Know about Champu Khangpok, the only natural floating village in Manipur

Located at the edge of the mighty Himalayas, the Northeast Indian region abounds in natural beauty – picturesque rivers, dales, valleys, freshwater lakes dot the landscape.

Manipur, that is home to the iconic Loktak lake has another secret, nestled in the very heart of the same timeless landmark.

Champu Khangpok village, located right atop the lake, is said to be the only natural floating village on earth with 134 hutments home to around 400 people.

The village is one of the floating biomasses called phumdis in the middle of the iconic Loktak Lake.

The Loktak, on the other hand, is the largest freshwater lake in the entire Northeast. The Ramsar Convention designated it as a wetland of world significance in 1990.

This lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It is said that the lake and the emotions associated with it are very significant to the people of Manipur.

In Manipur, Loktak is referred to as Loktak Lairembee Ema or Mother Loktak.

Manipuris celebrate  Loktak Day at the periphery of the Loktak lake.

The water, the phums, the floating homes, the fishermen, the fish, and the birds make up a peaceful ecological community.

Many of the myriad elements work together in this environment to support Loktak's ecology of life.