{"id":3822,"date":"2024-02-13T11:46:54","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T11:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=3822"},"modified":"2025-03-22T18:40:12","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T18:40:12","slug":"khecheopalri-lake-a-sacred-lake-pilgrimage-site-in-sikkim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=3822","title":{"rendered":"Khecheopalri Lake: A Sacred Lake & Pilgrimage Site in Sikkim"},"content":{"rendered":"

Khecheopalri Lake, one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim<\/h1>\n

Talking about the lakes of Sikkim, Sikkim is home to holy lakes. Most of the lakes in Sikkim are located on picturesque mountain ranges; each lake has its own magical power that attracts tourists immensely. That’s how I also got attracted to the enchanting beauty of a natural lake in Sikkim and visited that lake several times, named Khecheopalri Lake.
\nThis lake is considered one of the holiest lakes in Sikkim. The lake is a very popular destination for domestic and international tourists and pilgrims due to its rich biodiversity, surrounding natural beauty and solitude, and many religious beliefs and cultural values associated with it. This blog post has tried to provide some information about my travel experience to Khecheopalri Lake (also known as Wishing Lake).<\/p>\n

Is it a natural or artificial lake?<\/h3>\n

The Khecheopalri Lake is a natural lake, and it was formed more than 3500 years ago by the scooping action of an ancient hanging glacier. It is one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim. It is located between Gyalshing and Yuksom in Sikkim and is surrounded by hills and dense forests of temperate flora and bamboo.<\/p>\n

The story of the naming of this sacred lake?<\/h3>\n

Khecheopalri<\/strong> is a combination of two words (Khecheo<\/strong> and Palri<\/strong>), where Khecheo<\/strong>\u00a0means Flying yogini<\/strong> or Taras<\/strong>\u00a0and Palri<\/strong> means Palace<\/strong>.
\nThe lake was originally named Kha-Chot-Palri<\/strong> (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava<\/strong>). Locally known as Sho Dzo Sho<\/strong><\/em>, which means Oh Lady, Sit Here.
\n<\/strong><\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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A\u00a0sacred lake – many folklores associated with it<\/h3>\n

Many folktales and religious beliefs are associated with the shape, existence, and sanctity of Khecheopalri Lake. Some of the popular ones are brought up below.<\/p>\n

The Sacred Lake represents the thorax of the human body<\/h4>\n

Khecheopalri Lake is an integral part of the Demazong (meaning a valley of rice<\/strong>) valley. Local people believe that locally produced rice is able to meet their food needs.
\nThis Demazong valley is also known as the land of hidden treasures<\/strong>, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava<\/strong>, who is highly respected and worshiped by Sikkimese Buddhists.
\nDemazong Valley is connected to four religious sites, each of which is considered to represent four plexuses of the human body. The below image represents the details of Demazong.<\/p>\n

\"Demazong-Khecheopalri<\/p>\n

Abode of the Goddess Tara Jetsun Dolma<\/h4>\n

According to Buddhism, this Khechiopalri region is the sacred abode of the goddess Tara Jetsun Dolma<\/strong>, who is the mother of Lord Buddha. Also, she is the protector of the Lepcha community and surrounding hills. The shape of the Khecheopalri lake indicates the footprint of the goddess. Lake is also worshipped as the goddess Chho Pema<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A Sacred Lake and Hindu Lord Shiva<\/h4>\n

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva meditated in the Dupukney cave<\/strong>, located just above the lake. The lake represents the footprint of the Hindu god Shiva. Hindus often visit Khecheopalri Lake, as these lakes and caves are very sacred to them. Hence, every year on the auspicious day of Nag Panchami, Lord Shiva is worshiped at the lake site.<\/p>\n

\"Khecheopalri
Image Credit:Google Earth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A local folklore about the lake – where birds keep a watch<\/h4>\n

According to local folklore, if a leaf falls on the surface of the lake, bird will pick it up and keep the lake clean, thereby maintaining the purity of the water. It is true that, despite the dense forest surrounding the lake, the water is surprisingly clear.<\/p>\n

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A folklore about why this lake is also known as “Wishing Lake<\/strong>“<\/h4>\n

According to another folklore, the Lepcha girl named Nenjo Asha Lham received a precious gem as a blessing from the goddess of the lake, which was unfortunately lost. But local people believe that the gem is still inside the lake.
\nBesides, lake water has healing properties for many diseases. It is also called the Wishing Lake<\/strong>.
\nSo, the local people always try to keep the lake clean to protect its sanctity.<\/p>\n

and there are still some folklores left…<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

The religious significance of Lake<\/h3>\n

As many folklores are associated with this lake, it is religiously significant to both Buddhists and Hindus.<\/p>\n

Topography of Lake (Approx. Measurement)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Elevation<\/strong><\/td>\n5,600 Ft.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Age<\/strong><\/td>\n3,500 years old<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Catchment\u00a0<\/strong>Area <\/b><\/td>\n12 Km2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Surface Area<\/strong><\/td>\n3.79 hectares<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average Depth<\/strong><\/td>\n7.2 Meters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Village<\/strong><\/td>\nKhecheopalri village<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
District<\/strong><\/td>\nWest Sikkim<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Khecheopalri Lake Timings & Entry Fees<\/strong><\/h3>\n

6.00 am to 6.00 pm (All days of the week)
\nEntry Fees: INR 20 (fees may vary)<\/p>\n

Essential Information of\u00a0Khecheopalri Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nearest Airport<\/strong>:
\nInternational: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB
\nDomestic:\u00a0 Pakyong Airport (PKY), Sikkim<\/p>\n

Nearest Main Railway Station: NJP
\nNearest Town: Pelling<\/p>\n

Village: Khecheopalri<\/p>\n

Distance from Khecheopalri Lake (Approx. Measurement)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Destination<\/strong><\/td>\nDistance (KMs)
\n<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gangtok<\/td>\n148<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NJP Railway Station<\/td>\n155<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)<\/td>\n161<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Siliguri<\/td>\n150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pakyong Airport (PKY)<\/td>\n131<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yuksom<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Singshore Suspension Bridge<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pelling<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rinchenpong<\/td>\n64<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ravangla<\/td>\n68<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tashiding<\/td>\n43<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hee Burmiok<\/td>\n50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pemayangtse Monastery<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Local communities around the lake and their livelihoods<\/h3>\n

About 440 people live in this lakeside village. Most of the people here are from the Lepcha community<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span>. The Bhutia community used to live in this area many years ago, but now this community is almost extinct here. There is a folk tale about the extinction of the Bhutia community.
\nThere is a significant relationship between the ecosystem of the lake and the beliefs of the local communities.
\nThe main livelihood of the people living here is agriculture, and cardamom is a cash crop here.
\nNow the importance of ecotourism is realized by the locals, who realize that ecotourism can not only provide financial benefits but also control the degradation of biodiversity in the Yuksom-Dzongri-Goecha La <\/strong>trekking corridor (45 km) along the lake.
\nSo, some people are involved in tourism. Locals started homestays as a new source of income. Besides, they also earn money by running fast food stalls and small shops in front of the entrance to the lake.<\/p>\n

Way to Lake<\/h3>\n

A walk around Khecheopalri Lake in its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings is a great tranquil experience.<\/p>\n

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There is a wooden jetty that leads to the lake front where visitors pray and offer incense. The prayer wheel beside the jetty, colorful flying prayer flags and Tibetan inscriptions add to the beauty of the place.<\/p>\n

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There is a small Buddhist temple on the lake premises and a stupa with numerous flying prayer flags around it, where you can spend some time in meditation.<\/p>\n

\"Khecheopalri<\/p>\n

Khecheopalri Monastery & beautiful village<\/strong>:\u00a0 There is a small but beautiful Lepcha monastery on top of Khecheopalri hill and it is said that you get a full view of the lake from there.
\nAfter a 30-minute uphill walk from the lakeside, the natural beauty surrounding the village and monastery is simply unforgettable.<\/p>\n

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Where to Stay<\/h3>\n

As Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake, every year a large number of domestic and international pilgrims come here to witness the popular fair.
\nMost homestays and guest houses are run by local families. A Pilgrim Hut<\/strong> is also available here.
\nThere are many trekking routes from this lake, so many trekkers come here every year. So, there is a trekker’s hut under the tourism department of Sikkim<\/strong>.
\nYou can book all types of accommodations online or directly.<\/p>\n