Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake
Foot bridge approach to the Khecheolpalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake Location in Sikkim
Location	Sikkim
Coordinates	27°21′00″N 88°11′19″E / 27.3500°N 88.1886°E / 27.3500; 88.1886Coordinates: 27°21′00″N 88°11′19″E / 27.3500°N 88.1886°E / 27.3500; 88.1886
Lake type	Sacred
Primary inflows	Two perennial and five seasonal stream inlets
Primary outflows	One outlet
Catchment area	12 km2 (4.6 sq mi)
Basin countries	India
Surface area	3.79 hectares (9.4 acres)
Average depth	7.2 m (24 ft)
Max. depth	11.2 m (37 ft)
Water volume	272,880 cubic metres (9,637,000 cu ft)
Surface elevation	1,700 m (5,600 ft)
Islands	None
Settlements	Khecheopalri village, Yuksom and Geyzing

Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.

Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake, considering its location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill.

The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of "Demazong" meaning valley of rice. This landscape is also known as a land of hidden treasures blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.

The Khecheopalri Lake and the Khangchendzonga National Park are conserved from the biodiversity perspective with ecotourism and pilgrimage as essential offshoots. As a result, their recreational and sacredness values are enhanced.