About Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is a high-altitude glacial freshwater lake in Mangan District, North Sikkim, India, at about 5,430 metres elevation near the Indo-China border. Considered one of the highest lakes in the world, it is fed by glaciers and remains partly unfrozen in winter. Revered by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus, the turquoise lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and offers stark alpine scenery accessible via Lachen and Thangu Valley with permits.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a remote, high-altitude alpine lake with clear turquoise water set against snow-capped Himalayan peaks and barren, stark terrain at over 5,400 metres. The lake is partly fed by glaciers and has a small shrine and prayer flags on its banks. Access is via a rough mountain road from Lachen through Thangu Valley. There are no boating or swimming facilities; the experience is limited to sightseeing, photography and short walks around the designated viewing area in cold, windy, low-oxygen conditions.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the highest lakes in the world at approximately 5,430 metres (17,800 ft) elevation
- 02
Glacial-fed freshwater lake with turquoise water that remains partly unfrozen in winter
- 03
Sacred site revered by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus
- 04
Panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and high-altitude desert landscape
- 05
Located near Cholamu Lake and close to the Indo-China border in North Sikkim
History of Gurudongmar Lake
Named after Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the 8th-century Buddhist master who is believed to have visited and blessed the lake. Sikh tradition associates the lake with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit during his travels in the region.
Culture & Context
Sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus. Buddhists believe Guru Padmasambhava blessed a part of the lake to remain unfrozen to provide drinking water for locals, Sikhs revere it as a sarovar blessed by Guru Nanak, and Hindus consider its water holy.
Route
| By air |
|---|