May 24: The Panchakunda Glacier Lake situated at Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 in Myagdi district has charm of its own. 

The lake has been the eye-candy for those trekking up to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). 

Situated at an altitude of 4,100 meters from the sea level and lying in the lap of Mt Annapurna, the glacial lake spans across 20,000 square meters in area. The turquoise coloured water in the Lake enchants the onlookers.

Pradeep Pun of Annapurna Rural Municipality-7, who reached the ABC for the first time, shared that he was smitten by the beauty of the Lake that is in the foothill of Mt Annapurna (8,091 meters), the tenth highest mountain in the world. 

According to him, he felt that time went by so quickly when he was in awe of the multitude of the vastness of the Lake, the bizarre shape of the glaciers, the color of the water akin to the sky's color among others.

In winter, five different pools (Pancha Kunda) are visible within the Lake. The Lake therefore acquired the name Pancha Kunda due to this unique property, shared Tej Gurung, a local tourism entrepreneur.

Earlier the Lake was named Dikicho. The locals later coined the word Pancha Kunda for the Lake based on the geographical shape, size and property, he added.

The Lake can be reached in a one-day trek to sometimes two days from Narchang. Nature lovers view the Tilicho and Nilgiri mountains from the vicinity of the Pancha Kunda. 

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a stupa are built in the vicinity of the Lake to develop the Lake as a religious destination. – RSS (Photo Courtesy: TRN)