Dolpa’s newfound lake likely to be world’s highest

By Bishnu Prasad Devkota, Dolpa, Sept. 15:A newly-discovered lake in Dolpa district is likely to be the world’s highest lake. 

The lake, named ‘Pangbhor Lake’, was spotted by the youths of Chharka in Charkbhot, a remote human settlement nestled within Charktangsong Rural Municipality-1. 

To identify this, youths of Charka conducted a four-day survey in the area, revealing that the lake is indeed the ‘highest-known’ lake to date. Karma Dhendup Gurung, the Chairperson of Charka Youth Club, reported that the Pangbhor Lake is situated at an elevation of 5,550.9 metres above sea level.

On August 30, Charka’s youths and teachers embarked on a four-day GPS survey of the lake, finally establishing it as the highest-known lake to date. As new lakes continue to be discovered one after another, Dolpa has solidified its reputation as the ‘district of lakes.’

Gurung noted that advances in information technology and a renewed emphasis on research and promotion have revealed hidden tourist spots. The local community has been actively involved in uncovering these hidden gems. Just days ago, another new lake was discovered at an altitude of 5,190 metres in the district.”

Earlier, local residents identified Kunkhien Falak Lake as a recent discovery located in the Falgaun Mountains of Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality-6, sitting at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level. However, the youth of Charkabhot are amazed by the breathtaking beauty of Pangbhor Lake, situated on the border between Tibet and Dolpa, and find it hard to put into words.

According to Gurung, “The discovery did not stop there. They also found four other lakes in the vicinity. Two of these additional lakes were surveyed, with GPS-certified data, confirming elevations of 5,338.5 metres and 5,513.4 metres.”

Gurung shared that efforts are underway to officially recognise all these newly discovered lakes, with the local government taking the initiative and coordinating with the federal government to complete the necessary processes. 

Chief District Officer Bhumishwar Pokharel, however, stated that he has not received any written or verbal information regarding the discovery of Pangbhor Lake in Charkatangsong Rural Municipality.

However, he emphasised that the local government will proactively initiate verification, awaiting written evidence along with photographic or video documentation confirming the existence of the lake.

The lake is situated in the Charkabhot area, recognised as the highest human settlement globally. According to official government verification, Tilicho Lake, located in the Annapurna region of Manang, holds the distinction of being the highest lake, with an elevation of 4,919 meters above sea level.

Pangbhor Lake spans four kilometres in length, with a width of two kilometres and a depth of two hundred metres.