Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest and most scenic lakes in India. Located at an altitude of 17,800 feet in North Sikkim, it is also one of the most sacred lakes for Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have visited and blessed the lake in the 8th century. According to legend, he touched a part of the frozen lake and made it melt, creating a source of water for the locals. Even today, that part of the lake never freezes, even in the harshest winter.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this heavenly lake and how to plan your trip with Tripoto.
About Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the 108 holy lakes in Sikkim. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake and made it a source of water for the people living in the high altitude region.
Gurudongmar Lake is not just a place of worship, but also a place of wonder. The lake has a mesmerizing charm that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The crystal clear water reflects the changing colours of the sky, creating a magical spectacle. The surrounding snow-capped mountains add to the beauty and grandeur of the lake. The lake also has a small temple and some colourful prayer flags that flutter in the wind, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
The lake is also revered by Sikhs, who believe that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited the lake during his travels and performed miracles there.
The lake covers an area of 290 acres and has a depth of 120 feet. The water is considered to be pure and healing, and many pilgrims take a dip or carry some water back home. The lake is home to some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, such as the Himalayan blue poppy, the black-necked crane, and the snow leopard.
When to visit Gurudongmar Lake
The summer months (April to June) are ideal for enjoying the greenery and flowers around the lake. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the sky is clear and blue.
The winter months (October to December) are best for witnessing the snow and ice around the lake. The temperature drops to -5°C to 5°C, and the lake freezes partially or completely, creating a stunning contrast with the sky.
The monsoon months (July to September) are not recommended for visiting the lake, as the road conditions are bad and the visibility is low due to fog and rain. The temperature varies from 5°C to 15°C, and the lake becomes murky and dull.
How to Reach Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is located about 190 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The nearest town to the lake is Lachen, which is about 67 km away.
By road: The road journey takes about 7 to 8 hours from Gangtok and 3 to 4 hours from Lachen, depending on the weather and traffic conditions. The easiest way to reach Gurudongmar Lake is by hiring a private vehicle or joining a group tour from Gangtok or Lachen. You will also need to cross some army checkpoints and bridges along the way.
Timings: The road to Gurudongmar Lake is open only from 6 am to 11 am, as it is close to the Indo-China border.
Permits: You will need to obtain a special permit from the army or the tourism department to visit the lake. You will also need to carry your identity proof and passport size photos with you.
Also read: Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Trip to Gurudongmar Lake (North Sikkim)
Things to Do at Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake offers a variety of activities and attractions for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the things you can do at Gurudongmar Lake:
Sightseeing:
The most obvious and popular thing to do at Gurudongmar Lake is to admire its beauty and take some pictures. You can walk around the lake and enjoy its different views and colors. You can also visit the temple and the prayer flags near the lake and pay your respects.
Photography:
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will love Gurudongmar Lake for its photogenic appeal. You can capture some amazing shots of the lake, the mountains, the sky, and the reflections.
Trekking:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can try some trekking around Gurudongmar Lake. There are some trails that lead to nearby places, such as Chopta Valley, Tso Lhamo Lake, Donkiala Pass, etc.
Camping:
If you want to spend more time at Gurudongmar Lake, you can opt for camping near the lake. You can enjoy the night sky full of stars and the sunrise over the lake. You can also light a bonfire and share stories with your fellow campers.
Places to Visit Near Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is not the only attraction in North Sikkim. There are many other places that you can visit along with the lake, such as:
Lachung:
Lachung is a picturesque village in North Sikkim, which is about 50 km from Lachen. It is a popular base for visiting Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Katao. Lachung is known for its natural beauty, culture, and cuisine. You can enjoy the views of the Lachung River, the apple orchards, and the rhododendron forests.
Yumthang Valley:
Yumthang Valley is a stunning valley in North Sikkim, which is about 25 km from Lachung. It is also known as the Valley of Flowers, as it is home to a variety of flowers such as primula, iris, poppy, etc. The valley is also famous for its hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. You can soak in the warm water and relax your body and mind. You can also enjoy the views of the snow-clad mountains and the grazing yaks.
Zero Point:
Zero Point is the last motorable point in North Sikkim, which is about 15 km from Yumthang Valley. It is located at an altitude of 15,300 feet and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. It is also the place where three rivers meet, namely Teesta, Lachung, and Lachen. Zero Point is a must-visit place for snow lovers, as it remains covered with snow throughout the year.
Lachen:
Lachen is another scenic village in North Sikkim, which is about 30 km from Gurudongmar Lake. It is a popular base for visiting Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley, and Cholamu Lake. Lachen is known for its serene and peaceful environment, its wooden houses, and its monasteries. You can enjoy the views of the Lachen River, the pine forests, and the alpine meadows. You can also visit the Lachen Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Sikkim.
Cholamu Lake:
Cholamu Lake is another high-altitude lake in North Sikkim, which is about 20 km from Gurudongmar Lake. It is located at an altitude of 18,000 feet and is the highest lake in India. It is also one of the least visited lakes in Sikkim, as it requires a special permit and a tough trek to reach. The lake is surrounded by barren mountains and has a deep blue colour. The lake is also a source of the Teesta River, which flows through Sikkim and West Bengal.
Gurudongmar Lake is a heavenly experience that you should not miss if you are planning to visit Sikkim. The lake will enchant you with its beauty, spirituality, and adventure.
Also read: All you need to know before you go World's Second Highest Lake Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim
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