When Rukum was a single district, it was known as the land of “52 ponds and 53 hills.” Despite their natural beauty, many lakes in this region remain undiscovered due to a lack of promotion. One such hidden treasure is Gupta Daha in Eastern Rukum. While Kamal Daha is relatively well-known, Gupta Daha remains largely unknown.
Nestled on a highland island amid dense forests, this stunning lake offers a breathtaking reflection of Sisne Himal, making for a mesmerizing sight. Located in Ward No. 1 of Sisne Rural Municipality, Eastern Rukum, this lake sits at an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level. This ward alone is home to more than a dozen lakes, including Nau Daha (a cluster of nine lakes), Dosant Lake, and Rakta Lake, as confirmed by Ward Chairman Raj Bahadur Budha.
The name Gupta Daha comes from its hidden location in a place called Liru Mare, according to Chairman Budha. According to local legend, hunters in ancient times killed an animal known as Liru, leading to the place being named “Liru Mare.”
To the north of the lake, Sisne and Dwari Bhanjyang, along with several snowy peaks, can be seen. The reflection of Sisne Himal floating on the lake’s surface captivates every visitor, leaving them in awe of its pristine beauty.
A Potential Tourist Destination
Tourism is a key pillar of sustainable economic growth, and Gupta Daha has immense potential to attract tourists, says Prakash Sharma Poudel, a district public prosecutor of Eastern Rukum, who visited the lake during a trek. “Unlike other tourist destinations that require millions to build roads, all we need here is an effective trekking trail,” he says.
Ward Chairman Budha agrees with this sentiment, emphasizing that not every place needs roads to bring in tourists. “If we cover every natural site with vehicles, dust, and noise pollution, we will destroy its beauty,” he adds.
Geographical Location
Ward No. 1 of Sisne Rural Municipality is bordered by:
- Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality to the east
- Dolpa District to the north
- Aathbiskot Municipality of Western Rukum to the west
- Ward No. 2 of Sisne Rural Municipality to the south
The major villages in Ward No. 1 include Damar Gaun, Thulo Sisne, Lampakha, Okhrena, Pakhapani, and Bhattechaur. These areas experience four months of snowfall in winter, with Damar Gaun and Okhrena being the closest settlements to Gupta Daha.
The towering 5,849-meter-high Sisne Himal also falls within this ward. At its base lies Gupta Daha, where visitors can not only witness the reflection of Sisne Himal in the lake but also encounter colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe) and Daphne birds dancing around its shores. The lake, along with its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, has the potential to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Surrounded by towering hills, lush green forests, and crystal-clear blue waters, Gupta Daha’s scenic beauty is unmatched. However, its size and depth are yet to be scientifically measured. Engineer Karn K.C., who recently visited the lake on a trek, believes that with proper conservation and promotion, Gupta Daha could develop into a major tourist attraction.
According to account officer Thakendra Devkota of Sisne Rural Municipality, the lack of detailed research on high-altitude lakes in this region means their conditions remain largely unknown. With climate change affecting water bodies worldwide, the conservation of such Himalayan lakes should be a government priority, he emphasizes.
The Water Flow & Conservation Needs
There are two main water sources in Gupta Daha:
- The smaller Gupta Daha, which flows into the larger Gupta Daha
- The larger Gupta Daha, which feeds into the Rochka Khola (stream)
According to elderly local Nar Bahadur K.C., the smaller lake was originally known as Mul Pani Daha (Spring Water Lake) but later became known as Gupta Daha. The electricity generated from Rochka Khola powers Ward No. 1 of Sisne, making the area lit up year-round. Due to its Himalayan location, the lake never dries up, even in summer, although monsoon rains make crossing the streams challenging. Locals say that during the monsoon, water from the lake flows down toward Damar Gaun with great force.
Cultural & Religious Significance
Locals from Pwang, Okhryani, Pakhapani, Damar Gaun, and Bhattechaur visit the lake in the mornings for prayers and offerings, usually returning by evening. “Only a few people choose to stay overnight, and those who do often make monetary offerings before leaving,” says Chairman Budha.
Between June and September, herders bring over a thousand sheep to this area, adding to the cultural charm of the pastoral lifestyle and traditional sheep farming.
Despite its crystal-clear water, there is a need to maintain cleanliness and prevent pollution. Setting up protective fencing around the lake could help preserve its significance and safeguard its biodiversity.
How to Reach Gupta Daha?
There are three main trekking routes to reach Gupta Daha:
- From Rukumkot (Eastern Rukum’s district headquarters) – 2 days on foot
- From Syarpu Lake (Western Rukum’s famous lake) via Khalti – 2 days on foot
- From Bafikot via Aathbiskot Municipality (Thum, Rokaja, Okhle route) – 3 days on foot
Gupta Daha is part of the Sisne Round Trek, a growing tourist route in western Nepal. Since Sisne Himal is directly visible from the lake, Gupta Daha has been included as a stop on the Himalayan trekking route, according to Man Bahadur Khatri, an explorer of Himalayan trekking routes.
Khatri also highlights Pathibhare Danda (Jangethala), a nearby hill at 4,100 meters, as another major attraction. From this high vantage point, one can see numerous snow-capped peaks, including parts of the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range.
Beyond Sisne Himal, this location offers panoramic views of several other Himalayan peaks, making it an ideal destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts.
