Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

  • Height (ft.)
    16929
  • Area (ha.)
    132.380000
  • District
    North
  • Best Time To Visit
    April,May,December

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 5,425 m (17,800 ft), in Sikkim. It is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava—also known as Guru Rinpoche—founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who visited in the 8th century.

The high altitude lake is located 190 kilometres (120 mi) away from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, and about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of the Tibetan (Chinese) border, in the district of North Sikkim. The lake can be reached by road from Lachen via Thangu. The road from Thangu to Gurudongmar passes through rugged terrain with moraine.

If you believe in Nature magic then you really need to visit the Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim. Located at the towering height of 17,100ft, this lake is the best example of tranquility one attains on a magical place. Nestled amidst snow-covered mountains, it is highly sacred for both the Hindus and the Buddhist. According to the local beliefs, it is said that one of the parts of this lake was blessed by Guru Rimpoche, so you will always find that particular spot never freezing no matter how hard the winter is. Another belief which is believed here is that worshipping this lakes grants the wishes of the couples who cannot have children!

The lake provides one of the source streams which joins the Tso Lahmu and then form the source of the Teesta River. The lake remains completely frozen in the winter months, from November to Mid-May.

The lake has an area of 118 hectares (290 acres) and its peripheral length is 5.34 kilometres (3.32 mi). However, the size of the lake appears small at the place where the devotees offer worship because the larger part of the lake is not visible due to hilly topography obstructing the view.The area surrounding the lake, also known as Gurudongmar, is inhabited by Yaks, blue sheep and other wildlife of high altitude

Best Time To Visit
It is best to visit in the month of April,May,December
Key Attractions
  • Chinese Tibetan Border is just a few kilometers away from the lake. Lachen is the small and beautiful town in North Sikkim..