Holidays on the lake, which is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and clean air - the perfect solution for a weekend break. Some of these natural attractions are unique because their waters are located high in the mountains. One of these places can be safely called Punch Pohari, Gurudongmar and other lakes, which you will learn about a lot of interesting facts from this article.
Ojos del Salado
This lake is located in the Argentinean Atacama Desert in the crater of the volcano of the same name and is considered the highest source of water in the world (6390 m above sea level). The size of Ojos del Salado is small: its diameter is only 100 m and its depth is 10 m.
The volcano is considered extinct, due to which brave tourists with a decent level of physical fitness regularly come to the lake at its foot. The first people to submit to the magnificent mountain were climbers from Poland in 1937. Also, travelers have the opportunity to see for themselves the lake during a helicopter ride. In addition, this reservoir is also interesting in that near it sacrificial altars of the ancient Incas were found.
Punch Pohari
One of the highest mountain lakes in the world is located in Nepal and represents the five cleanest reservoirs. Punch Pohari is located on the territory of the Makalu Barun Nature Reserve, surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks. The height of the reservoir is 5, 494 meters above sea level.
Unlike Ojos del Salado, Punch Pohari can be visited by everyone, regardless of physical skills, but in company with a guide. During the tourist route, travelers will not only have time to admire the landscapes of the untouched mountain regions, but also to join the culture and life of the local population.
Lake Laguna Verde
This is the largest of the two ponds located next to Likankabur volcano. You can see it and the other Lake Laguna Blanca in the territory of the Bolivian park E. Avaroa at an altitude of 4300 m. There is a narrow strait between the reservoirs.
One of the lakes acquired its name due to its unusual color waters. The milk shade of the Laguna Blanca is due to the high concentration of minerals. The color changes to emerald during the wind, which raises copper deposits from the bottom of the lake. The phrase “Laguna Verde” in Spanish means “Green Lagoon”. The lake contains a large amount of calcium, copper and lead, so it always has a bright turquoise hue.
As for the tour, experienced travelers are advised to go to the lakes in April or summer, but not later than September. At the same time, you need to capture warm clothes, since in the Bolivian mountains an icy wind can fly even in the middle of a sultry summer.
Gurudongmar
The Indian lake received the intricate name from the Buddhist preacher Guru Dongmar, who lived in the VIII century. Locals consider this reservoir sacred. Gurudongmar is located in the state of Sikkim at an altitude of 5148 m. Every year, several thousand pilgrims visit the shrine, having previously gone through a difficult path. People believe in the miraculous power of waters that can heal even deadly diseases.
Most tourists come to one of the highest mountain lakes in the world from May to October. Even when in the middle of winter the temperature drops to -35 degrees Celsius, the pond does not completely freeze. So far, science is not able to explain this phenomenon. Local residents are sure that Gurudongmar does not freeze, because its healing waters can be useful to suffering people at any time of the year.
Titicaca
Without a doubt, this lake is one of the most famous in the world. Titicaca reservoir was formed at an altitude of 3821 m above sea level, on the Altiplano plateau. The lake is navigable. Translated from the language of the Quechua tribe, the name means "stone cougar." The fact is that from a height, the reservoir resembles the silhouette of this animal with its outlines.
Modern scientists claim that one of the highest mountain lakes in the world was formed from the ocean. In the process of tectonic changes, a mountain formed that literally raised part of the water to such a great height. Also at the bottom of Titicaki, archaeologists discovered an old stone wall, fragments of sculptures and a huge terrace.
