Gurudongmar Lake- Detailed Guide with Tour Cost

One of the world’s highest lakes, Gurudongmar Lake, is located in Sikkim at a height of 5183 meters, nestled on the slopes of snow-capped Himalayas. Both the Buddhist and Hindu communities regard Gurudongmar Lake, which lies 173 kilometers from the busy metropolis of Gangtok and close to the Indo-China border, as a sacred body of water. Since Gurudongmar Lake’s emerald blue water is thought to have miraculous qualities, it is a popular destination for pilgrims. Guru Padmasambhava, better known as Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, paid a visit to Gurudongmar Lake in the eighth century, and the lake bears his name.

About the History of Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is situated in the northeastern section of the Khangchendzonga Mountain, barely 5 km south of the Chinese Border. A sight to behold while visiting Gurudongmar Lake is the emerald-blue glacial lake nestled between the snow-covered hills. Many travelers have been moved to tears by this breathtaking view’s magnificence. One of the Teesta River’s four water sources is Gurudongmar Lake (Pauhunri and Zemu glaciers and Cholamu Lake are the other three). Gurudongmar Lake is the subject of a lot of tales and stories. Gurudongmar Lake used to be frozen for most of the year, making it impossible for the locals to access the water.

The locals prayed to Padmasambhava to assist them as he traveled back from Tibet. According to legend, he touched a spot of the lake, and no matter how cold it gets, that area of the lake never freezes. According to another legend, Sikh Guru Nanak blessed the lake while he was in Sikkim. Pregnant women who visit the lake are said to receive desires from it. This lake serves as a signpost for the northern entrance to the Demojong Hidden Land. The spiritual attraction around the lake is the Sarva Dharma Stella, a place of worship for people of all religions. Though the lake is located near Mangan, most travelers prefer to stay at Lachen because it is better connected to other destinations.

Gurudongmar Attractions

The journey towards this sacred lake is a long yet blissful journey filled with pictorial sights. The scenic view of changing vegetation and landscape is a pleasure to the sore eyes of travelers. Traveling on the steep and spiraling road with the view of lush meadows changing into the rugged terrain, where mountain goats and yak graze the land, to reach Gurudongmar Lake has a charm of its own. Being located at a high altitude there are only a few tourists visiting Gurudongmar Lake.

Trekking towards this sacred lake through the rugged terrain of the mountainous valley is one of the famous activities of the adventurer traveling to Sikkim. The astounding trek towards Gurudongmar Lake starts from Zero point and Nathula, the second-highest mountain pass. Blessed with scenic beauty and stunning surroundings, Gurudongmar lake is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Capturing the charm of this emerald lake and encompassing landscape in camera is something that visitors would love to do. The surreal beauty of Gurudongmar Lake cannot be described in words.

A place far from the maddening crowd where visitors can fill their minds with serenity while being enthralled by the surreal natural beauty, Gurudongmar Lake cuddled on the foothills of snow-capped mountains is the destination where visitors can experience it all. The panoramic vista of an emerald blue lake enclosed by the snow-peaked mountains has left travelers speechless. Experience the thrill of traveling and seeing one of the highest altitude lakes, Gurudongmar Lake, while making a trip towards Sikkim.

Do’s and Dont’s While Visiting Gurudongmar Lake

Here are some Do’s You Need to Know:

• Breathing issues are typical in Gurudongmar because of its elevation. Consult a physician before making these vacation plans, and keep the appropriate medications on hand.
• You need to bring thick jackets and woolen clothes as the temperature at the lake will be extremely cold.
• You will notice the difference in oxygen level at a height of 15000 feet. Don’t jump and wander around in a hurry. Refer to a paramedic right away if there is even the slightest question as you go carefully.
• It is recommended to stop at Lachung or Lachen instead of traveling directly to the lake from Gangtok because the body needs time to acclimate to the higher altitude.

Here are Some Dont’s You Need to Know:

• Children below the age of 5 years are not permitted to visit the lake.
• Because the lake is regarded as being extremely sacred, be a good neighbor and refrain from littering here and there.
• Don’t forget to carry at least 2-3 copies of documents and photographs as they’ll have to be submitted to the tourism office.
• Do not overlook the part of the permit. Ensure that your documents are prepared. Reach out to the agents or the hotel front desk if you don’t have any papers.