Gurudongmar Lake happens to be one of the highest lakes worldwide. It is in India, having an altitude of 17,800 ft or 5,430 m in the state of Sikkim. Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus consider it a sacred site. It is one of the most pristine and beautiful lakes in Sikkim. The Gurudongmar Lake lies very close to the northern Chinese and Tibetan border.

One of the primary sources of the Teesta River, this icy alpine lake is nestled in the middle of the mountains. The lake gets its name from the distinguished guru Padmasambhava, who they believed had passed through this region when he visited Tibet. With its exceptionally high altitude and pristine waters, this lake is perhaps the most astonishing worldwide.

How To Go There

No public transportation is available to access the lake, so renting a taxi is your best option. Try to leave early on the day you visit the lake, about 3 AM to 4 AM. Indulge in a light meal, such as tea or small snacks, before heading to Thangu. There, you can have breakfast from around 6 AM to 7 AM, then go to Gurudongmar. If you time it right, you can be back for lunch in Lachen.

The villages near Gurodongmar are Thangu, 19 miles, and Lachen, 40 miles away. Lachen is around a 6-hour drive from Gangtok, which is approximately 81 miles.

Because of the lake's position at such a high elevation with lower oxygen levels, tourists usually experience breathing problems when visiting here.

  • Children under five years are not permitted to visit the lake
  • Adults over 65 years are also not allowed

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Best Time To Travel

Getting to Gurudongmar Lake necessitates a lengthy and sometimes back-bending travel. Roads that lead to the lake were practically non-existent until only some years ago. Now, there are smooth roads after crossing Giaogang check-post at an altitude of 15,000 ft.

Time of Day

The Inner Line Permit you have is going to be checked by the Giaogong Army. You must cross this checkpoint from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM.

You must also exit by 12:30 PM since the weather becomes unpredictable here.

Time of Year

Temperature extends from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and weather fluctuates during the various months of the year.

The worst times to visit the lake are between July and October because heavy rainfall makes the roads slippery.

It is best to visit Gurudongmar Lake from March to June when temperatures are mild. If you want to see various rhododendrons and orchids, you will have to stay in April during the flowering season.

The best time to enjoy the snow is from November to February for cold lovers.

Safety

The small shelter of the army offers everybody free piping hot coffee or tea, which is necessary for handling that cold. There are also restrooms in there for use by the public. Along with that, the military operates a little souvenir section that sells holy water, coffee mugs of the lake, and more. If you're able to, please buy from there to support the army.

Gurudongmar Lake happens to be a significant tourist attraction situated in the northern district of Sikkim. The lake's formation is the result of melted water, which was once glacial snow. The lake is highly elevated, so please take all the necessary precautions. Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS, may strike you if you overexert yourself or do not prepare properly. The general recommendation to avoid this is to arrive there earlier and not stay for more extended periods at the lake.

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Accommodation

The accommodation available is limited, particularly in Thangu. Therefore, if Thangu is unavailable, the next best place to keep as your base while visiting Gurudongmar is Lachen. Lachen is favored chiefly because of the better facilities that are available.

Apple Orchard Lachen

This resort is by far the best accommodation at Lachen. Resting above the hill that overlooks the town of Lachen, it has excellent rooms. It also spreads across acres of land and even incorporates an apple orchard.

  • TV in all rooms
  • Room heater on request
  • Running hot water
  • Car parking
  • 24-hour room service
  • Restaurant
  • Cost: $106/night

Delight Royal at Lachen

This resort has a great view of mountains clad in snow right from the entrance. The rooms are spacious enough yet essential considering the solitude of the place.

  • Standard rooms
  • TV, room service, 24-hour security, wake-up call, and smoking rooms
  • Room heating services
  • Cost: $16/night

Hotel Blue Pine

Hotel Blue Pine is a budget-scale accommodation in Lachen. Expect essential rooms as well as lovely views from this hotel.

  • Reception
  • Free Parking
  • Luggage Storage
  • Room Service
  • TV
  • Smoking Rooms
  • Masks/Gloves
  • Housekeeping
  • Cost: $33/night

Since the lake resides at a very high altitude above sea level, there are almost no eateries in the area. You should bring along some snacks. There is local food near Mangan, which is hygienic and affordable. Tibetan snacks, such as thukpa (or noodles with vegetables/meat in soup) as well as momos, are a must-try for all visitors.

Permits

Because the Gurudongmar Lake is near the international border, foreigners cannot go to the lake without a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Foreign travelers can also proceed to the Chopta Valley. Indians, however, can visit Gurudongmar Lake after obtaining an Inner Line Permit. Any travel agency on the list approved by the government will help you acquire the permits.

Indeed, a journey to the lake and Chopta Valley will stay as an unforgettable and vivid memory in your mind, but don't just take our word for it. If you genuinely want to bask in the beauty of these lovely sights, then start planning your trip today. Hopefully, this article will help you!

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