About Gurudongmar Lake
Experience the mystical allure and profound spiritual significance of Gurudongmar Lake. For Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists alike, this holy body of water—named for the great Guru Padmasambhava—holds great significance. Here, you can listen to stories of its magical beginnings when the kind hand of Guru Padmasambhava thawed part of the lake.
This thawed part gave the people their access to water during the hard winters. A visit to Gurudongmar Lake is often included in various North East tour packages, offering a unique glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage.
Situated at 5,183 metres above sea level and surrounded by the towering peaks of Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is a sight to see. You can see its glistening pure waters create a mesmerising aura over the surrounding area as it reflects the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain. As winter approaches, the lake freezes over everywhere except for a holy spot that people believe is blessed by the gods. This is a remarkable example of both natural wonder and divine intervention, making it a must-visit destination on any Sikkim trip.
To round up your visit, you can also experience the devotion in the air by visiting the neighbouring shrine devoted to Guru Padmasambhava.
Gurudongmar Lake Highlights
• Take in the breathtaking scenery of Gurudongmar Lake as it reflects the spectacular icy peaks that surround it at an altitude of 5425 m.
• Discover the spiritual sanctuary of Sarva Dharma Sthala, which is next to the lake and promotes religious harmony while providing peace and tranquillity.
• On a spectacular adventure through nature's beauties, you can enjoy the combined allure of Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.
• Discover the beautiful Teesta River source, Tso Lhamu Lake, which is only 9 km away and adds to the surrounding area's charm.
• Take a short journey from Gurudongmar Lake to the Lachen and Thangu villages, which provide insights into traditional Himalayan life.
How To Reach Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake lies in the enchanting landscapes of North Sikkim. These are some ways to reach this serene destination.
By Car/shared taxi: You can depart from Lachung Bus Stand and embark on a picturesque journey covering approximately 115 kilometres. Follow the winding roads, passing through breathtaking vistas, until you reach Gurudongmar Lake in about 4-5 hours.
Best Time To Visit Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering its unique allure.
1. Best season: For a winter wonderland experience, you can visit from November to February, when temperatures range between 5°C to -27°C and the lake is frozen. You can also visit during April and May as that time showcases vibrant rhododendron blooms, enhancing the lake's natural beauty. This makes Gurudongmar Lake a perfect highlight for a memorable honeymoon trip to Sikkim, combining serene landscapes with romantic seasonal charm.
2. Best day of the week: You can visit Gurudongmar Lake on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience amidst nature's splendour. Weekends tend to be busier with tourists, while weekdays offer quieter surroundings for peaceful contemplation.
3. Best time of the day: Make the most of your visit by arriving at Gurudongmar Lake early in the morning. The calm, still waters and the soft glow of dawn create a magical ambience, perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs of the lake
Gurudongmar Lake Other Essential Information
- Wear sunglasses with UV lenses and a layer of Polaroid film to protect your eyes from harsh sun rays and white light.
- To have a smoother experience, get permits in Gangtok before visiting Gurudongmar Lake. You may also want to use authorised tour providers.
- Bureaucratic delays are usual, so allow one or two extra days for processing permits.
- To avoid altitude sickness, take a break at Lachung or Lachen on your journey to let your body adjust to the different elevations.
- Make sure you bring clothing appropriate for the weather in the month of your visit.
- Bring two or three duplicates of your picture ID and several photos, which you will need to turn in at the tourism office in order to process your permit.
- Be mindful of local norms and rules by keeping the region tidy and protecting its scenic charm.
- For protection against glare, always carry a pair of polarised, anti-reflective sunglasses.
Set Out On a Trek From The Lake
Trekking in Sikkim from Gurudongmar Lake to Tso Lhamo Lake is an exciting way to start an exciting trip and is often featured in popular Sikkim group tour itineraries. If you get permission from the Army, you can walk over nine kilometres of untamed landscape to one of the highest lakes on Earth. This expedition presents a challenge for experienced explorers and is not for the faint-hearted. With its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain, the Gurudongmar Lake trek is a must-do adventure.
Tourism Board Alliances
Gurudongmar Lake FAQs
Why is Gurudongmar Lake spiritually important in Sikkim?
Gurudongmar Lake is deeply spiritually significant for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The lake is believed to have a divine thawed place that was blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, offering water during cold winters. Also within the destination is the shrine of the Guru, which one can visit, making the destination deeply significant on any spiritual or cultural pilgrimage through Sikkim.
Is Gurudongmar Lake suitable for a family trip to Sikkim?
Yes, Gurudongmar Lake can be a valuable destination on a family vacation to Sikkim, with a mix of stunning natural scenery and cultural experience. Families can have serene environments, scenic treks, and sightseeing in nearby traditional Himalayan villages. The visit should be planned cautiously, taking into consideration the high elevation and climatic conditions to ensure all comfort and safety.
What is the best time to see Gurudongmar Lake for a lifelong experience?
The best time to visit is during winters, from November to February, for an experience of a frozen lake, or in April and May, when the rhododendrons bloom luxuriantly. Going early in the morning on a weekday is recommended to escape the crowds and have peaceful views. Every season has a unique charm, so Gurudongmar is worth visiting throughout the year.
How can I include Gurudongmar Lake in a Sikkim budget tour?
Making a Sikkim budget tour with Gurudongmar Lake is feasible by taking shared taxis or group tours from Lachung or Lachen that cut travel expenses. Accommodation in low-budget homestays or guesthouses around and visiting the lake in conjunction with other sites such as Chopta Valley and Tso Lhamo Lake maximises the experience while maintaining costs at acceptable levels.
What are the modes of transport to get to Gurudongmar Lake?
Tourists usually come in cars or shared taxis from Lachung, which is roughly 115 kilometres away. The ride along winding mountain roads takes around 4-5 hours. It's advisable to leave early in order to utilise the daylight hours. Those in guided tours, most Sikkim tour packages cover transport and permits for going to this high-altitude lake.
Is Gurudongmar Lake and other major Sikkim tour attractions part of popular Sikkim tour packages from major cities?
Yes, most Sikkim tour packages from various cities incorporate Gurudongmar Lake as an unfailing favourite. This is how they appear in packages from various cities:
Sikkim tour packages from Mumbai tend to emphasise the spiritual importance and breathtaking high-altitude landscapes of Gurudongmar Lake.
Bangalore to Sikkim tour packages cover Gurudongmar in addition to other North Sikkim attractions such as Lachung and Lachen.
Sikkim trip package from Kolkata typically has a balanced trip with Gurudongmar Lake being one of the prominent places to visit to get close to nature and culture.
Sikkim travel packages from Ahmedabad provide entry into Gurudongmar Lake as part of their adventurous yet peaceful mountain odysseys.
Sikkim packages from Pune usually include Gurudongmar Lake for its panoramic views and special religious significance.
Do Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages include Gurudongmar Lake?
Yes, most Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages feature Gurudongmar Lake as a major attraction. It provides a distinct high-altitude experience with breathtaking Kanchenjunga views and sacred identity. A visit to Gurudongmar provides richness to the rich culture of Darjeeling and Gangtok and makes the tour even more special.
