Phoksundo

Phoksundo is a lake located in the Dolpa District of Nepal. It is the deepest lake in Nepal, with a maximum depth of 145 meters. The lake's surface area is approximately 4.94 square kilometers. Phoksundo Lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise-blue color, which is attributed to the purity of its water and the surrounding geological formations.

The lake is situated at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters (11,849 feet) above sea level, nestled within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This park is the largest national park in Nepal, covering an area of 3,555 square kilometers. The landscape around Phoksundo is characterized by rugged mountains, sparse vegetation, and dramatic cliffs. The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard and the Himalayan blue sheep.

Phoksundo Lake holds significant cultural and religious importance for the local Bonpo and Buddhist communities. The Bon religion, indigenous to Tibet and pre-Buddhist Tibet, has a strong presence in the Dolpa region, and Phoksundo is considered a sacred site. Pilgrims often visit the lake as part of their spiritual journeys. The village of Ringmo, located on the southern shore of the lake, is a popular base for trekkers and offers insights into the traditional way of life in the high Himalayas. The lake is fed by glacial meltwater and several small streams, and it has no outlet.