Gurudongmar Lake Travel Guide
Gurudongmar Lake is Envisioned as one of the highest lakes in the whole world. The Lake is perched at an altitude of 17, 800 feet in Sikkim. It is considered highly sacred by both the Sikhs and Buddhists. The lake has got its name from Guru Padmasambhava, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism who has visit Gurudongmar in the 8th century. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikkhism had treaded the area round the lake that is said to have brought divine grace to it.
Covering an area of 118 hectares (i.e., 290 acres), the lake has a peripheral length of 5.34 kilometers. Devotees offer there prayer at one point where the lake appears small, whereas the larger span is veiled by hilly topography hiding the complete view. The lake is also the source of river Teesta. Its surrounding zone is absolutely stunning inhabited by wildlife, such as, blue sheep, yaks and other types of animals.
Legends add a sense of mysticism to the whole area attracting tourists from all over the world. As the prodigy carries, Guru Padmasambhava was on his way back the city of Tibet and while he was crossing this frozen lake he was spellbound by the beauty of the lake and his heart was filled with reverence. He felt that the lake represented the holiness of Dorje Nyima or most popularly, Chhoedten Nyima. At that time the local people of the area approached the Guru with the behest to help them with constant supply of drinking water as the lake remained frozen for most part of year. The Guru simply placed his hands on a tiny part of the lake and since then it became source of drinking water. Even today, devotees carry water from the lake in containers as they consider it sacred.
Another myth traced to the 18th century mentions that Guru Nanak while crossing the lake came across distressed villagers who complained of their lack of virility owing to high altitude. Soon the Guru blessed the lake and the villagers that whoever drank its water would gain strength and virility.
Since then the lake and its close hills was baptized into the pureness and essence of Gurudongmor.
How to Reach Gurudongmar
First you have to reach Gangtok and stay there at least for a night. Hire a car from Gangtok to reach the lake. Better to contact hotel at Gangtok to arrange a cab for your trip. One can reach Gangtok using any of the ways mentioned below
- Air — You can access the nearest airport in Bagdogra situated near Siliguri, that lies at a distance of 124 kms away from Gangtok. The good news is that the airport is viably connected to Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. For the international travellers, there are flights from Delhi and Kolkata.
- Rail — New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head. Chennai, New Delhi and Kolkata have regular train connectivity to New Jalpaiguri. A taxi will take you from the station to Gangtok in 4 Hrs.
- Road — situated at a distance of 114 kms from Siliguri, driving is an option that has to be done via taxis or rented cars in this town
Distance of Gurudongmar Lake from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Siliguri |
257 |
|
Gangtok |
174 |
|
Lachen |
66 |
Weather
Gurudongmar Lake Temperature:
- Summer (Apr to May) – Temperatures are mild and range between (10°C) to (20°C)
- Monsoon – (Jun to Sep) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Mar) – Temperatures are low and range between (-4°C) to (15°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Nov are the best season for tourism
What to See In Gurudongmar
The Lake
The lake is the highlighting spot. A portion of this lake always stay filled with water that never freezes. The milky colour of the lake encircled by trees around give you goosebumps. After spending around the lake, get back to Lachen.
Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley- check out the broad and expansive valley lying at the junction of Chopta Chu, Thangu Chu, Lassur Chu. The valley is at a towering height of 14000 feet. Grab the chance of getting around Thangu village knotted at 4100 m inhabited by Tibetan nomads. The Thangu valley will lie on your way to the lake. While you walk around the Tangu Valley, you will realize the way of living of Tibetan nomads.
Chopta valley
Chopta Valley lies at a few kilometres from the Gurudongmor Lake. Located in north-east Sikkim, the valley is replete with orchids, enthralling lakes, Alpine trees, rivers, rhododendrons. There are different types of animals to spot around. Trekkers will find a scintillating view along the trail from Chopta valley to the mesmerizing Muguthang Valley. The valley is at a height of 13, 200 feet and is preferred mostly for hiking, trekking, water sports and angling. The Chopta Valley is quite famous and it beckons thousands of tourists from various parts of the world who are in search of new places.
Other Details
What to Do
- Walk around the beautiful lake and enjoy its stunning beauty.
- Visit the nearby attractions, such as, Chopta Valley, Lachen, Lachung, and so on.
- Do take cameras to captivate the moments around and the picturesque beauty that will enthral and mesmerize you.
Where to Eat
- At Thangu — There are small eating joints where you get bread with jam, noodles and boiled egg. The place is located 32 KM before reaching the majestic Gurudongmar Lake
What to Buy
Nothing is available for you to buy from here
Get Around
You can reach the lake via car only. The surrounding weather is not suitable for having a long walk etc
Top Destinations - Sikkim
– Aritar Lake
– Gangtok
– Lachung (Yumthang)
– Lachen (Gurodongmar Lake)
– Pelling
– Zuluk
Popular Tour Plans - Sikkim
4-6 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok (6N/7D)
2. Gangtok-Pelling (5N/6D)
3. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok (8N/9D)
2. Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (8N/9D)
3. Aritar-Zuluk-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (8N/9D)
4. Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Pelling-Gangtok (9N/10D)
5. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (9N/10D)
>10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (11N/12D)