Panchkund Lake Faces Climate Change Threats Despite Expansion

Myagdi. When rescuer Indrasingh Sherchan of Myagdi first reached Annapurna Base Camp in 2060 BS, he clearly saw five small ponds. He found it strange that the Panchkund Lake, located at an altitude of 4,050 meters above sea level in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, has recently started appearing as a single body of water. "Except for the four months of winter, the five ponds used to be visible at other times," he said, "Now the ponds are no longer visible as before."

While trekkers and porters used to reach the base camp by walking along the edge of the lake, tourism entrepreneur Sherchan said that the current base camp, located at an altitude of 4,190 meters, was brought into use in 2064 BS after an avalanche from Tilicho Lake caused loss of life and property. The lake, which is round in shape, is located at the foot of the Annapurna, Frank, Tilicho, and Nilgiri mountains. It is a natural glacial lake formed by the collection of water from the melting snow of Annapurna and Tilicho mountains. Panchkund glacial lake, which has developed as a new tourist destination in the district, is showing signs of climate crisis.