Ghoda Ghodi Taal

Trip Overview

The name Ghoda Ghodi refers to a male and female horse. The famous lake among many of the lakes found in Nepal is Ghoda Ghodi Taal (Lake). It is found in the Western region of Nepal, Kailali. Ghodaghodi Lake is a freshwater oxbow lake which is situated on the lower slopes of the Siwalik range. Being surrounded by tropical deciduous forest, this lake boasts of nine different lakes separated by marshlands. These lakes are encircled by tree forest, shrub forest and agriculture forest giving the lake its natural beauty. There are 9 different lakes present within the Ghoda Ghodi Lake and the names of those lakes are; Ghodaghodi, Chaitya, Sunpokhari, Nakhrodi, Budhi, Baishwa, Purbi Pjhuaw, Ojhuwa, and the Ramphal. The Lake houses a large percentage of the world’s most diverse species and plants. If you happen to be a bird lover, this place is important for you since it has many residents as well as migratory birds.
The name of this lake is derived from Nepali word for “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 Parbati were said to have visited the lake in different forms a hermit came upon the deities and turned them into the horse. Once they were in horse form then they circled the lake. Hence, the name of this lake was kept as Ghoda Ghodi Lake. Today, Ghoda Ghodi Lake is still an important place for worship for the local Tharu people there. A small temple is located on the banks of the lake. They gather during the Agahan Panchami and Maghi festivals. Here, they offer horses, elephant, and tiger which are made out of the clay to the goddess Gauri Mata in order for their wishes to come true. Since this is still a tradition today, a lot of clay horses can be found in the temple.
The Lake is composed of countless swaps, rivers, reservoirs, marshes, etc. The forest and wetlands serve as a wildlife corridor between the Terai lowland and the Siwalik Hills. They support critically endangered and vulnerable species including Bengal Tiger, Smooth-coated otter, Eurasian otter, Swamp deer, Marsh crocodile, etc. This lake is much closed to the highway due to which it is cemented putting the damns. Due to rising international concern to protect so many neglected wetlands all over the world, the Ghoda Ghodi Lake 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 5.9% of Nepal is covered in these kinds of wetlands.
This lake has been sheltered for most of the endangered animals all over the world and has been one of the best for people to learn about wetlands and even to learn about endangered animals.