Ghoda Ghodi Lake

Ghodaghodi Lake

The Ghodaghodi Lake is as diverse and profound as the lake’s eco-diversity. In fact the name Ghodaghodi means male and female horse. One cosmic belief that has stood the test of time is that the lake is tied to a very popular event between two of Nepal’s most revered deities. Lord Shiva and Parvati were said to have visited the lake in different forms. A hermit came upon the deities and turned them into a horse. Once they were in horse form they then circled around the lake.


Other legends that surround the name of the lake revolve around the Chaudari people who took residence near it. They were always seen making various animal inspired artefacts yet, most are made of figures in the form of sacred horses. The Tharu people who are indigenous to this area also celebrate the Agan Panchami, every December they participate in a ritual where they take a holy bath in the lake. It has also become a place for traditional fishing and agricultural practices richly filled with their traditions.

The location of the lake itself is of ecological significance because it is a rich wetland area in the middle of the Far Western region near the Kailali district. Even though the lake is of similar importance to other wetland areas in Nepal, like the Koshi Tappu, it was not given as much significant. The lake is a Ramsar site and an international effort has been made for its protection and conservation. 3 VDC areas of Kailali area are covered by this lake.

The wetland area is surrounded by tree forests, shrub forests, village communities and their agricultural fields. Even though it is popularly known as the Ghodaghodi lake, another interesting thing about Ghodaghodi Lake is that it is actually made up of nine different lakes marked separately by marsh lands. The nine lakes present within the Ghodaghodi Tal are the Ghodaghodi, Chaitya, Sunpokhari, Nakhrodi, Budhi, Baishwa, Purbi Pjhuaw, Ojhuwa and the Ramphal.

The lake is composed of countless swaps, rivers, reservoirs, marshes, paddy fields and flood plains. All the bodies of water within the lake are filled entirely with fresh water. Of all the nine associated lakes, the Ghodaghodi is the biggest and is regulated by a cement dam because it is very close to a busy highway.

Due to the rising international concern to protect so many neglected wetlands all over the world, the Ghodaghodi has been pushed into the spotlight. It is the home of a large percentage of the world’s most diverse animal and plant species. Over 5.5% of Nepal is covered in these kinds of wetlands, all of them magnificently diverse yet dangerously shrinking.

The Ghodaghodi Tal is an important location for many resident and migratory birds. They not only call this place home but many of them mate and give birth to their offspring here. Upsetting this delicate balance could leave many of the animal residents at a loss. If it ever comes to pass that they will no longer have a place to mate and give birth then we would be witness to the extinction of many more important animal species.

In the year 2003 this was listed as a Ramsar site, the Lake area takes up an estimated 2,563 hectares of land. In addition to its sister lakes there are also a number of associated ponds. The forest surrounds the lake at the lower slopes of the Siwalik.

The most important part of Ghodaghodi Lake is that this lake is seen for more than its geographical aspects. The parts of its religious and ecological diversity must also be appreciated for their more important impact on our lives. We should be more appreciative and see beyond what our eyes can see and learn more about this wondrous place.