Khecheopalri Lake

7/30/2019 Khecheopalri Lake

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Khecheopalri LakeFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Khecheopalri Lake

Foot bridge approach to the Khecheolpalri Lake

Location Sikkim

Coordinates272224N881230ECoordinates:

272224N881230E

Lake type Sacred

Primary

inflows

Two perennial and five seasonal stream

inlets

Primary

outflows

One outlet

Catchment

area

12 km2 (4.6 sq mi)

Basincountries India

Surface area 3.79 hectares (9.4 acres)

Average depth 7.2 m (Average)

Max. depth 11.2 m (37 ft)

Water volume 272,880 cubic metres (9,637,000 cu ft)

Surface

elevation

1,700 m (5,600 ft)
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Islands None

Settlements Khecheopalri

village,YuksomandGeyzing

Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven

ofPadmasambhava), is a sacred Lake for bothBuddhistsandHindus, which is believed to be

a wish fulfilling lake. It is located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west

ofGangtokand 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest ofPelling townin theWest

Sikkimdistrict of theNortheastern Indian stateofSikkim. The local name for the lake is Sho

Dzo Sho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake,

considering its location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri

hill, which is also considered a sacred hill.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of "Demazong" meaning valley of

rice. This landscape is also known as a land of hidden treasures blessed by

GuruPadmasambhava.[1]

The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving

theYuksom, theDubdi MonasteryinYuksom,Pemayangtse Monastery, theRabdentseruins,

theSanga Choeling Monastery, and theTashiding Monastery.[7][8]An interesting feature of

the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds

which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.

[4][6]

The Khecheopalri Lake and theKhangchendzonga National Parkare conserved from the

biodiversity perspective withecotourismandpilgrimageas essential off shoots. As a result,

their recreational and sacredness values are enhanced.[9]

Contents

[hide]

1 Etymology

2 Legends

3 Topography

4 Climate

5 Flora and fauna

6 Threats

7 Conservation measures

8 Facilities

9 Religiosity

10 Festival
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a.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Festivalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Religiosityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Facilitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Conservation_measureshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Threatshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Flora_and_faunahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Topographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Legendshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Etymologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-conserve-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrimagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khangchendzonga_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Bindloss-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Bindloss-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Daigaku-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Daigaku-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tashiding_Monasteryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanga_Choeling_Monasteryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabdentsehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemayangtse_Monasteryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuksomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubdi_Monasteryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuksomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmasambhavahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Bradnock-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Bradnock-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Silas-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Silas-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikkimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Sikkimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Sikkimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangtokhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhistshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmasambhavahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geyzinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuksomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Islands_in_lakes


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11 See also12 Gallery

13 References

14 External links

[edit]Etymology

According to folklore morphometry, Khecheopalri is made up of two words, Kheecheo and

palri. 'Khecheo' means "flyingyoginis" or "Taras" (female manifestations ofAvalokiteshvara,

theBodhisattvaof Compassion) and 'palri' means "palace".[1][7]

[edit]Legends

According to folklore legend related to Sikkim topography, the Khecheopalri is said torepresent one of the four plexus of the human body namely, thethorax; the other three

plexes are said to be represented by Yuksom (the third eye), Tashiding (head) and

Pemayangtse (the heart).[1]

The mythological links to the origin of all the lakes in Sikkim make them sacred and so is the

case with the Khecheopalri Lake. Many legends are narrated such as: Guru

Padmasambahava preached to sixty-four yoginis here; it is the residing place of the

GoddessTara Jetsun Dolmaand the Khecheopalri Lake is her footprint; the lake represents

the GoddessChho Pema; footprints of Macha Zemu Rinpoche are on a stone near the

chorten (stupa) near the lake;HindugodLord Shivameditated in Dupukney Cave that is

situated above the lake and hence worshipped on "Nag Panchami" day at the lake; a Lepcha

girl named Nenjo Asha Lham was blessed by the lake goddess and was gifted with a

precious gem which was lost, and it is the belief of the local people that the gem is hidden

in the lake; the lake water has curative properties and hence permitted to be used only for

performing rites and rituals; and with all these legends, the lake is called a "wish fulfilling

lake".[1]

Another folk legend narrated (a plaque erected at the entrance to the lake by the

Department of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Government of Sikkim gives some details of the

legend[10]) is that long time back this place used to be a grazing ground, troubled

bynettle(the native original tribal population make use of the barks of nettle for

multipurpose uses). Then, on a particular day, aLepchacouple were peeling off the bark of

the nettle when they saw a pair ofconch shellsfalling from air on the ground. This was

followed by severe shaking of the ground and spring water emerged from below and thus

the lake was formed. Based on the sacred Nesoltext, the lake was interpreted as the abode

of "Tshomen Gyalmo or chief protective nymph of theDharmaas blessed by GoddessTara".[10]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Galleryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Galleryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoginis&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoginis&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoginis&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteshvarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteshvarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteshvarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_thoraxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_thoraxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_thoraxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chho_Pema&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chho_Pema&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chho_Pema&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Panchamihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Panchamihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Panchamihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepcha_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepcha_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch_shellshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch_shellshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch_shellshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch_shellshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepcha_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-Khecheo-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Panchamihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chho_Pema&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_thoraxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#cite_note-folklore-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteshvarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoginis&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Khecheopalri_Lake&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#Galleryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khecheopalri_Lake#See_also


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This lake was also identified as the footprints of GoddessTara, as from a high vantage point

the contours of the lake appear like a footprint. Another belief is that the foot prints are of

Hindu godLord Shiva.[1]The lake because of its high religious significance has been declared

a protected lake under the Govt. of Sikkim Notification no. 701/Home/2001/dated 20-09-

2001 and the provision of the place of worship (Special Provision Act 1991 ofGovernment of

India. Department of Eccliastical Affairs, Government of Sikkim.[10]

The sanctity of the lake is exemplified by another legend, which says that the shape of the

lake is in the form of foot that represents the foot ofLord Buddha, which could be seen

from the surrounding hills.[5]

[edit]Topography

The lake was the original nv (term used to define formation of a glacier from compact

granular snow) region of ancient precipitous glaciers. The depression where the lake is

situated was formed by the scooping action of the glacier. It forms the southern bank of the

Lethang valley. The formation of the lake is estimated to be 3500 years old.[1]The lake is

situated amidst pristine forest at an altitude of 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) near Tsozo

village.[1]The lake drains a catchment area of the Ramam watershed (Ramam mountain

gives its name to the valley) and has a drainage area of 12 sqkm12 square kilometres

(4.6 sq mi) (including area ofbogof 70,100 square metres (755,000 sq ft). The periphery of

lake has the shape of a foot. The surface water spread area of the lake is 3.79 hectares

(9.4 acres). The depth of water in the lake varies from 3.211.2 metres (1037 ft) with an

average depth of 7.2 metres (24 ft).[1]It is also inferred from a visual observation of the

lake that it has undergone changes in its size due to encroachment due to peripheral

vegetation andeutrophication, and its original size could have been three times of its

present size. The lake's water spread, which was 7.4 hectares (18 acres) in 1963 reduced to

3.8 hectares (9.4 acres) in 1997 and consequently the peatland (bog) increased from 3.47

hectares (8.417 acres). Inflow into the lake is through two perennial and five non perennial

streams, while the outflow is from one outlet. In addition, during the monsoon season two

streams are also diverted temporarily into the lake to supplement its storage capacity. Thegeological setting in the lake and its surrounding hills consist

ofgranitegneiss,schistandphyllites.[1][2][9]

The lake is enveloped in a dense forest cover of temperate vegetation andbamboo. 72

households and 440 people live in villages around the lake periphery. TheLepchasare the

main ethnic group of the place. Traditional agriculture is the main livelihood and recently

some households have become involved in tourism.[9]PellingYuksom road leads to the lake,

which is surrounded by densely forested hills. There is also a monastery above the lake.

[edit]Climate
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The climate prevailing in the lake region is monsoonal. The maximum and minimum

temperatures recorded are 24 C (75 F) and 4 C (39 F).

[edit]Flora and fauna

Vegetation

The lake is surrounded by a broad-leaved mixed temperate forest.[9]However, the

vegetation in the lake comprisesMacrophytes,PhytoplanktonandZooplankton.[2]

Macrophytes comprisedAponogeton monostachyon,Ceratophyllumsp., Monocharia

vaginalis,Scirpussp.[2]

The Phytoplankton species are a composition of different families

namely,Chlorophyceae(18) which is the foremost

group,Chrysophyceae(15),Cyanophyceae(11), and one species each

ofCharophyceae,Euglenophyceae,DinophyceaeandCryptophyceae.[2]

The Zooplanktons recorded are: 7rotifers, 5protozoans, 2 each

ofcopepodsandcladocerans, and 1 each ofostracodsandisopods.[2]

Aquatic fauna

The fish species recorded in the lake are:Cyprinus carpio,Danio

aequipinnatus,Garrasp.,Schisturasp. andSchziothoraxsp.[2]

Avifauna

The avifauna recorded in the lake, particularly in the festive season when they gather in the

early hours of the morning (dispersed with human presence) at the middle of the lake

are:grebe(Podiceps ruficollis),common merganserMergus merganser,

largecormorant(phalacrocorax carbo), littlecormorant(phalacrocorax niger),common

teal(Anascrecca),tufted duck(Aythya fuligula), white breastedwater hen(Amorornis

phoemicurus),moorhen(gallimlachorophy) andcranebrownAmaurornisbi colour. The lake

is also a resting-place for Trans-Himalayan migratory birds and supports commercial and

recreational tourism.[9]Trans Himalayan migratory birds visit the lake.[1]

[edit]Threats

Khecheopalri Lake and the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), which are visited by

tourists and trekkers on the Yuksom-Dzongri-GoechhaLa trekking corridor (45 kilometres

(28 mi) long trek) have caused concerns of environmental deterioration in the region. It is

recorded that tourist inflow into Sikkim had seen a quantum jump in the period between

1980 and 2001; domestic tourism increased by more than 10 times and international tourists

inflow increased by about fourfold. This concern is not limited to very high influx of touristsbut also loss of biodiversity due to extraction of valuable ecosystem components due to
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deforestation and adoption of harmful land-use practices. The inhabitants around the lake

exploit the natural resources of the lake watershed by way of extraction of fuel, fodder and

timber, and by livestock grazing.[9]Pilgrimage season compounds the threats to the lake

environment in the form of outwash of the offerings made into the lake by pilgrims,

decomposition of waste material resulting in increase in acidity of the lake waters and

consequent highpHvalues (varied between 6.8 and 8.5), reduction inDissolved

Oxygenlevels, increase in concentration of chlorides, iron and ammonia levels and

proliferation ofplanktonssuch as protococusandtetraspora. All these factors increased the

pollution level in the lake waters.[citation needed]

[edit]Conservation measures

Khecheolpalri Village setting near the lake

A scientific study was, therefore, instituted (the first such study in India of a sacred lake in a

temperate zone) with the objective of quantifying the sacredness value of the lake and the

related recreational value of the Yuksom-Dzongri-Goechha La corridor. The study was

carried out by gathering interactive information from tourists who visit the lake throughout

the year (both national and international) and local community on their perceptions for

conservation and tourism. This study has established that monetary values need to be

attributed to conservation of the site for biodiversity and pilgrimage through regulated

ecotourism. This could also usher in economic development, closely linked to

conservation.[1][9]

Thus, ecotourism, promoted with the involvement of local communities, could not only

provide economic benefits but also control further deterioration of biodiversity in the

Khecheopalri Lake surroundings as well as in the Yuksom-Dzongri-Goechha La Corridor.

Further, as a conservation measure, fishing or any other recreational activities at the lake

have been prohibited. Swimming and boating in the lake are also prohibited. There is also

the belief among the local community that any disturbance on the 'Holy Lake' could lead to

calamities and unwelcome events.[1][9]

To reduce the pollution levels in the lake, the measures envisaged are: afforestation ofdegraded forest areas, prayer ceremonies to be made monastery centric than lake centric,
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implement a management plan with full local participation, shifting cultivation and grazing in

the catchment to be discouraged, weed control through manual and mechanical extraction

and most importantly to check anthropogenic and agricultural runoff into the lake.[citation

needed]

To ensure lake conservation and management, the Khecheopalri Holy Lake Welfare

Committee (KHLWC) and the local community are involved in developing plantations and

management of festivals. They have stopped grazing around the lake periphery and even

stopped construction of a foot path on the periphery of the lake in order to maintain the

forest vegetation surrounding the lake.[11]

[edit]Facilities

The boardwalk leading to the lake

Now, there is a lakeJettythat leads to the front of the lake and from where prayers and

incense are offered. Prayer wheels are fixed along the jetty with prayer flags and Tibetan

inscriptions, adding to the piety of the place.[4]

Annual Buddhist rituals from the readings of the Naysul prayer book, which describes the

origin of Sikkim and has severaltantricsecret prayers, are chanted at the lake.

[edit]Religiosity

The stupa near the lake
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The placid waters of the lake are visited by many pilgrims and tourists. From the main gate,

where there are small shops and road ends to the lake is about a ten to fifteen minutes walk

through a lovely tropical forest.

[edit]FestivalAs the sacred Khecheopalri Lake is known as a "wish fulfilling lake", folklore and legends

associated with it are many. The folk lore has generated deep religious interest and as a

result lake's waters are permitted to be used only for performing rites and rituals.

Consequently, a religious fair, one of the largest festivals, is held here every year for two

days in Maghe purne(March/April), which is attended by a large number of pilgrims from all

parts of Sikkim,Bhutan,Nepaland India. They offer food material to the lake and carry

waters of the lake asPrasad(substance that is first offered to a deity and then consumed).

People believe that Lord Shiva exists in "solemn meditation inside the lake".[9]During this

festival, pilgrims float butter lamps in the lake on bamboo boats tied with khadas(scared

scarves), in the evenings chanting prayers as mark of reverence, along with many other

food offerings.[4][5]

Chho-Tsho, is another festival that is observed here in the month of October after

thecardamomharvest to offer gratitude for providing people with food.

SAFETY TIPS: On September 2011 one woman got food poisoned (and need hospitalization)

by a woman (with daughters) who lives in the village, who has a small kitchen in the small

village before the lake and sells momo to tourists and also has some rooms to rent for sleep.

So please tourists be careful of what you eat there!

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Khecheopalri Lake