Among the 21 destinations of Karnali, Kupinde Dah is another excellent tourist destination. Kupinde in the western region of Salyan is connected to Surkhet, the provincial capital. Kupinde Daha of Salyan is also known as the second Rara Lake of Nepal.
Overview
Kupinde Dah in Bangand Kupinde Municipality of Salyan District is located about 24 km west from the headquarters of Khalanga. Spread over an area of 23.53 hectares, the length of the dam is 834, width 534, depth 34 meters. Dah, located at a height of 1,120 meters above sea level, has 5,482,574 cubic meters of water.
Religious and cultural significance
Every year devotees from far and wide come to worship in the temple connected with Kupinde Daha. Twelve months in the middle of Dahkai have been worshiping the god Barah. A big fair is held in this temple on Marg Shuklapurnima and Baisakh Shuklapurnima.
It is still believed that if you come here and perform puja and bath, the things mentioned will be fulfilled, i.e. the childless will get children. The special worship of Barah on the 10th is being done during Maha Sankranti. A big fair is also held here on Mansir Purnima after Tihar. Kupindo is sacrificed as Chokho sacrifice, while sheep, chickens, ducks and pigeons are also sacrificed.
Historical and mythological beliefs
According to legend, there was a large village at the place where Kupinde Dah was located. One day in the village, in the guise of a monk, Barah God came to the village in search of shelter. Even though he asked the Barah deity in the form of Jogi to stay in many houses, he could not find a place to stay. Despondently, he reached the house of an old mother who had a son. He told that he had come to stay. Even though the old woman staying at the house said that she could not make any arrangements for food and accommodation in her house, the Sadhu asked for permission to stay in that house.
The old mother did not let Jogi eat bread made of rice husks (Dhuto). After that, the jogi kept saying, “Go to the hill tomorrow at the time of rooster crowing.” In the morning, when he went to the hill and looked, the place where the village was filled with water. There is a legend that Kupinda was floating on that water, so it got its name.
After knowing the poverty of the old man, the next morning the monk said to the old woman. I am Kailuvarah. I will drown the sinners of this village who do not allow others to live there. The current Kupinde pointed to the mountain on the 10th side and said, “Go to that mountain.” Don’t look back while walking. The woman did not go towards the mountain. After reaching the top of the hill, looking back later, all the villages were flooded.
The Secret of Kupinde Daha
Changing color according to the season, despite being completely forested, there is not a single weed leaf in the lake is the specialty of Esko. Kupinde Dah changes its color three times a year, it is believed that Dah changes its color in rainy, winter and summer seasons. What is mysterious is that there is no place for the water to flow and no one has been able to find out the truth except for guesses as to how deep it is.
Scientific research about Kupinde Dah, which is considered important only from the perspective of rural religious tourism, has not been done till date. Hypnotized by green trees, beautiful villages, and the life of the Salyan culture, Kupinde Dah changes its water color three times a year in rainy, winter and summer months.
Natural beauty
Surrounded by mountains on all sides and filled with blue water in the middle, Kupinde Dah enchants anyone who comes there. Surrounded by mountains, green forests and the blue sky in between, the alluring Kupinde Daha is a tourist destination full of natural beauty.
Kupinde Dah has become a rural tourism center, with a clean environment around Kupinde Dah, mountain green forests around the snow range and a blue sky in the middle to the south. The number of people coming not only from Salyan but also from different districts to see Kupinde Dah has increased. The rural tourists have started enjoying boating, the picturesque environment and view of the snow range.
Cultural Treasures Near Kupinde Daha
In addition to natural attractions, Kupinde Daha also offers a window into the vibrant rural culture of mid-western Nepal. Quaint villages with traditional Nepali architecture dot the hillsides around the lake. With its strong roots in agriculture, you can experience authentic rural life here.
The local Tharu, Magar and Chhetri communities have their own unique traditions, festivals, music and dance styles. Important festivals like Maghesankranti, Vivahpanchami, Dashain and Tihar light up Kupinde Daha with cultural celebrations. The excellent local cuisine is dominated by staples like dal-bhat, roti, wild greens and traditional spices.
For some retail therapy, you can browse through local handicrafts and souvenirs in the village shops. A day hike takes you through lively weekly markets where locals come to trade. Overall, Kupinde Daha lets you soak in the heartwarming culture of Nepali village life.
How to Reach Kupinde Daha
Reaching the tranquil beauty of Kupinde Daha is now easier than ever from major Nepali cities. Here are the most convenient routes:
- From Kathmandu – Take a flight or bus to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, take a bus to Khalanga (around 3 hours). Finally, hire a jeep or taxi for the 1-hour drive to Kupinde Daha.
- From Pokhara – Take a tourist bus to Surkhet (around 10 hours). From Surkhet, take local transport to reach Kupinde Daha (1.5 hours).
- From Chitwan – Drive to Surkhet (around 7 hours), then continue on to Kupinde Daha.
- Within Mid-West Nepal – For those already in provinces like Karnali or Sudurpashchim, Kupinde Daha can be reached via local buses plying the Surkhet-Jumla route. Get off at Bangad Kupinde.
The best time to visit is during monsoon and autumn (July to November) when the nature is at its greenest. Winters can be cold but the azure lake waters have their own allure. With its growing fame, visiting the holy and scenic Kupinde Daha should be on every Nepali traveler’s bucket list!
Map to Kupinde daha
FAQs about Kupinde Daha
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Kupinde Daha:
Where exactly is Kupinde Daha located in Nepal?
Kupinde Daha is situated in Bangad Municipality of Salyan District in Lumbini Province, Mid-Western Nepal. It is around 24 km west of the district headquarters Khalanga.
What is unique about Kupinde Daha?
Some unique aspects of Kupinde Daha are its ability to change colors with seasons, religious significance as the abode of Barah, unspoiled natural beauty and the mystical legends surrounding its origins.
What is the best time to visit Kupinde Daha?
The months from July to November are ideal to visit Kupinde Daha to enjoy the lush greenery after monsoon and pleasant weather before winter.
What activities can be done at Kupinde Daha?
Excellent activities at Kupinde Daha include boating, hiking, camping, bird watching and cultural walks through nearby villages.
How can I reach Kupinde Daha from Kathmandu or Pokhara?
To reach from Kathmandu, take a flight or bus to Nepalgunj, then travel onwards to Salyan by road. From Pokhara, take a bus to Surkhet and then local transport to Kupinde Daha.
