Gurudongmar Lake
₹ 144 onwards
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Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Lake
Timings : Anytime
Time Required : 2-3 hours
Permit Procedures: : For Indians: Obtain permits at the Police Check Post.
For Foreigners: Acquire permits from the Sikkim Tourism Department, available only up to Thangu.
Tour Operators: Permits can also be facilitated through tour operators for added convenience.
The army restricts entry for children below 5 years old.
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Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim Overview
Located at the height of 17,100 feet above the sea level, Gurudongmar Lake, located in Sikkim, is one of the fifteen highest lakes in the world. It is also the second highest lake in Sikkim, after the Cholamu Lake located at the height of 18,000 feet. The splendid and scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking and attracts tourists from all across the world. Gurudongmar Lake also has great religious significance attached to it, and the beautiful view of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga from the lake is a sight to behold and cherish. The water of Gurudongmar Lake is believed to have healing powers, and many tourists carry the water with them on their way back.
Encircled by snow-capped mountains and crystal clear icy water, Gurudongmar is considered to be a very holy lake. It is one of the sources of River Teesta, which flows through Sikkim, West Bengal and Bangladesh, to finally merge with the Bay of Bengal. There lies a 'Sarva Dharma Sthal' nearby, which is also a very popular place of worship for all religions. The Gurudongmar Lake is located in Lachen, a small and beautiful town in North Sikkim. A night stay at this town is highly recommended before visiting the stunning lake. The strategic location of the mesmerising Gurudongmar Lake and its proximity to other popular attractions further appeals to the tourists, and make it one of the most popular attractions in Sikkim.
Must Know Before You Visit Gurudongmar Lake
Guidelines to Follow: : Altitude Caution: At an elevation of 15,000 ft, be mindful of the oxygen levels. Avoid sudden movements; walk slowly. If any doubt arises, consult a paramedic promptly.
Age Restriction: The army restricts entry for children below 5 years old.
Permit Priority: Ensure all necessary permits are in order. If lacking proper documentation, contact agents or the hotel front desk for assistance.
Permit Procedures:
For Indians: Obtain permits at the Police Check Post.
For Foreigners: Acquire permits from the Sikkim Tourism Department, available only up to Thangu.
Tour Operators: Permits can also be facilitated through tour operators for added convenience.
Environmental Respect: Be a responsible citizen; refrain from littering in and around the lake. The lake holds sacred significance, and maintaining its sanctity is crucial.
Gurudongmar Lake Highlights
1. Sarva Dharma Sthala
2. Tso Lhamu Lake
Read More on Gurudongmar Lake
Legend of Gurudongmar Lake
The lake, however, remained frozen throughout large parts of the year, and thus there was no way that it could meet the drinking water needs of the people. The locals then appealed to the guru, who decided to help them. He placed his hand on the part of the lake, and the ice in that particular spot began to melt. Ever since, the mesmerizing Gurudongmar Lake is considered to be holy, and people carry back the water of the lake in containers since the water is considered to be sacred and possess healing properties.
Source
Gurudongmar Lake was also blessed by Guru Nanak in the 15th century when he passed through the area. According to this version of the legend, the locals appealed to him to make the ice melt, so that they could use the water. Guru Nanak touched a part of the lake with his walking stick, and it became free of snow ever since. He also blessed the lake and stated that whosoever would take its water would gain strength and virility.
Best Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake
Source
The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is between November and June as the weather is quite pleasant at that time of the year. Summers are moderate and quite pleasant in Lachen. An annual yak race called Thangu takes place here every summer. During winter, Lachen can get quite cold. Gurdongmar Lake freezes completely during the winter months and is a treat to the eyes.
Gurudongmar Lake Itinerary
Tips While Visiting Gurudongmar Lake
2. It's advisable to stop at Lachen as the journey from Gangtok can be quite tiring. Night stay at Lachen and an early morning drive to Gurudongmar is recommended.
3. Carry warm clothes as the weather is quite cold out there.
4. Indian tourists are allowed to visit the lake, but foreigners need to get a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi to visit the lake.
5. Carry medicines to cope up with breathing at high altitude. Spending half an hour at the lake will make you feel light headed because of low oxygen.
6. There is a tiny shanty near the lake which sells biscuits, Maggie, tea and other snacks. You can also visit the army canteen.
Inner Line Permit for Gurudongmar Lake
How to reach Gurudongmar Lake
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Air: The nearest Domestic Airport is Bagdogra Airport which is around four and half hour drive from Lachen. You will have to hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lachen where taxis and jeeps are available to go to the lake.
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Rail: The nearest Railway Station to Gurudongmar Lake is Darjeeling Railway Station which is connected to most of the cities of Sikkim and is at a distance of 171 Kms from Lachen. Siliguri, Sukna, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Dilaram, Sonada, Jorebungalow and Ghum are the cities it is well connected with.
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Road: Lachen is connected through Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) and some private travel services to all the major cities of Sikkim. Regular buses ply from Lachen to these states. From Lachen, you can get jeeps and taxis to reach Gurudongmar Lake.
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Gurudongmar Lake Reviews
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Popular Questions And Answers on Gurudongmar Lake
Q. Above 60 years old man can visit Gurudongmar lake??