Timbung Pokhari found at an elevation of 4335m above sea level is 466m in length and 154m in width and about 675 km far from Kathmandu, which lies on the border of Taplejung’s Sindingwa Rural Municipality and Panchthar’s Yangwarak Rural Municipality.
This place is famous for its beautiful scenario, religious value, and high altitude. Timbung Pokhari holds a huge tourism potentiality but due to lack of promotion people are still unaware of this place.
One can also observe various wildlife animals from this place such as Yak, Tole, Urang, and Sheep.
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Behind the Name Timbung Pokhari
The name ‘Timbung Pokhari’ originated from a Limbu word ‘Timbak’, which means the firing of a gun. The locals gave the pond this name as the pond often makes a sound that is similar to that of gunfire.
The sound of ‘gunfire’ coming from the bottom of the water pond is heard frequently. It seems quite weird. But the villagers have heard the sound of gunfire. Local resident Dambar Rai admits that he has heard the gunfire sound from the water.
When the ‘gunfire’ is heard from the pond, the upheavals on the surface of the water pond can be observed.
The movement of water ripples are seen on the surface and the volume of water also increases a little. This recurring spectacle caused Timbung Pokhari (pond) to be renowned as one of the sacred ponds in Eastern Nepal.
Why Timbung Pokhari?
The eye-catching delightful views of snowy peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga and other adjacent peaks can be easily seen from this pond. Even though the pond is covered in snow for six months every year, hosts of pilgrims have been visiting this pond to offer puja for a few centuries now. Pilgrims gather around the pond, especially during the month of Shrawan (July-August) and during festivals like Janai Purnima and Nag Panchami.
The pond is both unique in natural beauty and biodiversity. The area around the pond is home to various rare flora and fauna and is also known as the capital of herbs. Valuable herbs like bikham, kutki, padmachal, jatamasi, panchaule and yarsagumba can be found in the area along with aromatic herbs like sunpati, bhairungpani and sikpale.
The place is also home to animals like Himalayan monal, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan goral, bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda and many more.
How to reach?
The journey from Kathmandu to Timbung Pokhari can take up to four days. If you wish to spend a day at the pond, it will take a total of nine days.
It takes two days on foot to reach Timbung from Chyangthapu, the starting point of Mid-Hill Highway. Due to the unavailability of road, the only way to reach the pond is by walking.
People from different places of from Nepal and other countries visit Timbung Pokhari. As the pond is quite close to India’s border, it sees a lot of Indian pilgrims throughout the year from places like Manipur, West Bengal and Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit Timbung lake
The best time to visit Timbung Pokhari is between March and October. Mid-July to August is even better to get there and witness the unique culture of the area.
Accommodation
There are no homestays, luxury hotels to stay in for the visitors arriving from outside. Those who come here should stay, sleep and eat in the barn. This area is not that expensive.
A symbiosis of all religious faiths
Buddhist prayer flags are seen here and there besides symbols of trident used by Hindus. The Kirant Mundhum followers have also left their religious symbols at this site. So, this pond is becoming a religious symbiosis of all religious faiths as well.
The pond is also believed to have not discriminated against any visitors on the basis of birth, caste, creed or color. Such is the spirituality and divinity of this Timbung Pokhari.
Our Suggestion
There is no transportation and Homestay or Hotels to stay so better to carry sleeping bags, tent self and be prepared mentally and physically. you have to go in a group and take a guide rather than alone. And also take some food with you.
