserves, therefore, the lake is classified as semi-natural freshwater lake.[1] It is the second largest lake in Nepal; the largest in Gandaki Province after the Rara lake in the comparison to Nepal's water bodies.[2] It is the most popular and most visited lake of Nepal. Phewa lake is located at an altitude of 742 m (2,434 ft) and covers an area of about 4.43 km2 (1.7 sq mi).[3] It has an average depth of about 8.6 m (28 ft) and a maximum depth of 24 m (79 ft).[4] Maximum water capacity of the lake is approximately 43,000,000 cubic metres (35,000 acre⋅ft).[5] The Annapurna range on the north is only about 28 km (linear distance) away[6] from the lake. The lake is also famous for the reflection of mount Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on its surface.[7] The Tal Barahi Temple is situated on an island in the lake.[8] It is located 4 km from the city's centre Chipledhunga.
Phewa Lake | |
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Phewa Tal, Baidam Tal | |
Phewa Lake Location in Nepal | |
Location | Kaski |
Coordinates | 28°12′51″N 83°56′50″E |
Lake type | Freshwater |
Native name | फेवा ताल (Nepali) |
Primary inflows | Harpan, Adheri khola & Phirke Khola |
Catchment area | 122.53 km2 (47.31 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Nepal |
Max. length | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
Max. width | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
Surface area | 5.7260 km2 (2.2 sq mi) |
Average depth | 8.6 m (28 ft) |
Max. depth | 24 m (79 ft) |
Water volume | 0.046 km3 (0.011 cu mi) |
Surface elevation | 742 m (2,434 ft) |
Frozen | Does not freeze |
Islands | Tal Barahi (तालबाराही), Temple |
Settlements | Pokhara, Sarangkot, Kaskikot, Dhikurpokhari |
An analysis of lake sediments reveals its age to be BC 12640 - 12025. However Phewa lake is regarded to be formed during circa 13000 BC.[9]
Phewa lake and water sports is one of the major tourist attraction of Pokhara city and the north shore of the lake has developed into a tourist district, commonly called Lakeside, with hotels, restaurants and bars catering to the tourists.[10] The water from Phewa lake's outlet is used to generate electricity. The Phewa Power House is located about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the southern part of the Phewa lake.[11] A part of the lake is also used as commercial caged fisheries.[12]
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Lakes |
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Hydrography of surrounding areas |
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Authority control |
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