One of the most beautiful and pristine lakes in India, Gurudongmar Lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at a high altitude of 17,800 feet (5430 mtr) above sea level in the Mangan district of Sikkim, India, the lake is one of the main sources of river Teesta along with Tso Lhamo lake. Legend says that on his way back to Tibet, Guru Padmasambhava visited the lake. During that time the lake remained frozen almost all the times of the year. Therefore, the locals requested the Guru to do something so that they can get water from the lake. The Guru touched the water of the lake and thereafter the water stopped freezing even in the winter season. The lake is considered as a sacred place of the Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus.
The Gurudongmar Lake is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. This high-altitude lake is almost 190 km (118 miles) away from Sikkim, the capital city of Sikkim and a couple of miles south from the Chinese acquired Tibet. The lake is in a high plateau area connected to the Tibetan Plateau which is in the northern side of the Kanchanjunga range. The weather of Gurudongmar lake fluctuates from 410F to -160F.
How to reach Gurudongmar lake:
The nearest Airport is Pakyong which is at Gangtok. Cabs and share taxis are available from Gangtok to Gurudongmar. But it is not advisable to go directly to Gurudongmar lake from Gangtok. Since the lake is at a very high altitude, you may have oxygen deficiency issues like breathing problems, headache, restlessness or confusion. Therefore, it is advisable to stay a night at Lachen or Lachung and acclimatize your body with the altitude and head to Gurudongmar on the next day. The nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri, which is in the state of West Bengal and almost 260 km (161 miles) away from the lake. Cabs are available from the Railway Station to Gangtok or Lachen. You have to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the Government of Sikkim to go to North Sikkim. Therefore consult your tour operator beforehand.
Note: Foreigners are not allowed to go to the Gurudongmar lake unless special permission is obtained from the Government as it is situated at the Indo-Chinese border.
Best time to visit
October – November or March – April is the best time to visit the Gurudongmar lake, however, subject to conditions of the road. You will be heading towards the lake through a curvy, hilly road from Gangtok. In rainy season, there is every possibility of landslide and road blockade. Similarly in the winter, connectivity remains off due to excessive snowfall.
Things to do at Gurudongmar lake
1. Sightseeing
The scenic beauty of the Gurudongmar lake with the clear blue water surrounded by the snow clad mountains is mesmerizing.
2. Trekking
Reaching the Gurudongmar lake point itself is an adventure. You can enjoy trekking around the lake. But always remember, the oxygen level is very low due to the high altitude.
3. Birdwatching
If you are a wildlife enthusiast and a birdwatcher, you will definitely love the site. There are some endemic species of birds and mammals near the lake which are not available anywhere in the world except the Tibetan Plateau.
Dos
- The Gurudongmar lake is at a very high altitude. Therefore, consult your doctor before visiting to void high altitude sickness and carry necessary medicines.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water with you and take a sip at regular intervals.
- Due to the terrible condition of the road, you may have motion sickness also. Carry the necessary medicine with you.
- Carry sufficient woolens to survive at a low temperature which may fall up to – 10 degree.
- Wear a hat to avoid sunburn.
Don’ts
- Don’t be hurry. Be relaxed and take baby leaps after getting off the vehicle. At 17800 feet, you will definitely feel the difference of the oxygen level. If there is any slightest doubt, sit in the vehicle and refer to expert immediately.
- Never ever smoke there.
- Babies below the age of 5 years are not allowed to go to Gurudongmar lake.
Conclusion
The journey towards the Gurudongmar lake itself is an adventure. Heading through a curly, hilly road surrounded by snowy white mountains gives you a thrilling experience. You will witness the beauty of the Kanchanjunga, the third highest peak of the world on the way.
FAQs
Q. Why Gurudongmar Lake is famous?
Answer: Gurudongmar lake is one of the highest lake in the world. It is famous for its scenic beauty and also the lake is considered as a sacred place of Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus.
Q. Does Gurudongmar lake freeze in the winter?
Answer: A part of the Gurudongmar lake does not freeze. Because it is fed by glaciated mountains surrounding by the lake.
Q. Is there oxygen problem in Gurudongmar lake?
Answer: Yes, the lake is at an altitude of 17,800 feet above sea level. Therefore the oxygen level is very low there.