Boating · Chitlang
Kulekhani Reservoir (Indra Sarovar)
A calm hydropower lake near Chitlang and Markhu, popular for boating beneath forested ridges.
Kulekhani reservoir — better known as Indra Sarovar — is the calm, scenic lake that pairs naturally with a stay in Chitlang. Created by Nepal's first major storage hydropower scheme, the reservoir fills a valley in the forested hills of Makwanpur and has become a relaxed spot for boating and lakeside afternoons within easy reach of the capital.
Boating and the lake
Small boats operate from the shore, mostly around the village of Markhu, offering quiet trips across glassy water beneath wooded ridges. This is gentle, low-key boating rather than a watersports centre — the appeal is the stillness, the reflections and the green surroundings. The lakeside is also known for simple eateries serving fresh fish.
A working reservoir
Kulekhani is not a natural lake but a storage reservoir, central to Nepal's energy history as the country's first major hydropower scheme of its type. Water held behind the dam drives turbines downstream, and the level rises and falls through the year with rainfall and power demand — highest after the monsoon and lower through the dry winter and spring. This gives the shoreline a changeable character, and it is part of what makes the lake feel quietly different from Nepal's better-known natural lakes.
Pairing it with Chitlang
The reservoir is a short drive from the Chitlang valley toward Markhu, making it the obvious half-day outing from a homestay base. Many visitors also pass the lake on the way in or out, as the road via Kulekhani is one of the routes connecting Chitlang with the Tribhuvan Highway. Pair a morning on the salt-trade trail with an afternoon boat trip and lakeside lunch for a well-rounded day, and let your homestay hosts arrange the vehicle and timings.
Good to know
- Bring cash for boat hire and lakeside meals; there are no ATMs nearby.
- It can be breezy on the water — carry a light layer and sun protection.
- The lake is busiest with domestic visitors at weekends and holidays; weekdays are far quieter.
- Skies and water are clearest in autumn and winter, after the monsoon clouds clear.
Arrange transport through the community homestays and read how to get to Chitlang to plan the routing. To compare it with other waters, see our guides to the best lakes in Nepal and the lakes of Nepal.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kulekhani reservoir?+
Kulekhani, also called Indra Sarovar, is a large reservoir created by Nepal's first major storage hydropower scheme in Makwanpur. It sits in forested hills near Chitlang and Markhu and is a popular spot for boating and lakeside relaxation.
Can you go boating on Kulekhani?+
Yes — small boats operate from the lakeside, mainly around Markhu village, offering calm trips across the reservoir beneath wooded ridges. It is a relaxed, scenic outing rather than a watersports hub.
How do you get to Kulekhani from Chitlang?+
It is a short drive from Chitlang valley toward Markhu and the lake shore. Most visitors arrange a vehicle through their homestay, or combine the lake with the drive in or out via the Tribhuvan Highway and Kulekhani route.
Is Kulekhani worth visiting?+
Yes, especially as an easy add-on to a Chitlang stay — the calm water, green hills and quiet boat trips make a pleasant half-day, and the lakeside village of Markhu has simple places to eat fresh fish.
