Bhairab Kunda is a sacred lake at about 4,250 m in Sindhupalchok District, in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, close to the Nepal and Tibet border north-east of Kathmandu. Hindus and Buddhists visit it, and a fair is held at the lake on Janai Purnima in July or August.
Where it is
The lake lies in the hills of Sindhupalchok, on the Helambu and Langtang side of the Kathmandu valley, above the Bhote Koshi region. It is also spelt Bhairav Kunda.
Who Bhairab is
Bhairab, or Bhairav, is a fierce form of Shiva. Local belief links the lake to Shiva and Parvati. Pilgrims believe a visit with a pure heart is rewarded, and a common custom says you should not look back as you leave.
Janai Purnima
The annual fair is held at the full moon of the month of Shrawan, usually in July or August. Pilgrims bathe in the lake and worship, and shamans, called jhankri, dance. This is the one time of year when food and shelter are sold at the lake.
Mountains you may see
From the lake and ridge you may see Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Phurbi Chyachu (6,637 m) and Madiya (6,257 m), with the Jugal Himal, Langtang and Rolwaling ranges beyond. See the Dorje Lakpa guides.
Hot springs at Larcha
Itineraries that finish at Larcha pass a hot spring there, which some sources call Tatopani.
Common questions
- How high is Bhairab Kunda? About 4,250 m.
- Is it the same as Bhairav Kunda? Yes, these are two spellings of one lake.
- When is the fair? On Janai Purnima, in July or August.
Plan it
See the itinerary and altitudes or permits, difficulty and season.
