Temso – A High Altitude Sacred Lake in Kinnaur
Temso Lake is a beautiful and sacred place in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. It is a high-altitude lake that is fed by glaciers and surrounded by barren hills. It is located at an elevation of 4979 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in India. The lake has a clear and blue water that reflects the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the local people, who collect flowers from its shores and use them for various purposes. One of the most important festivals that takes place near Temso Lake is the Fluiach festival, also known as Ukhayang or Minthko in different languages. This festival is celebrated by the villagers of Lippa, Labarang, Kanam and Ropa valley on the 20th day of Bhado month, which falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in Kinnaur. The festival involves a lot of rituals and customs that are related to nature and spirituality. The villagers perform prayers and offerings to the lake gods and goddesses, who are believed to protect them from diseases and disasters. They also cook food on large earthen pots over bonfires near the lake shore. They wear colorful clothes and ornaments made from flowers, especially Loskar (Delphinium brunonianum/Musk Larkspur), which grows abundantly around the lake. They dance to folk songs and music that celebrate their culture and heritage. The Fluiach festival is a unique and vibrant expression of Kinnaur’s rich traditions and values. It is a time when people come together to honor their environment, their ancestors, and their community. It is also a time when they enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature’s gifts.
Daywise Itinerary of Temso Lake Trek
Temso Lake Trek Cost Includes / Excludes
- All arrangements for overnight stays during the trip.
- Camping and Climbing gear.
- All food expenses
- Food will usually consist of morning breakfast, lunch, evening high tea, and dinner.
- All food will be vegetarian.
- Trained and certified guides trained for emergency situations.
- Local guides and workers with in-depth knowledge about the local area.
- One luggage per person will be transported by us.
- Inner line permits and arrangements en route will be arranged by the operator.
- All stays and lodging on a twin sharing basis shall be provided.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Camera fees or any other costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances and situations beyond our control.
The Tibetan word “tso” (མཚོ་) means “lake”. It is a common suffix in Tibetan place names, such as Namtso (Nam Lake), Yamdrok Tso (Yamdrok Lake), and Pangong Tso (Pangong Lake). The word “tso” is also used in other languages of the Tibetan cultural sphere, such as Ladakhi and Balti. In Ladakhi, it is pronounced “tso” or “tsho”, while in Balti, it is pronounced “tsho”.