Sightseeing · Kathmandu
Taudaha Lake
A serene sacred pond south of the city — home to the legendary serpent king Karkotaka and a winter haven for migratory birds.
- Address
- Taudaha, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Valley
Taudaha is a small, still lake on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, wrapped in one of Nepal's oldest legends. When Manjushri cut the Chobar gorge to drain the great valley lake, the story goes, he spared this pond as a refuge for the serpent king Karkotaka and his nagas. Locals say treasure lies beneath the water — which is why, for centuries, no one has fished it. The result is a serene, almost untouched corner just minutes from the city.
The short answer
Drive 30 to 40 minutes south of central Kathmandu, past the Chobar gorge, to reach Taudaha. Walk the path around the shore, watch for migratory birds in winter, and stop at a tea stall by the water. It is a short, gentle visit best paired with Chobar for a half-day escape from the noise of the city.
What to expect
The lake is small and calm, fringed by reeds, fields and low hills. A walking track loops the shore past small shrines and shaded benches. In the cooler months, flocks of migratory ducks and waterfowl settle here, making it a favorite of Kathmandu's birdwatchers. On weekends, valley families come to picnic and unwind, but on a weekday morning you may have the place almost to yourself.
Good to know
- Getting there: 30 to 40 minutes by taxi south of the city, near Kirtipur.
- Entry: Small local entry or parking charge in rupees.
- Best time: Winter mornings for migratory birds and clear reflections.
- Combine with: Chobar gorge and Jal Binayak temple, just to the north.
- Etiquette: No swimming or fishing; respect the lake's sacred status.
How it fits your trip
Taudaha is the perfect counterpoint to Kathmandu's intense temple-and-market days — a place to slow down, breathe and watch the water. Loop it together with the Chobar gorge for myth and scenery, or compare it with the leafy riverside calm of the Gokarna Mahadev Temple across the valley. For more ideas like these, see the best Kathmandu Valley day trips and the full collection of Kathmandu Valley hidden gems.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the legend of Taudaha Lake?+
When the bodhisattva Manjushri drained the Kathmandu Valley lake at nearby Chobar, he is said to have left Taudaha as a home for the serpent king Karkotaka and the nagas. Locals believe great treasures lie beneath its surface, which is why the lake has never been fished or disturbed.
Can you see birds at Taudaha?+
Yes. Taudaha is one of the easiest birdwatching spots near Kathmandu, especially in winter when migratory ducks and waterfowl stop here. Bring binoculars in the cooler months for the best chance of spotting visiting species on the water.
How far is Taudaha from Kathmandu?+
Taudaha sits just south of the Chobar gorge, about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from central Kathmandu near Kirtipur. It is small and easily combined with Chobar gorge and the Jal Binayak temple for a relaxed half-day trip out of the city.
Is there an entry fee at Taudaha?+
There is a small local entry or parking charge at the lakeside, payable in rupees. Simple tea stalls and snack vendors operate around the shore, and the lake is a popular weekend picnic and relaxation spot for valley residents.
Is fishing or swimming allowed at Taudaha?+
No. Because of its sacred status and the naga legend, fishing and swimming are not permitted. The lake is for quiet visits, walks around the shore and birdwatching rather than water activities, which keeps it peaceful and undisturbed.
