Sinjenma Lake | The Beauty of Hidden Lake in Kanchenjunga

Sinjenma Lake is located in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of ​​Taplejung, is a stunning natural wonder. Many tourists who go for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will not visit this enchanting lake. It is an excellent destination for those who can dedicate a week to trekking.

Imagine crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering peaks, the gentle rustling of leaves in the crisp alpine air, and the sense of peace that envelops you as you stand at the water’s edge. Sinjenma Lake offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for those who are seeking thrilling treks or a nature enthusiast longing for tranquility. Join us on this journey as we uncover the secrets, stories, and stunning beauty of this enchanting destination.

Background

Sinjenma Lake is believed to reflect one’s future and fortune and is an 835-meter-long alpine freshwater lake with steep slopes, located in the high Eastern Himalayan eco-region. It is an important source of freshwater for the Tamor River, a tributary of Nepal’s Koshi River, which feeds into the Gangetic River basin.

The lake holds cultural significance for local communities and Tibetan herders, who attribute it to the power to fulfill wishes. Unmarried women offer prayers here in hopes of finding a good husband. According to local folklore, slaughtering animals near the lake angers its deity, and hunting, especially musk deer, is forbidden to avoid losing social status and property.

Singjema Lake also supplies fresh water to downstream cattle herders and communities. It is part of the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), managed by the KCA Management Council. The council, with user groups, mothers’ groups, and sub-committees like the Snow Leopard Conservation Committee, actively manages the conservation area. They have also applied to the government for community management of the KCA through the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation.

How to Reach Sinjenma Lake?

Singjema Lake is situated in Olangchung Gola, within the most mountainous part of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-07 in the Taplejung District of Nepal. Located at an elevation of 4,700 meters, you can reach Sukepani with a five-hour ride from Phungling’s headquarters. From Sukepani you can hike around four hours to Olangchun Gola, where you can plan to stay overnight.

If you start early the next morning, you can reach Sinjenma Lake by evening. You can enjoy the pristine waters and lush scenery of the Tamor River along the way. Upon arrival, the lake’s blue, crystal-clear waters span about one kilometer, offering a serene and picturesque environment that brings a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.

Flora

The Singjema catchment area is home to about 32 species of flowering plants, including three rare and endangered species endemic to the region: Aconitum, Cotoneaster, and Cremanthodium nepalense. The area also hosts several vulnerable species as classified by the IUCN, such as Nardostachys grandiflora (Vulnerable), Neopicrorhiza scrophulariifolia (Vulnerable), and Rheum australe, also known as Himalayan rhubarb (Vulnerable). Additionally, Swertia multicaulis can also be found here. Most of these plants are indigenous to Nepal and the broader Himalayan region and many do not have English common names yet.

Fauna

The Brahminy duck and common Pochard (Aythya ferina) have been recorded from the wetlands of Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, but require further observation in Singjema. Other birds recorded in the catchment area are the Snow pigeon, White-capped restart, and finches; the catchment is a Snow leopard habitat; the lower section of the catchment is
the winter habitat of the Red panda and Musk deer.