In celebration of World Lake Day, we’ve gathered some of the most awe-inspiring lakes that KE travellers have the privilege of experiencing on our adventures. From hidden gems tucked deep in remote mountain valleys to iconic, world-famous waters that take your breath away at first sight, these lakes showcase nature at its most spectacular. Whether reached after days of trekking or sitting at the heart of a scenic trail, each one offers unforgettable moments and will generate some serious wanderlust. Here’s our roundup of some of the most stunning lakes you can discover on a KE adventure.

There is no shortage of beautiful lakes in the remote wilderness of Patagonia, yet Lake Nordenskjöld stands as one of Patagonia's most breathtaking lakes, where waters reflect the granite spires. The lake is named after Otto Nordenskjöld, the Finnish-Swedish geologist who discovered this spectacular lake during his early 20th-century Patagonian expeditions. On the Patagonia - The Classic Paine Circuit, we view the majestic waterfall known as Salto Grande, pass areas that are rich in local flora and fauna and look out for the South American grey fox. Whether you're a hiker, a photographer or simply a lover of wild places, Lake Nordenskjöld is a breathtaking highlight.

Waking up beside Ala-Kul is an unforgettable moment and possibly the highlight of the Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan adventure. Often described as the most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan, Ala-Kul is surrounded on all sides by high mountain peaks in the Tian Shan mountain range, creating a dramatic amphitheatre that has KE travellers enjoying their breakfast in awe. Its name means “Colourful Lake,” and true to form, its waters shift in hue depending on the light: from emerald green and turquoise to steely grey or even black. Ala-Kul is only accessible via a multi-day trek through wild alpine meadows, glacial rivers and rugged highland terrain. For those willing to take on the adventure, the unforgettable reward is a remote, pristine and beautiful lake.

As you reach the Oberbärgli mountain hut on our Via Alpina Trekking - Meiringen to Lenk walking holiday, the first glimpse of the beautiful Oeschinen Lake is nothing short of breathtaking. In the heart of the Bernese Oberland, southwest Switzerland, this UNESCO World Heritage site has earned its reputation as arguably Switzerland's most spectacular mountain lake - and after decades of adventures through the Alps, we can confidently say it deserves a place on our list. On this self-guided holiday, you can pause for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters or simply take in the scenery before continuing your descent along the Öschibach river to reach Kandersteg (1,174m).

For adventurers seeking an authentic adventure in Nepal beyond the popular regions of Everest Base Camp and Annapurna circuits, the remote Dolpo region offers isolation that is difficult to be replicated. Here, beneath the isolated Kanjiroba massif, lies Phoksundo Lake: a cobalt-blue jewel sitting at 3,612 metres as Nepal's deepest alpine lake.

On the Highlights of Dolpo expedition, we include two nights in sight of this pristine lake, allowing proper time to appreciate its beauty. The experience extends far beyond the lake itself with 20 monasteries along its shores. The lakeside settlement of Ringmo and it's associated monastery is virtually untouched by modern influence, with its flat-roofed stone houses, stuccoed chortens and long walls of prayer-carved mani stones. The cliff-edge trails skirting Phoksundo's western shore also deliver multiple awe-inspiring viewpoints that are not to be missed!

Positioned at 2,352m in the Chamonix Valley, Lac Blanc delivers what many consider the most spectacular mountain reflection in the French Alps. Its sparkling surface reflects the Mont Blanc massif looming in the background and the scenery is so mesmerising it should be on every walker's bucket list. KE travellers can see this on both our Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc and Best of Tour du Mont Blanc walking holidays.

Bex from the KE office recently got back from the Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trip. One of her highlights was Lac Blanc lake, she said, "It left me truly speechless. I had seen many photos online but I still wasn't prepared for its breathtaking beauty. The crystal-clear water, set against the majestic Mont Blanc Massif, is simply spectacular. It's definitely worth stopping at the Lac Blanc refuge for a refreshment and taking some time to soak in those stunning views."

Nestled in northern Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul is one of the world's oldest lakes and Mongolia’s largest: over two million years in the making. In winter, this freshwater body undergoes a breathtaking transformation as it freezes into a vast expanse of ice. The lake’s purity is astonishing; its frozen surface is almost entirely transparent, appearing blue at the lake's edge, green where the sandy bottom is visible and jet-black at its deepest. Surrounding the lake, traditional Mongolian nomadic life thrives with ethnic groups such as the Durkha, Buriat and the reindeer-herding Darkhad (or Tsaatan) preserving age-old customs. For the adventurous the Lake Khuvsgul Dog Sled Adventure offers an unforgettable circumnavigation of the frozen lake with your husky dog team.

Nestled high in Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains sits Rush Lake, the mountain range that marked the beginning of KE over 40 years ago! At 4,694m above sea level, it is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Rarely visited and dramatically perfected on a ridge, this is as remote as it is spectacular. The unique location draws numerous migrating bird species and yaks or dzos (yak-cow crossbreeds). From a viewpoint above the lake, the sensational panorama includes every one of the Hunza peaks, the Hispar La, Snow Lake and the giants of the Central Karakoram including K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums.

It’s a hidden gem, far off-the-beaten path and KE travellers on our Hunza Valley and Rush Lake Trek are among the few lucky to experience its serene beauty up close. With an afternoon free to soak in the surroundings, this high-altitude trek perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and the wonder of wild, untouched lakes.

Amongst the world’s most photographed lakes, Lake Moraine's brilliant glacial blue waters framed by the towering Ten Peaks, create a postcard-perfect scene that feels almost surreal. KE traveller Louise from Perth, who travelled on the Canadian Rockies Highlights comments: “Lake Moraine to me was definitely the most iconic spot in the Rockies, it did not disappoint. The lake’s striking blue colour, set against the backdrop of the Ten Peaks, was something I’ll never forget. We tackled the Larch Valley Trail, which offered sweeping views of the valley and the peaks. Though it was challenging, the golden larches made the effort worthwhile. This hike was outstanding with panoramic views that took my breath away.”

While New Zealand is home to countless stunning blue lakes, Lake Tekapo stands out as one of the country’s most photogenic gems. Its striking turquoise waters are framed by dramatic peaks, with the towering peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook visible in the distance. In late spring and early summer (mid-November to December), the lakeshore bursts into colour as pink, purple and blue lupins bloom in abundance, adding to the lake’s surreal beauty.

Lake Tekapo is set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the premier stargazing destinations in the southern hemisphere. On our Walking New Zealand – North to South Island Explorer, KE travellers enjoy a memorable overnight stay at the remote and exclusive Rex Simpson Hut. Far from light pollution, this is the perfect spot to lie back and take in the night sky including the Magellanic Clouds, two satellite galaxies of the Milky Way visible only from southern hemisphere.

Austria's Salzkammergut region represents one of Europe's most concentrated collections of pristine alpine lakes, boasting no fewer than 70 lakes nestled between dramatic peaks and rolling forested hills. Our Salzburg’s 10 Lakes walking holiday showcases 10 of the most spectacular. From the tranquil waters of Lake Fuschl, surrounded by pine-tree hills to Mondsee Lake that reaches a warm temperature of 27 degrees in summer, it is perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of walking. On this holiday, the experience extends beyond the lakes themselves, as mountain trails connect the historic spa and salt-mining villages of Bad Ischl and the fairy-tale settlement of Hallstatt, where centuries of Alpine culture come alive in its traditional architecture. Be sure to pack your swimwear - taking a dip in these crystal-clear lakes is not just encouraged, it’s an unforgettable part of the adventure!