KATHMANDU, Sep 4: Elected representatives of Dolpa have made an intriguing claim, asserting the discovery of a lake situated at a higher altitude than the famed Tilicho Lake in Manang. This remarkable revelation has emanated from the region of Phalgaon in Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality, Dolpa.
Tilicho Lake currently holds the record as the highest lake at an elevation of 4,919 meters above sea level. However, Nurbu Damdul Gurung, the Ward Chairman of Ward No. 6 in Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality, maintains that the newly discovered lake in Dolpa's Phalgaon stands at an impressive altitude of 5,190 meters above sea level.
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Chairman Gurung affirmed that the lake's elevation was measured using GPS technology at 5,190 meters. Notably, this newfound lake is situated in close proximity to Nepal's border with China, specifically border post number 15.
Bhumishwar Pokhrel, the Chief District Officer of Dolpa, acknowledged that a team comprising the Vice Chairman of Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality and the Ward Chairman of Ward No. 6 had reported the discovery of a lake at a higher elevation than Tilicho. However, he emphasized that the official confirmation of this finding is still pending.
Pokhrel elaborated on the geographical location, indicating that the area known as Tinje serves as the starting point for reaching the lake. After a two-hour hike from Tinje, individuals can access the site where the team claims to have discovered three lakes, consisting of one large and two smaller lakes. The team has specifically named one of these lakes as "Kunkhyen Phalak Lake," asserting its higher elevation compared to Tilicho Lake.
Chief District Officer Pokhrel mentioned that the initiative has started for the official verification process through government authorities, expressing his surprise at learning of the presence of a lake in the village of Phal.
