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Gurudongmar Lake is one of the most Pristine lakes of Sikkim, located in proximity to the Tibet and China border of North East India. This magnificent lake is located at an elevation of 5183 m. This lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava as he passed through this place during his visit to Tibet.
This is probably the most fascinating lake on the planet It is located on the Northern side of the Khangchengyao Range and is surrounded by the mighty mountains also the lake gets frozen during the winter months. You can have a view of this Lake from the parking area but if you want to enjoy the serenity of this place then you need to climb down towards the base of this lake.
This lake is one of the top tourist attractions and a pilgrimage site of Sikkim and also boosts the tourism industry of this place. The literal meaning of Gurudongmar is the “red-faced Guru” which is referred to as the red-colored wrathful form of Guru Padmasambhava.
From the year 1997 to 1998 are huge dispute arose when the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army, guarding the India-China border decided to construct a Gurudwara as this place was visited by Saint Guru Nanak. This act of the Sikh Regiment created anger among the Sikkimese people as they considered the Gurudwara illegal construction.
As per the local people, this place belongs to Guru Padmasambhava who visited it while returning from Tibet. When this issue was reported the Sikkim government constituted a high-level committee, and all the documents were checked by the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the dispute, Gangtok also agreed with the local people that this place belongs to the Buddhist religion.
After that, the Gurudwara that was constructed by the Sikh Regiment was handed over to Lachen monastery on 6th July 2001 under the supervision of sub-divisional magistrate Chungthang. After that, the monastery was placed here and a lama was appointed as a watchman of the lake.
As per the legend, it is said that the frozen condition of this lake is directly linked with Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that this place was visited by him on his way back from Tibet. But taking a look at this place he felt that it was an e-wealth of ventilation as this appeared to be a divine location Dorje Nyima or Chhoedten Nyima.
As this Lake remains frozen for most of the Year the people of the local area phase a problem with drinking water and hence they appealed to Guru Padmasambhava to help them with this problem. The Guru agreed to help them and put his hand on a particular part of a lake and after that, it unfroze and the local people were able to get drinking water.
Since that incident, this lake was considered to be sacred and the water of this lake is carried back by the devotees along with them in a container.
One can admire the beauty of nature by just sitting and having the treat of nature and surroundings. A lot of adventure lovers can also indulge in the activity like trekking where you can trek for almost 5 hours to reach this lake. You can also do the village tour while trekking towards the Gurudongmar lake.
One can also explore “Server Dharma Sthal” which is also known as the all-religion Temple that is located in the proximity of this lake. The main attraction, Tso Lhamu Lake which is located at a distance of 9 km can also be visited by the tourist.
One can also explore villages like Lachen village and Thangu village which are located at a driving distance of 3 hours. During the summer season, tourists can also enjoy the annual yak race that takes place at Lachen and this festival attracts a huge crowd of tourists each year.
Some magnificent attractions are located in proximity to Gurudongmar Lake. Here is the list of a few such attractions:
It is one of the highest lakes in India and 14 highest lakes in the world which is located in the Northern part of Sikkim at an altitude of 18000 ft from sea level. One can have the magnificent sight of a frozen moderate-size lake which is located a few kilometers away from the Tibetan border.
It is also one of the most pristine lakes of Sikkim that attracts a huge crowd of tourists. This lake is generally explored while trekking towards the Gurudongmar lake.
Yumthang Valley is located at a distance of 140 km from Gangtok in the Northern part of Sikkim. Hair one can find various rivers hot Springs, Green meadows, and Yaks. It is the perfect place for the nature lover as here one can find over 24 species of rhododendron flowers from late February till June month.
Chopta Valley is one of the prominent tourist attractions of North Sikkim and is also referred to as the Valley of Flowers. This place is popular for its colorful flower beds which can be seen during the summer season. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and wildlife admirers as one can spot various species of plants, birds, and animals.
This is located in the northern part of Sikkim at a distance of 144 km from Gangtok. It is a perfect place for adventure lovers and nature admirers to have a magnificent sight of the landscape. Some of the activities that can be enjoyed here are snow tubing, skiing, grinding, snowboarding, etc. These activities can be enjoyed during the winter season when the area is covered with a thick sheet of snow.
This Valley is located at an elevation of 3900 m and there is also a beautiful village known as Thangu village. This village is a perfect place for tourists to relax and have some refreshments while trekking towards Gurudongmar Lake, here one can have the most magnificent site of the Tibetan plateau it is a perfect place for the nature lover.
Lachen is a beautiful town located in the Sikkim district of Northeast India. This place is famous for its Lachen monastery and its natural scenic beauty. This place is also a very popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is also the famous gateway for the sacred Lhamu and Gurudongmar Lake.
There is no proper accommodation provided at Gurudongmar Lake so, the nearest accommodation can be done at Lachen which is located at a distance of 66 km and is a 2.5 hours-long journey. You can not find proper tourist accommodation beyond Lachen.
If you want to explore the northern part of Sikkim then an inner line permit is required as this area is located very close to the China and Tibet border. If you are a foreign traveler then you are only allowed up to Yumthang and Chopta Valley and if you are an Indian Traveller then you can also explore Gurudongmar Lake.
This permit can be acquired at Gangtok even a day before starting your trip towards Gurudongmar Lake. For getting the permit one needs to deposit a copy of photo ID along with passport-size photographs in the tourism office. This permit can also be taken in advance through the travel agent.
The best time to explore Gurudongmar Lake is from November to June month as during this period the weather remains really pleasant. In Lachen, the summer remains moderate and pleasant and also the famous yak race festival is held during the summer months. In the winter months, this Lake freezes, and the site becomes astonishing which is like a treat to the Traveler's eye.
One can reach Lachen from Gangtok which is around a 6-hour drive and can take the halt at Lachen for relaxing. The next day one can drive towards the Gurudongmar lake after obtaining the proper format from the tourism department. Two different itineraries can be followed to visit this lake which are mentioned below:
|
No. of Days |
Itinerary 1 |
Itinerary 2 |
|
Day 1 |
Gangtok- Chungthang- Lachung (overnight stay) |
Gangtok- Chungthang- Lachen (overnight stay) |
|
Day 2 |
Lachung- Yumthang Valley – Gangtok |
Lachen- Chopta Valley- Gurudongmar Lake-Lachung (overnight stay) |
|
Day 3 |
________ |
Lachung- Yumthang Valley – Zero Point – Gangtok |
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest domestic airport which is located at a distance of 200 km from Lachen. After reaching the hair one can take the local jeeps and Taxis to cover the further distance to the lake.
By Road:
Lachen is well connected to the various major cities of India through the Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation and several private travel services provide easy transportation from other parts of India to Sikkim. Several interesting buses run daily through which one can easily reach this place.
By Rail:
Darjeeling railway station is the nearest railway station that is connected to the major cities. This railway station is located at a distance of 171 km from Lachen.
Tips to Visit Gurudongmar Lake
Don't's at Gurudongmar Lake
