Shey Phoksundo Lake: 6 Indian Tourists Reported Missing After Heavy Snowfall in Nepal

Six Indian tourists have been reported missing during a trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake in Nepal's Dolpa district following heavy snowfall. Situated at an altitude of 3,611 metres within Shey Phoksundo National Park, the lake is known for its striking turquoise waters, Y-shaped appearance and landslide-dammed formation. It is also a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

Shey Phoksundo Lake
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Shey Phoksundo Lake Latest News

Six Indian tourists have gone missing during a trek to Nepal’s Shey-Phoksundo Lake recently, following heavy snowfall in the region.

About Shey Phoksundo Lake

  • It is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake located in the Dolpa district of Nepal.
  • It sits at an altitude of 3,611 meters (11,849 feet) and covers an area of about 4.94 sq.km.     
  • The lake is believed to have been formed some 30,000–40,000 years ago. 
  • It is a landslide-dammed lake, formed when a massive mountain collapse blocked a river valley, resulting in the accumulation of water. 
  • It is one of the deepest lakes of Nepal. The maximum depth of the lake is 145 meters, making it one of the deepest high-altitude lakes on the entire globe.   
  • It has a distinctive Y-shaped appearance.
  • The lake’s outlet forms Suligad Waterfall, also known as Phoksundo Waterfall, approximately 167 metres high, regarded as the highest waterfall in Nepal. 
  • Its clear, mineral-rich water glimmers in bright blue and turquoise, changing shades with the weather and time of day.  
  • It was designated a Ramsar site in 2007 and falls within Shey Phoksumdo National Park. 
  • The Dolpo people have lived around Shey Phoksundo Lake for generations and continue to practice the ancient Bon religion.
    • Bon is one of the oldest spiritual traditions of Tibet, predating Buddhism for thousands of years.  
  • Ringmo village, with as many as 20 stupas and a Bon Gompa (temple) also named Ringmo, is located on the southern end of the lake.
  • Both Bon and Tibetan Buddhism are practised in the region. 

News: FP

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Shey Phoksundo Lake FAQs

Q1. Where is Shey Phoksundo Lake located?+

Q2. What type of lake is Shey Phoksundo Lake?+

Q3. How was Shey Phoksundo Lake formed?+

Q4. Which waterfall is formed by the outlet of Shey Phoksundo Lake?+

Q5. Which indigenous community has traditionally lived around Shey Phoksundo Lake?+

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