Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake: A Travel Guide

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Gurudongmar Lake: Introduction
• Spiritual Significance of Gurudongmar Lake
• How to Reach Gurudongmar Lake
• Best Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake
• Permits Required to Visit Gurudongmar Lake
• Travel Tips & Safety

Overview
Learn about Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake, known for its spiritual significance. Located at a lofty height of 17000 ft approx, Gurudongmar Lake is amongst the highest lakes of the world.

Gurudongmar Lake: Introduction

Sikkim has beautiful magical attractions hidden inside it. And one such magical attraction is the Gurudongmar Lake, located far up in North Sikkim at sky-high height of 17000 ft. The lake isn’t just like any other tourist destination, it’s a place of tranquillity, devotion, and a memory to hold dear. If you are planning to visit North Sikkim in 2026, Gurudongmar Lake has to be on your bucket list.

The Gurudongmar Lake is about 190 km from Gangtok. The path to this lake goes through Chungthang, Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley and many beautiful landscapes of North Sikkim. The journey to reach there is full of adventure, but the view of the lake and peace that one feels within is the true reward.

Spiritual Significance of Gurudongmar Lake

The stories around the Gurudongmar Lake are woven in myths and personal beliefs. Buddhists consider this lake sacred because according to their beliefs. The lake remained frozen around most times of the year. When locals called for Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche’s) and seeked his help, he blessed a small portion of the lake. This solved the water problem for locals and ever since then, they hold this lake in high regard. Gurudongmar Lake became a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, and it is also visited by Hindus and Sikhs.

How to Reach Gurudongmar Lake?

There is no public transport available to reach Gurudongmar Lake. Hiring a private taxi and arranging a permit via a local travel agency is the only way to reach Gurudongmar Lake. Here is a quick rundown of how to get to Gurudongmar Lake, assuming you arrive in Gangtok first.

Step 1: Arrive in Gangtok and check in at a hotel. Arrange for your travel permit from a tourism department via local registered travel agency.

Step 2: From Gangtok, you will travel to Lachen (which will be a 6 to 7 hours of journey).

Step 3: From Lachen, you will cross Thangu Valley and arrive at Gurudongmar Lake. The distance between the Thangu and Gurudongmar Lake is around 70 – 72 km and takes 4 to 5 hours.

Note: The weather and road conditions can pose a serious challenge in your journey. Therefore, it’s advisable to only go with a trained and experienced driver.

Best Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake

• The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from April to June when the weather is pleasant and plenty of snow has already melted.
• Another good time to plan your Gurudongmar Lake trip is between early October or late March for clear skies and snow. But do remember that the cold weather is unforgivable, so you better come prepared to brave the Himalayan cold.

Here is a breakdown of different time and seasons:

Permits Required to Visit Gurudongmar Lake

• The Gurudongmar Lake lies close to the Indo-China border and is heavily protected by the military. Reaching here is not a walk in the park. One needs proper IDs and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to reach the Gurudongmar Lake.
• Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit the lake.
• To apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP), one has to produce an original plus copy of ID proof (Voter ID/Driving Licence/Passport) along with two passport size photos.
• Your permit is checked at the Tourism office, at Mangan, and at the Giagaon Army checkpost.
• One should apply for a permit at least 2 days prior to the trip through a registered Sikkim travel agency. Travel permits are issued usually by 12 pm.

Travel Tips & Safety

• Acclimatization is highly important and recommended for all tourists visiting the Gurudongmar Lake.
• To acclimatise well, stay at Lachen/Lachung for at least two days and make gradual ascent to the Gurudongmar Lake.
• The place is nothing like a regular tourist spot where you will find tea stalls and maggie points. You should visit this place with an expectation to connect with nature and the wild.
• The air has less oxygen up in the mountains, so avoid running and jumping which can make you feel dizzy.
• Always carry a portable oxygen cylinder with a mask to tackle breathing problems.
• It is extremely cold near Gurudongmar Lake, even in the so-called summer season. Therefore, pack warm clothes, windcheaters, caps, gloves, and mufflers. Cover yourself from head to toe.
• Carry nuts, chocolates, energy bars to munch on. They will give you energy, but DO NOT litter. Keep the wrappers in your bag or pockets.

If you need more information on Gurudongmar Lake or require travel assistance regarding cabs/permits, etc. contact https://sikkimtourism.org/.