On the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, along the offbeat tracks and trails of Kirtipur, lies one of the tranquil lakes in Kathmandu that is in part related to the origin of Kathmandu Valley – Taudaha. The word “Taudaha” comes from the Newari words “Ta”, which means snake and “daha” meaning lake. Taudaha is possibly the only clean water body remaining in the valley compared with other historical water bodies that have been polluted courtesy of urbanization and modernization. However, Taudaha seems to be well managed for now given the fact that it lies next to the road that connects Dakshinkali and Hetauda (the capital of Province 3), so the to and fro of vehicles are quite consistent and regular.

Taudaha Lake

Taudaha is a gem of a place for bird watchers. Though lying alongside one of the busiest roads and heavy settlement, more than 100 bird species are found in Taudaha. There is a big hoarding board with the mention and picture of bird species that are found around the lake thus far.

Folklore of Taudaha

If mythology is to be believed, Taudaha is a remnant of a larger lake that once covered the whole of Kathmandu Valley. The Buddhist monk Manjushree, according to folklore, is the one responsible for cutting the hills in the valley so that the water drained off and the land became habitable for people. The hill that was cut is known as “Chovar Gorge”—a narrow passage from where the Bagmati River exits the valley. The place today is one of the attractions in Kirtipur and preserved within Manjushree Park.

 Fishes being fed by people

After the water was drained off of Kathmandu, numerous snakes and nagas (mythological reptiles that are half human and half snake) went homeless. The king of Nagas, Karkotak, was livid seeing this. To save themselves from the terror of the Naga King, Taudaha was created with an underwater palace. The pleased serpent king agreed to live underwater with the nagas and snakes and also promised to save the people living there as long as they never disrupt the peace of the lake.  This fact alone is reason enough for people to never swim or fish in the lake.

Getting There

Taudaha Lake lies 12.6 km away from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and takes about an hour to reach there. If you are planning to travel from Thamel, no worries, it takes about 35 minutes to reach there. Public vehicles leave at regular intervals from the old bus stop. You need to take the bus or micro to Dakshinkali. Taudaha lies on the way to Dakshinkali.

Some Interesting Things about Taudaha

•    The shape of Taudaha Lake is almost similar to the shape of Kathmandu

•   You cannot see the full shape of Taudaha from anywhere. One side will always be hidden.

•   It is believed that eye diseases and skin diseases (including leprosy) can be treated if you bathe regularly in this lake.

Places to Visit Nearby

Bosan Dada/White House

Bosan Dada also known as White House is a viewpoint that is 4 km away from Taudaha. White House is a lesser-known destination in Nepal that is slowly gaining fame in recent years due to the rise of YouTube creators and travel nomads who are constantly exploring the hidden gems within the valley and country in general.

It is one of the emerging and popular destinations for climbing as well as cycling. Visitors and hikers alike normally take the route from Taudaha Lake to White House.

Bosan Dada

Kirtipur

The historic Newari town of Kirtipur is about 3.4 km away from Taudaha. Kirtipur is situated atop a hill to the southwest of Kathmandu. Kirtipur has so much to offer tourists like old shrines, temples and old typical Newari houses and architecture.

Umamaheshwor Temple, Kirtipur

People also come here to quench their thirst for Newari delicacies. Two of the most famous eateries for authentic Newari cuisine in Kirtipur are Lahana and Sa:Sa.

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