Sky Lake Jumla: The Himalayan Jewel Discovered by Yak Herders

There is a lake in the remote highlands of Jumla that did not exist on any map until a few years ago. It was discovered not by explorers or scientists, but by yak herders searching for their missing animals. At 4,700 metres above sea level, hidden in the lap of Dudh Kundali Mountain, Sky Lake remains one of Nepal's most extraordinary and least-visited natural wonders .

A Lake Born From a Search for Lost Yaks

The story of Sky Lake, known locally as Akashe Taal, begins with a simple act of necessity. In 2022, shepherds from Guthichaur rural municipality-1 in Jumla ventured into the high mountains to track down yaks that had wandered off . What they found instead was a body of water so pristine and so perfectly blue that it seemed to mirror the sky itself .

This was not the first time herders had made such a discovery. Seven years earlier, they had stumbled upon Hiulsa Lake at 4,300 metres and Dudh Kundali Lake at 4,000 metres . But Sky Lake, at 4,700 metres, was the highest and most remarkable of them all.

"The shepherds had hardly reached the area," explained ward chairperson Arjun Kumar Mahatara. "They detected the lake while searching for the missing yaks" . Local resident Sange Gurung added, "It was not easy to reach the lake so its importance remained unexplored" .

Why They Call It Sky Lake

In the Tibetan language, the lake is known as Mhangwa Yunzo . But the name Sky Lake comes from something more universal: its colour. The water is so clear and so perfectly reflective that it appears to be a fragment of the sky that has fallen to earth .

The lake sits in the lap of Dudh Kundali Mountain, with a striking black rock formation downstream. It is surrounded by green trees and alpine vegetation, creating a stark and breathtaking contrast against the high-altitude landscape . At nearly 5,000 metres, the air is thin, the colours are vivid, and the silence is absolute.

The Journey to Sky Lake

Reaching Sky Lake is not for the casual traveller. The trek begins from Jumla Bazaar and follows rugged trails through traditional villages, pine forests, and high-altitude meadows . From ward 1 of Manisanghu, the lake is a one-and-a-half-day walk through some of Nepal's most remote terrain .

Scenic view of snow-covered mountains enveloping a Akashe Taal under a bright blue sky

The region is part of Karnali Province, Nepal's least developed and most isolated area. But this isolation is precisely what makes Sky Lake so special. Unlike the crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna, here you will find true solitude. The path passes through alpine forests, across mountain passes, and alongside ancient trade routes that have been used for centuries .

A Region of Hidden Lakes

Sky Lake is part of a constellation of high-altitude lakes in the Jumla region that are only now being documented. Dudh Kundali Lake and Hiulsa Lake, both discovered by herders years earlier, share the same pristine beauty . These lakes remain largely unexplored, their depths and ecosystems still a mystery to science.

The potential for tourism is significant, according to local authorities. "The lake has higher potential to attract domestic and external tourists in future," said Mahatara . But for now, Sky Lake remains a destination for the truly adventurous, those willing to walk for days through remote mountains to see something that few others have ever witnessed.

Reflective Closing

Sky Lake is a reminder that Nepal still holds secrets. In an age when it seems every corner of the world has been photographed, mapped, and Instagrammed, there are still places that exist beyond the reach of mass tourism. These are places discovered not by explorers with sponsorships, but by herders searching for their yaks. They are places that remain unexplored not because they are unworthy, but because they are hard to reach. And perhaps that is exactly why they are worth the journey. Standing at the edge of Sky Lake, watching the sky reflect off water so blue it seems unreal, you understand that some of Nepal's greatest treasures are still waiting to be found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sky Lake located?

Sky Lake, also known as Akashe Taal, is in Guthichaur rural municipality-1 in Jumla district, Karnali Province, Nepal, at an altitude of 4,700 metres .

How do I reach Sky Lake?

The trek starts from Jumla Bazaar and takes approximately one and a half days from Manisanghu's Ward 1 through remote mountain terrain .

When was Sky Lake discovered?

Sky Lake was discovered in 2022 by local shepherds searching for missing yaks .

Is Sky Lake the same as Rara Lake?

No. Rara Lake is Nepal's largest lake at 2,990 metres. Sky Lake is a separate, recently discovered lake at a much higher altitude of 4,700 metres .

What does Mhangwa Yunzo mean?

Mhangwa Yunzo is the Tibetan name for Sky Lake .

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