Gurudongmar Lake is situated at a height of more than 17000 ft above sea level and is a glacial lake in North Sikkim, India. Gurudongmar Lake is one of the few places in Sikkim under the Protected Area. Thousands of travelers across the globe visit this lake as it is one of the highest alpine lakes in India. The lake remains the most preferred destination and water body in North Sikkim. A small amount of biodiversity can be seen at Gurudongmar Lake due to the lack of minerals and low temperature. The route to the lake starts from Gangtok and goes through impressive waterfalls, twisted alleys, and challenging roads. Snowfall can be witnessed in the regions close to the lake. The route to reach Gurudongmar Lake requires expert and master driving to surpass the complex challenges that arise during the road trip. Travelers can reach Gurudongmar Lake in 3 ways, as mentioned below.
1. Travelers can reach Gurudongmar Lake from Gangtok via Mangan, Chungthang, and Lachen by traversing a distance of around 190 km. The route to reach Gurudongmar Lake is unique, and travelers can enjoy the natural landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. A well-known destination named Lachen is the focal point and night halt for travelers to reach Gurudongmar Lake. There are hotels and lodges available at Lachen where tourists can take accommodation. Gurudongmar Lake was formed decades ago from the melting of glacial ice. The lake continues to grow in shape and size due to snow melting. Glacial moraines can be spotted at Gurudongmar Lake. Alpine glaciers melt, and the water accumulates at Gurudongmar Lake, increasing its water level—the glacier runoff increases during the summer and decreases during winter.
2. Travelers can reach Gurudongmar Lake from Kala Patthar, a well-known destination in North Sikkim. Kala Patthar is a place in Sikkim where one can witness the black rocks and mountain ranges. The mountain ranges look alarming and unconquered for decades. It is possible to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Kala Patthar by covering a distance of 1.5 hours. Tourists can also see weathering and erosion of rocks at Kala Patthar. Tourists can also witness snow and blizzards at Kala Patthar if they pay a tribute after November.
3. Travelers generally visit Gurudongmar Lake after planning a trip to Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. The road to Yumthang is through Lachung, but travelers prefer to see the lake by halting at Lachen and planning a trip to the lake the next day. It takes nearly three hours to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen. However, the lake is very safe to visit, but a permit from the issuing authority at Gangtok is required. The permit can be obtained 1 day before visiting the lake.
The lake looks classy throughout the day, and there is an opportunity to traverse it. Furthermore, mountains of different colors encircling the lake give the feeling of ‘Heaven on Earth.’ There is also a temple around the lake to which travelers can pay tribute. Gurudongmar is undoubtedly the most beautiful lake in North Sikkim, besides Tso Lhamo Lake, and it acts as the water source for the Teesta River. It is also essential to carry woolen clothes and garments to protect oneself from harsh climatic conditions. Hence, a proper packing list, including travel essentials, is required to make the trip successful.
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GURUDONGMAR LAKE FAQ
What is the best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake?
The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from May to December, after which the lake completely freezes, and glacial ice can be spotted in and around the mountains. Sometimes, the road gets blocked due to massive accumulation of snow. Tourists should enquire about the weather and road conditions before planning a trip to Gurudongmar Lake.
What is the temperature at Gurudongmar Lake?
Due to Gurudongmar Lake’s altitude, the temperature mostly remains around zero degrees or below. Tourists may face breathing issues or altitude sickness, so it is advisable to carry oxygen cylinders.