An Unexpected Discovery Above Yalung
Imagine trekking through the remote Kanchenjunga region, surrounded by towering peaks, unspoiled landscapes, and an air of mystery. That’s exactly what happened when we set out to explore high-altitude lakes above Yalung (4,100m). What we found was beyond anything we had imagined—a series of untouched glacial lakes at 5,000m, hidden from the world until now.
Among them was a particularly stunning one, which we later named Daju Bhai Lake—a discovery that will forever be etched in our memories.
The Journey to the Hidden Lakes
Our adventure began on January 3, 2025, when we embarked on a mission to find an ideal acclimatization trek near Cheram (3,870m) and Yalung (4,100m). According to our maps, two unnamed lakes were located at higher altitudes, but the exact route remained a mystery. Driven by curiosity and our passion for exploration, we decided to find them.
The Trek to 5,000m
- Starting Point: Yalung (4,100m)
- Destination: Unnamed lakes at 5,000m
- Total Ascent: 900m
- Hiking Time: ~3 hours
With no marked trails, our map-reading skills and instincts were our only guides. The climb was steep and challenging, but the promise of discovering something extraordinary kept us moving forward. We packed essentials—lunch, hot water, black tea, and some biscuits—and started our ascent around 11:30 AM. By 2:30 PM, we reached our first lake.
Lake 8586 – A Frozen Beauty
The first lake we encountered was completely frozen and surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain. Judging by its appearance, it seemed to have experienced a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the past, a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems.
Standing there, taking in the magnificent view, we felt the urge to name the lake after something meaningful. And so, in honor of our trekking agency, we called it Lake 8586, representing Trek 8586, which has been instrumental in bringing trekkers to remote destinations like this.
Panoramic Views from the Lake
From Lake 8586, we were treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, including:
- Mt. Koktang and nearby peaks
- Nagarcha Khola, a glacial river
- The newly built trail from New Jhoreni to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
- Distant glimpses of Timbung Pokhari
- Parts of Panchthar, Ilam, Terhathum, and Taplejung districts
Daju Bhai Lake – A Surprise Discovery
With an hour of daylight left, we decided to follow our map and look for the second lake. About 10 minutes south of Lake 8586, we came across something unexpected—not just one lake but two separate lakes!
Although our map showed only one, we realized that the original lake had likely split due to a GLOF, leaving behind two stunning turquoise-blue glacial lakes, both completely frozen.
Naming the Lakes – A Personal Connection
Since the lakes had no official names, we decided to call them Daju Bhai Lake, which means "Brothers' Lake" in Nepali. The name was inspired by our own brotherly bond and the fact that we, two brothers, had made this discovery together.
To add a personal touch, we named the two lakes:
- Amir Lake (the larger one) after my elder brother, Amir Rai
- Manoj Lake (the smaller one) after me, Manoj Basnet
Standing at Daju Bhai Lake, with the untouched beauty of the Kanchenjunga region stretching before us, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment.
The Journey Back – Marking a Trail for Future Explorers
Before heading back, we made sure to capture plenty of photos and videos and celebrate our discovery with a simple snack—tea and roasted corn (bhuteko makai). At 4:45 PM, we started our descent, carefully marking the route with stone cairns so that future explorers could find their way.
By the time we reached Cheram at 7:00 PM, we were exhausted but fulfilled. That night, as I lay in my sleeping bag, I felt something more than just physical exhaustion—I felt a profound connection to nature and the spirit of adventure.
How You Can Explore Daju Bhai Lake with Trek 8586
Daju Bhai Lake remains one of the most untouched and unexplored lakes in the Kanchenjunga region. If you’re an adventure seeker who loves exploring offbeat trekking destinations, this is the perfect trek for you!
Why Trek with Trek 8586?
- Expert Local Guides – We specialize in Kanchenjunga treks and know the region like the back of our hands.
- Custom Itineraries – Whether you want to combine this with the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek or a shorter trek, we tailor the journey to your needs.
- Full Logistics Support – From permits to accommodation, we take care of everything so you can focus on the adventure.
Contact Trek 8586 Today!
- Phone: 9840404309
- Email: info@trek8586.com
TL;DR – Quick Summary
- Daju Bhai Lake is a newly discovered high-altitude lake in the Kanchenjunga region at 5,000m.
- Our trek from Yalung (4,100m) to the lakes took ~3 hours, with no defined trails.
- The first lake, now named Lake 8586, was frozen and possibly affected by a past GLOF.
- A second set of lakes, now called Daju Bhai Lake, was found 10 minutes south of Lake 8586.
- Future trekkers can explore these hidden gems with Trek 8586, an expert trekking agency in Eastern Nepal.
