Kajin Sara contender for world's highest glacial lake

BY YADU PRASAD BHATTA, Manang, Dec. 22: The initial survey of a newly discovered glacial lake, Kajin Sara, in Singarkharka of Chame Rural Municipality-4 in Manang, has drawn national interest, raising the possibility of it being established as the world’s highest-altitude glacial lake.

Based on information provided by local residents and herders, a joint team comprising Chame Rural Municipality, Nepal Police, local representatives and former Chief District Officer Suprabha Khanal Dhungel conducted an initial survey of the lake. The team estimated that the lake’s surface lies at an altitude of approximately 5,200 metres above sea level. According to the team, the lake is situated in an extremely remote, untouched and rugged Himalayan landscape. Despite the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions, high altitude and risky terrain, the preliminary findings have identified Kajin Sara Lake as a significant natural asset not only for Manang but for the country as a whole. However, officials have stated that formal scientific verification of the lake’s altitude, surface area and depth is still pending.

Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality Chairman Konjo Tenzing Lama said that although Narpa Bhumi is officially recognised as Nepal’s highest-altitude rural municipality, it would be premature to draw definitive conclusions about Kajin Sara Lake without an official survey conducted by the Survey Department. Nevertheless, he said the prospect of Kajin Sara being listed among the world’s highest lakes is a source of pride and happiness for all residents of Manang.

Local herders have long reported seeing a distant blue body of water while grazing yaks, sheep and goats on the hills and pastures of the Singarkharka area. Acting on this information, Chame Rural Municipality began exploratory work three years ago, estimating the lake’s length at nearly one kilometre and its width at about 600 meters. Former Chief District Officer Suprabha Khanal Dhungel also conducted an aerial survey of the lake by helicopter. However, data regarding the lake’s depth has not yet been obtained. Preliminary reports describe Kajin Sara as a high-altitude glacial lake formed from glacial melt.

Chame Rural Municipality Chairman Lokendra Bahadur Ghale expressed confidence that Kajin Sara Lake would add a new dimension to Manang’s tourism sector. He said the municipality was preparing long-term plans that prioritise the construction of safe trekking trails, identification of alternative access routes, development of tourist-friendly infrastructure and environmental conservation. Ghale also emphasised that, given the ecological and geographical sensitivity of the area, environmental impact assessments would be mandatory for any planned development.

The area surrounding the lake is of high natural significance, encircled by prominent Himalayan peaks. Manaslu lies to the east, Annapurna and Lamjung Himal to the south, Damodar Himal to the west and Peri Himal in Tibet to the north, making Kajin Sara Lake highly attractive from a scenic perspective. Local tourism entrepreneurs said the lake could be developed as part of an integrated tourism circuit linking Tilicho Lake, the Annapurna trekking route and the Nar–Phu region.

Preliminary measurements indicate that Kajin Sara Lake is located nearly 300 metres higher than Tilicho Lake, which stands at 4,919 meters and is currently considered one of the world’s highest lakes. Experts state that the discovery of previously unrecorded high-altitude glacial lakes is a natural process due to geological uplift, glacial expansion and gradual changes in water sources.

Chame Rural Municipality is preparing to conduct a second phase of technical and scientific surveys during a favourable weather period. The upcoming survey will include satellite-based measurements, hydrological testing, environmental risk assessments and joint participation from relevant agencies. Following the survey, the municipality plans to implement long-term conservation, disaster risk reduction and community-inclusive management strategies for Kajin Sara Lake.