Chakund Lake: Undiscovered Jewel of Chamba's Scenery
**Discovering the Enchanting Lakes of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh**
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayan mountains, the lesser-known lakes of Khajund and Chakund offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Situated in the tranquil Churah Valley of Chamba District, these lakes are hidden gems waiting to be explored.
**Location and Geography**
The lakes are surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains, providing serene and picturesque landscapes. Both lakes are situated in the Churah Valley, known for its natural beauty and tranquility.
**Trekking Routes**
The trek to these lakes starts from the Churah Valley, which can be accessed via road from the town of Chamba. The trek is moderately challenging, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It involves traversing through dense forests and crossing streams, making it an exciting adventure for nature lovers and trekkers.
**Religious Significance**
These lakes are considered sacred by the local people. They are associated with local myths and legends and are believed to possess spiritual powers. Local festivals and rituals are held around these lakes, reflecting their cultural importance to the community.
**Local Folklore**
Local folklore abounds with stories about the creation of the lakes and their magical powers. These stories often involve gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. It is believed that the serpent God Khajji Nag lived at Khajund Lake before moving to Khajjiyar Lake, and both these lakes are named after this serpent God.
**Exploring Khajund Lake**
Khajund Lake, a small lake near Saho, is approximately 30 Kms from Chamba town. Khajund was a place of worship where people used to revere and pray God Khajji Nag. Kids from nearby villages can be seen trying their luck with fishing at Khajund Lake. The trek to Khajund Lake starts from Bhalla village and passes through dense woods.
**Unveiling Chakund Lake**
Chakund Lake, located in the wilderness of Chamba at a height of 3062 meters, is a place of divine settings, with inhabitants living in exquisite nature. Local folklore claims that Gujjar shepherds hold every inch of the land around Chakund Lake. The lake offers majestic views of lush green meadows and wild mountains. The trek to Chakund Lake is approximately 11 km long and is considered short yet challenging. The trek starts from Kiri Village, which is en-route Saho from Chamba.
While Khajund and Chakund Lakes are not as widely known as some other destinations in Himachal Pradesh, they offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure, making them a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring offbeat locales. For more detailed information or to plan a visit, it might be helpful to consult local guides or travel agencies familiar with the region.
Traveling to the enchanting lakes of Khajund and Chakund in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh presents an opportunity for a lifestyle that combines adventure-travel with cultural exploration. This hidden gem offers unique trekking routes through lush green forests and towering mountains, making it an exciting adventure for nature lovers and trekkers while also providing serene landscapes with religious significance for those seeking spiritual connections.
