Town or village · 72 m
Biratnagar
The capital of Koshi Province and Nepal's historic industrial city, near the border with Bihar.
Chitwan & Teraiराजारानी पोखरी
Raja Rani Lake
A forest-ringed lake in the Chure hills of northern Morang, popular with families and birdwatchers.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Oct-Mar
- Type
- Lake
- District
- Morang, Koshi
- Permit
- None needed
Why go
Raja Rani is a lake set in the forested hills at the northern edge of Morang district, above the plains of the eastern Terai. Wooded slopes come down to the water's edge, and the setting feels far from the busy highway towns, though it is only a short drive from them.
The lake is a favourite outing for families and groups from Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan and the surrounding towns, especially at weekends and during festival holidays. Visitors walk the shore paths, take boats out on the water where they are available, and picnic under the trees. Birdlife around the lake and in the forest attracts birdwatchers, particularly in the cooler months.
Facilities are simple and largely run by local community groups. On weekdays outside the holidays the lake is quiet, and an early morning visit is the best time for birds and calm water.
Raja Rani combines well with Biratnagar and the Betana wetland for a day exploring Morang beyond the city. The drive gives a view of the change from flat farmland to the first wooded ridges of the Chure range.
History and culture
The name means 'King and Queen', and local stories explain it through a legend of a royal couple linked to the lake; versions differ, and the area's indigenous Dhimal and Kirat communities have their own traditions associated with the site. The lake is treated as sacred, and small shrines stand nearby.
Community forest user groups and local government have developed the lake for domestic tourism in recent decades, with paths, viewpoints and picnic areas, while trying to protect the surrounding forest from degradation.
Things to do in Raja Rani Lake
Shore walk
Walk the paths around the lake and through the surrounding forest.
Birdwatching
Visit early in the morning in the cooler months to look for forest and water birds.
Boating
Take a boat out on the lake where the local committee runs them.
Weather and the best time to visit Raja Rani Lake
Weather in Raja Rani Lake
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar
- Good month: Jan
- Good month: Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are dry and pleasantly warm after the monsoon, and Dashain, Tihar and Chhath bring festival life to the towns.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is mild by day, but dense morning fog is common and nights can feel cold.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March is comfortable; by April and May the plains are hot and humid.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is hot, humid and wet, with local flooding in low-lying areas.
Where to stay
HomestaysHotels
Most visitors come on a day trip from Biratnagar, Itahari or Dharan; homestays may be available in nearby villages.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Raja Rani is reached by road from the Mahendra Highway towns of Morang, with the last stretch on a local road into the hills.
Nearest hub: Biratnagar
- roadFrom Biratnagar or Itahari, drive to the Mahendra Highway and north on local roads to the lake; a private vehicle is the easiest option.
- flightFly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, the nearest airport.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is required. A small local entry or boating fee may be charged by the managing committee.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Raja Rani Lake
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Heatmoderate in a typical yearApr-Jun
Late spring and early summer in the eastern Terai are hot and humid, with midday heat that makes walking and sightseeing tiring.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain can damage the local road into the hills and make forest paths slippery.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
- Take rubbish away with you; the lake is a sacred site and a community-protected forest.
- Wear insect repellent in the warmer months.
Questions about Raja Rani Lake
Where is Raja Rani lake?
In the forested hills of northern Morang district, a short drive from the Mahendra Highway.
Can I visit as a day trip from Biratnagar?
Yes, it is a common half-day or day trip by private vehicle.
Is there boating?
Boats are often available, run by the local committee; check on arrival.
Nearby
Lake
Betana Wetland
A community-managed pond and wetland beside the East-West Highway at Belbari, used for picnics and birdwatching.
Town or village · 310 m
Dharan
A lively foothill city where the plains meet the Mahabharat hills, with hilltop temples, Gurkha heritage and the road up to Bhedetar.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Morang District, Wikipedia, Biratnagar, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board