Titi Lake emerges as tempting tourist spot

By Harikrishna Sharma

Muktinath (Mustang), Apr. 24: Titi Lake in Thasang Rural Municipality–5 of Mustang has been drawing increasing numbers of visitors, thanks to its natural beauty and improving infrastructure.

During a recent visit, Divakumari Pun Tilija, Vice-Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality in neighbouring Myagdi district, said she was delighted to see ducks swimming in the lake and nesting on small mounds in its centre.

Surrounded by forests of pine and juniper, the lake’s serene environment has been attracting tourists on a daily basis. Visitors return satisfied after enjoying views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges, along with the area’s unique landscape.

Tilija said the rapid development of tourist infrastructure has made the site more accessible and appealing. “Facilities are being developed targeting tourists, and this has made visiting the lake much easier,” she said, adding that she would help promote the destination further.

Located at an altitude of 2,679 metres above sea level, the lake offers a unique experience, particularly the sight of flocks of ducks, said Darshan Neupane, a visitor from Syangja.

However, travellers reaching the lake via the Beni-Jomsom road, through Lete, Chhyo, Dhampu and Sirkhum, have been facing difficulties due to delays in the construction of a bridge over the Kaligandaki River along the Lete-Chhyo section.

Chief Administrative Officer Bikash Pariyar said the rural municipality has prioritised infrastructure development each year to promote the lake as a major tourist destination, as it is the largest lake in Mustang.

“With improved facilities, the number of visitors has increased. We aim to develop it into a must-visit destination,” Pariyar said. He added that Rs. 1.2 million has been allocated in the current fiscal year for stone paving, along with other infrastructure, including the construction of a temple due to the lake’s religious significance.

The federal government’s Tourism Board and the Gandaki Provincial Government have also been supporting infrastructure development in the area.

According to Rajesh Gupta, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Office in Jomsom, efforts are being made to conserve and promote the lake. Educational visits and community-level awareness programmes have been conducted, alongside conservation of various bird species.

The lake is home to the mallard duck species, which is not commonly found elsewhere in Nepal. A total of 186 bird species have been recorded in the area, prompting ACAP to prioritise conservation efforts. Besides Titi Lake, Thasang Rural Municipality is also home to Sekung and Bhutarsho lakes. However, many such natural attractions remain under-promoted due to a lack of publicity and infrastructure.