The picturesque lakes along the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek, which serves as an alternative route connecting Myagdi and Mustang, have largely gone unnoticed. Despite a feasibility study conducted in 2011, the promotion and infrastructure development of this trekking route has not been fully realized, leaving these stunning natural attractions underappreciated.
The trek is known for its high-altitude lakes, which are among its main highlights. However, due to a lack of well-developed trails and other essential tourism infrastructure, these lakes remain relatively unknown, according to Om Pun, a local youth from Chimkhola.
“There are beautiful lakes from the foothills of the Himalayas to the hilltops, but the trail leading to these lakes via the base camp has not been fully constructed,” Pun stated. One of the notable attractions at the Dhaulagiri Icefall Base Camp is the mesmerizing Nilibaraha Lake, known for its striking blue waters.
Situated at the base of Dhaulagiri, Nilibaraha Lake is a captivating spot that has been drawing tourists despite its remote location. The lake’s unique feature is its vibrant blue color, and even though its water source is not visible, it never dries up, according to local leader Gambahadur Pun of Chimkhola.
Another major attraction along the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek is Kalibaraha Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain. This area often blanketed in snow, transforms into a breathtaking landscape adorned with blooming Buki flowers during the monsoon season.
Kalibaraha Lake can be reached in a day’s trek from the confluence of the Kalibaraha River and the Chimkhola Base Camp. The traditional trail connecting Mustang’s Lete and Kalibaraha passes through this area. Special worship ceremonies are held at Kalibaraha Lake during the Janai Purnima festival, where it is believed that prayers and vows made here are fulfilled.
Additionally, the lake is surrounded by sacred shrines, including the Baraha Temple. Nearby, the Pehelibaraha Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters, is another pristine destination known for its vibrant yellow color, which remains frozen during the winter.
Resident Krishna Paija noted that the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek features several other lakes, including Lati Baraha, Seti Baraha, and Mani Baraha, each named after the color of their waters and the revered Baraha deity. The locals also have a tradition of offering prayers at these lakes, known as Bhara Puja.
Currently, a well-organized trail has been constructed from Sasaladhara in Chimkhola, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-7, to the Dhaulagiri Hill Viewpoint along the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek. However, parts of the steep trail from Koke Bhir and Dhaulagiri Viewpoint to the Base Camp remain incomplete. The traditional path leading from the Base Camp to Lete via Pehelibaraha and Kalibaraha lakes also lacks proper development, according to Paija.
The lack of infrastructure has made the trail challenging, with trekkers needing to cross the Raghuganga River twice and navigate cliffs with the aid of ropes. The route is further hindered by the absence of suspension bridges at key locations, such as Kalibaraha River and Dhaulagiri Viewpoint Hill.
Raghuganga Rural Municipality has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the 122-kilometer-long Icefall Trek, which includes plans for trail improvements, shelters, suspension bridges, and other infrastructure to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The municipality’s chairman, Bhabbahadur Bhandari, stated, “Last year, the federal government initiated a trail development plan, but we are now working on a master plan to complete the project with investments from local, provincial, and federal governments.”
The Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek offers a unique experience with views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges, glaciers, the Raghuganga River’s source, Sun Waterfall, caves, shelters, and breathtaking scenery that has the potential to captivate any visitor.
