I’m Rujan, a licensed trekking guide living in Kathmandu. Many of the high lakes of Nepal are holy. Pilgrims walk days to reach them, often barefoot, and some lakes fill with people for one night each year. Knowing why makes the walk to them richer.
The lakes
- Gosainkunda, about 4,380 m, in Langtang National Park. Holy to Shiva: legend says he made the lake with his trident to cool his throat after drinking poison. At Janai Purnima, the full moon of August, thousands of pilgrims come.
- Dudh Kunda, about 4,560 m, in Solu below Numbur. The Milk Lake, holy to Sherpa and Hindu pilgrims, also visited at Janai Purnima.
- Panch Pokhari, about 4,100 m, in Sindhupalchok. Five lakes, a pilgrimage at Janai Purnima, and a quiet trek the rest of the year.
- Tilicho, about 4,920 m, above Manang. Hindus link it with the sage Kak Bhusundi; it is one of the highest large lakes in the world.
- Damodar Kunda, about 4,890 m, in the far north of Mustang. A remote Hindu pilgrimage, in a restricted area.
- Phoksundo, about 3,610 m, in Dolpo. Deep turquoise, holy to the Bon and Buddhist villages around it.
Visiting with respect
- Do not swim, wash or throw anything in the water, unless you are joining the pilgrims’ own rituals.
- Walk around shrines and chortens clockwise.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer.
- Carry your rubbish down: see Leave No Trace on the trail.
The festival nights
Janai Purnima falls in the monsoon, so the trails are wet and crowded; lodges fill up. It is a powerful thing to see, but plan it well. See festivals and the trekking calendar.
If you are not sure which suits you, write to me and tell me what you hope for. I will say honestly.
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Sources
- Wikipedia: Gosaikunda en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia: Shey Phoksundo Lake en.wikipedia.org
