Kagbhusandi Tal

Kagbhusandi Tal is a remote high-altitude glacial lake situated near Kankul Pass in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The lake sits at approximately 4,363-5,230 meters elevation and is surrounded by prominent Himalayan peaks including Hathi Parvat and Ghori Parvat. Known for its emerald-green waters and mythological significance, it requires a challenging multi-day trek to reach.

Visitors undertaking the trek can expect a challenging journey through alpine meadows, dense forests, rocky terrain, and glacier-fed streams. The trail passes through the Nanda Devi National Park with views of Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and Nar-Narayan peaks. Upon reaching the lake, trekkers encounter pristine emerald-green waters in a cirque basin surrounded by towering peaks. The area is remote with no commercial facilities, requiring self-sufficiency and proper camping arrangements.

The lake's name derives from Hindu mythology involving Sage Kakabhushundi, who was cursed to take the form of a crow. According to legend, this sacred site is where crows come at the end of their lives. The lake has been visited by mountaineers since the 1930s, with Eric Shipton attempting Kagbhusand Peak nearby.

Considered sacred in Hindu tradition, the lake is associated with Pitr Tarpan rituals where ancestors are believed to appear as crows to accept offerings. The mythological connection to Sage Kakabhushundi and Garuda gives the site deep spiritual importance for pilgrims and locals.