Abstract
The aim of this research was to analyze physical and chemical characteristics of high altitude lakes (Gokyo lake series, Imja lake, Pyramid lake) of the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu region located above 4500 m altitude. The lake water was studied for three years (2008, 2009 and 2010) to compare the annual changes in the parameters. The findings created a database for present status of high land lakes of Nepal, which can be used for the management of lakes as well as to study the impact of tourism on water quality. The lake water quality in general still stands good in terms of standards for drinking water (WHO, Nepal standard) but degradation process has started. Total nitrogen in water samples was lower than the WHO standard but an increase in the nitrate nitrogen has been recorded. Similarly, total phosphorrous quality was also found increased.
Highlights
The Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), established in 1976 and declared as a world Natural Heritage site in 1979, is located in the District of Solukhumbu, Nepal
The aim of this research was to analyze physical and chemical characteristics of high altitude lakes (Gokyo lake series, Imja lake, Pyramid lake) of the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu region located above 4500 m altitude
The findings created a database for present status of high land lakes of Nepal, which can be used for the management of lakes as well as to study the impact of tourism on water quality
Summary
The Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), established in 1976 and declared as a world Natural Heritage site in 1979, is located in the District of Solukhumbu, Nepal. The world’s highest peak Mount Everest (8848 m) is located here. It is a popular eco-touristic destination for international community. Since the first ascent of Everest in 1953, around half a million trekkers (national & international) visited the SNP. The number of tourists in the Khumbu region was 20 in 1964, which rose to peak number 32,123 in 2009 and 32,084 in 2010. Nepalese high altitude lakes are considered as relatively unpolluted and are oligotrophic [2]. Limnological studies in high altitude lakes of the Himalayas have been carried out [3,4,5,6,7,8] in the north west Indian himalaya.
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