Singjema Lake becomes new tourist destination

TAPLEJUNG, Oct 12: The Singjema lake in Taplejung is gradually developing into a tourism destination.     

Located at an altitude of 4,700 metres from the sea level at ward number 7 of Phaktanglung rural municipality in the Olangchungola area, this alpine lake is a blend of spiritualism and natural beauty.     

This lake lies at a place which is a day's trek from the human settlement of Olangchungola. The area and depth of the lake are not yet measured.     

Nestled in environs full of biodiversity and enthralling scenery, Singjema Lake became a destination for travellers after it was publicized through social media.     

Chheten Lama, the Ward Chairman of Phaktanglung rural municipality-7, said the number of domestic and foreign visitors is expected to increase during the Dashain and Tihar time (early autumn time).     

According to him, travel to the lake has become easier for visitors now that there is road connectivity of the Tamor Corridor Highway up to the Tiptala border transit point with Tibet via Olangchungola.     

The third-largest rural municipality in Nepal, Phaktanglung, is also the location of other breathtaking locations including Yangma, Nupchu Pokhari, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.     

For the locals of Olangchungola, Singjema Lake has religious significance as they believe that one's wishes are fulfilled when one performs worship at the lake. Many legends are also related to this lake which have enhanced its spiritual and cultural importance.     

As per a legend about this lake, a Tibetan man who had been sitting on the side of the lake happened to see some cow dung emerging from the lake. He took the cow dung home and was ultimately blessed with prosperity.     

There is another legend which states that once a sheep popped out from the lake and it guided a flock of other sheep which had been grazing beside the lake into the lake and vanished.     

People visiting the lake for spiritual purposes offer various articles to the legendary deity that is believed to reside in the lake.     

April to September is considered a suitable period for trekking to Singjema Lake. One can see sheepherders camping out at different locations along to route and the visitors can spend the night at their camp.     

The popularity of this lake has increased in recent times after people started publicizing this tourism destination via YouTube channel and social media.     

The number of people visiting this site to shoot films and documentaries has also been going up in recent days. However, one needs to get permission from the Kanchanjungha Area Conservation Management Council for the shooting of movies and documentaries, and using drones in the area.     

It is the responsibility of the local government and the Council for the conservation and management of the lake. These two bodies have to pay attention to developing the tourism infrastructures and other facilities in the area to boost local tourism.     

The region surrounding the lake is filled with historic villages and monasteries that continue to preserve regional traditions.