Nepal’s Lake Tilicho and Sikkim’s High-Altitude Cholamu: Which is Truly the Highest Glacial Lake in the World?

Melting glaciers high in Himalayas feed large freshwater bodies that sit miles above sea level. Tilicho Lake which is located in the Manang district of Nepal sits at 4919 meters (16138 feet). Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology official report claims that Tilicho Lake is the largest as well as the highest glacial lake formed purely by glaciers. 

Let’s find out more about this high altitude mountain lake hereonwards in an attempt to understand world geography a little better. 

Nepal and India are Home to Highest Glacial Lakes in the World

Here are the top three highest glacial lakes in the world presently. All of these lakes interestingly are located in India and its neighboring countries. 

What Makes Lake Tilicho the Highest Glacial Lake in the World?

Geographers keeps large glacial lakes in seperate category when compared to small crater lakes. South America's Ojos del Salado has a small crater lake at an elevation of 6390 meters. But there is no large water body.

The size of Lake Tilicho is measured at almost 4 kilometers long and 85 meters deep. The consistent flow of water through glaciers to the Marshyangdi River system means that the lake has full features of a functioning freshwater ecosystem.

What are the Highest Lakes in India?

In India northern Sikkim near the Tibetan border holds the top spots for the highest lake in India created by glaciers.

Gurudongmar Lake in India

1. Gurudongmar Lake: It is fed by the Gurudongmar glacier and then it feeds directly into the Tso Lhamo basin.

2. Tso Lhamo Lake: ISRO’s Wetland Atlas validates Lake Tso Lhamo as a primary headwater when it comes to feeding the Teesta River.

3. Glacial Feeds: Both Sikkim lakes freeze completely from November through May unlike lower altitude Himalayan basins.

How Do These Himalayan Lakes Compare Globally?

Regular survey data shows that distinct functional differences between Himalayan glacial lakes and alpine tarns elsewhere.

The Himalayas have freshwater storage lakes, which control the river networks of South Asia. The climate change in the region affects the outburst of the glaciers. Thus, continuous hydrological observation at Tilicho and Gurudongmar is vital for the environmental report in the area.