Kal Tal: A Must Visit Destination for Nature Lovers

There are many lakes in northern Gorkha, but Kal Tal is unique among them. It is stretched in the eastwest longitude and blown in the NorthSouth latitude. It reflects the shadow of the mountains, including Manaslu. Mount Manaslu is on the west side of the lake. Shringi and Ganesh mountains are on the eastern side. Many other mountains can be seen on its left an right.

Manaslu’s shadow can be seen in the Kal Tal, which sits at the top of Prok village. From here, one can go to Namrung village.

The lake, which covers 22.3 hectares, is located in Ward 4 of Tsumnubri Rural Municipality. Around it grows a forest of rhododendrons, Himalayan birch, and cypress trees.

In the local Bhote language, the lake is called Kalpa Chho. ‘Kalpa’ means for ages, and ‘Chho’ means lake. Inhabitants of the surrounding villages, including Prok village (2,380 meters), consider the lake a symbol of the goddess of power. Special puja is held
during aunsi, or the dark moon day of Jeth, the second month of the Nepali calendar.

On that day, pilgrims conduct the kora, which means circumambulation of the lake, which is normally completed in an hour and a half.

During the puja, the worshipper prepares torma, pyramids of dough, which are kept on a flat piece of wood. It is customary to put khada, the offering scarf, and money and let it float on the lake. All these preparations and rituals are completed at the shore of the lake. Locals believe worshipping the deity results in a good harvest, healing of diseases, longevity of life, and the protection of people and cattle.

Because the lake is considered holy, swimming in it, throwing stones, making noises, and littering are prohibited. Any outsider visiting the lake should hire a guide from Prok.

The lake area prohibits killing or offering sacrifices. In the forest, jharal (Himalayan tahr), danfe, crows, snow leopards, and bears roam.

We are developing Kal Tal as a tourist destination. We provide guides for those who want to visit the lake and make arrangements to stay overnight on its shore.

- PEMA GYALPO LAMA,
Ward Chairperson,
Tsumnubri Rural Municipality- 4
 

It is believed that there is a salt mine under the lake. Many legends about salt are popular among the people in Nubri Valley. There is a monastery on the east side of the lake. The lake is on the top of Dayang and Prok village along the Manaslu trekking route. Very few tourists come here.

Locals are branding Kal Tal as an alternative trekking route as the Manaslu trekking route is being cut short by motorways. From the lake, one reaches Namrung village in two days via Himalchuli base camp. There are no eateries, hotels, or settlements in the midway. So there is no alternative to camping.

Also learn: Sparkling Manaslu: Nepal's Hidden Himalayan Gem

Prok village is spread over a wide area. There are five monasteries, and the oldest Palri is around 500 years old.

There are no hotels and lodges in Kal Tal, either. Dharamshala, or the spiritual dwelling, is built on the eastern side of the lake. It provides cooking utensils and blankets to visitors willing to stay there. Visitors need to contact the leader of the Prok and carry food stock along with the local guide. Prok and Dang villages have homestays and hotel facilities. Trekking from Prok to Kal Tal takes about five hours.