Nature · Samagaon
Walk to Birendra Tal glacial lake
An easy walk from Samagaon to Birendra Tal, a grey-green glacial lake at the snout of the Manaslu glacier, where ice falls from the slopes above and floats on the water.
Birendra Tal lies just west of Samagaon, about 30 to 45 minutes away on a gentle path past fields and mani walls. The lake was formed by the retreating Manaslu glacier, and the ice wall above it still sheds blocks into the water with a crack that echoes across the valley.
It is an ideal afternoon walk on the day you arrive in Samagaon, gaining very little height. Sit on the moraine above the lake and watch the light change on the glacier and the peaks above. Keep well back from the water's edge and the ice cliffs.
The lake is named after King Birendra of Nepal. On the way back, stop at the mani walls and chortens near the village and let your guide explain the inscriptions.
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Questions
How far is Birendra Tal from Samagaon?
About 30 to 45 minutes' easy walk west of the village, with little height gain. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip with time at the lake. It is a good short walk on arrival day, leaving the bigger hikes for your rest day.
Can I swim in Birendra Tal?
No. The water is near freezing, ice falls from the glacier above, and waves from falling ice can be dangerous. Stay well back from the shore and the ice cliffs, and do not throw stones or try to reach floating ice.
Why is it called Birendra Tal?
The lake is named after King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, who reigned from 1972 to 2001. Several places in Nepal were named after him. Tal simply means lake in Nepali, so locals and trekkers call it Birendra Tal or Birendra Lake.
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