Phungling (Taplejung), 8 March: When we talk about ponds and lakes in Nepal, we think of those beautiful reservoirs located in large, deep and high places. Some of them are crowded with tourists, where tourists get lost in the unique beauty of nature. There are dozens of such lakes in Taplejung too, which many may not know about. One of them is the Timbung Pond located in Kalikhola of Sidingwa Rural Municipality, which has a unique beauty.
This lake, which can be reached after about seven hours of driving and a day’s walk from the district headquarters of Phungling, is currently becoming a tourist attraction. This lake, which has natural beauty, religious faith and historical importance, was called ‘Timmak Barak’ by the Limbu community. In the Limbu language, ‘Timmak’ means gun and ‘Barak’ means lake.
According to legend, in ancient times, it was called Timmak Varak because of the sound that sounded like a gunshot, which is now known as ‘Timbung Pokhari’, says Indra Prasad Begha, an expert on the lake. Timbung Pokhari is not only unique in its natural beauty, but is also considered very important from a religious perspective. According to popular belief, if you ask for a boon here, it will be granted.
According to mythology, the gods and goddesses settled in this place while searching for a clean environment due to dense settlements. That is why this place is considered spiritually sacred. Timbung Lake, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Himalayan region, is located at an altitude of 4,350 meters.
The water of the pond looks clean, blue and enchanting, which attracts visitors. The mountainous climate, high mountains, cool breeze and the fragrance of fragrant herbs have made the environment here heavenly. The government had included Timbung Pond in 2075 BS when it identified 100 new tourist destinations in Nepal.
Since then, although the number of tourists visiting here has increased somewhat, there is still a lack of adequate investment and publicity. The experience of tourists visiting so far is exciting. “I never imagined that I would be able to see such a beautiful pond. Despite the difficult journey, after coming here, I feel lost in the lap of nature,” said Pavitra Sauden, who reached Timbung Pond.
He says that this place, which has a lot of potential, is still neglected due to lack of adequate infrastructure. Manga Urau, a domestic tourist who came from Jhapa to visit Timbung Pokhari, says that if properly promoted, it could become a major center of tourism. Ghanashyam Sah, a tourist from Sunsari, says that tourism could become a good source of internal income if the local municipality invests some money in this area from its own resources.
A conservation committee has been formed to protect and promote Timbung Lake. The committee has already taken forward some development work in coordination with all three levels of government.
A footpath has been constructed to reach the pond from both Panchthar and Taplejung districts. Stone soling and stairs have been constructed from the pond. Kailash Rai, advisor to the conservation committee, says that necessary coordination is being done for further infrastructure development.
