Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.
| Khecheopalri Lake | |
|---|---|
Foot bridge approach to the Khecheolpalri Lake | |
Khecheopalri Lake Location in Sikkim Khecheopalri Lake Khecheopalri Lake (India) | |
| Location | Sikkim |
| Coordinates | 27.3500°N 88.1886°E |
| Lake type | Sacred |
| Primary inflows | Two perennial and five seasonal stream inlets |
| Primary outflows | One outlet |
| Catchment area | 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | India |
| Surface area | 3.79 hectares (9.4 acres) |
| Average depth | 7.2 m (24 ft) |
| Max. depth | 11.2 m (37 ft) |
| Water volume | 272,880 cubic metres (9,637,000 cu ft) |
| Surface elevation | 1,700 m (5,600 ft) |
| Islands | None |
| Settlements | Khecheopalri village, Yuksom and Geyzing |
Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake, considering its location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill.
The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of "Demazong" meaning valley of rice. This landscape is also known as a land of hidden treasures blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.
The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.
The Khecheopalri Lake and the Khangchendzonga National Park are conserved from the biodiversity perspective with ecotourism and pilgrimage as essential offshoots. As a result, their recreational and sacredness values are enhanced.