Travoxa
Gurudongmar Lake
One of the Highest Lakes in the WorldSacred to BuddhistsSikhs & HindusSource of Teesta River Only for Indian Nationals.Nature, Spiritual, Adventure, Photography High-Altitude Glacial Lake / Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Gurudongmar Lake

Lachung, Sikkim
Best: April – June and October – November for clear skies and manageable weather. March 2026 marked the reopening of the route after a long closure following the 2023 floods. Visiting in early morning (before 10:00 AM) is critical to avoid unpredictable afternoon winds and worsening weather.
30 – 45 minutes at the lake due to low oxygen levels. The total trip from Lachen takes about 6 – 8 hours. Required
4.9 Rating
07:30 - 10:30Opening Hours
FREEAdult Entry
ModerateCrowd Level
8/10Safety Score

Highlights

Sacred Unfrozen Spot: A portion of the lake that never freezes, even at -20°C, attributed to Guru Rinpoche's blessing.
Barren Landscapes: The drive from Thangu onwards resembles a cold desert or Tibetan plateau.
Wildlife Sightings: Possible glimpses of Blue Sheep and Yaks grazing in the high-altitude pastures.
Spiritual Peace: Visit the small temple and Sarva Dharma Sthal (Place of Worship for All Religions) at the lakeside.

Overview

Gurudongmar Lake, situated at a staggering altitude of 17,800 feet (5,430 m), is one of the highest and most awe-inspiring lakes in the world. Located just 5 km from the Indo-China border, it is a site of deep spiritual significance for Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have blessed a portion of the water so it would never freeze, providing a source for locals during harsh winters. Its pristine turquoise waters against the backdrop of barren, snow-capped peaks offer a surreal, lunar-like landscape that is often compared to the Tibetan Plateau.

#17,800 Feet#Lachen#Thangu#North Sikkim#Himalayan Glacial Lake#Protected Area

Full Schedule

Monday
07:3010:30
Tuesday
07:3010:30
Wednesday
07:3010:30
Thursday
07:3010:30
Friday
07:3010:30
Saturday
07:3010:30
Sunday
07:3010:30

07:30 - 10:30

Ticket Pricing

General EntryFREE

How to Reach

Detailed transport routes coming soon...

Smart Tips

Early Departure: Leave Lachen by 3:30 AM or 4:00 AM to ensure you reach the lake before the weather deteriorates.

Support the Army: At the Giagong checkpost, the Army provides free hot tea. Consider purchasing a souvenir from their small shop as a gesture of support.

Acclimatization: Spend at least one night in Lachen (9,000 ft) and stay well-hydrated to minimize AMS risks.

Winter Gear: Even in summer, temperatures can drop to -5°C. Carry heavy woollens, thermals, and waterproof jackets.

Emergency & Safety Info

Nearest Hospital

Agra Medical City

1.8 km away

Police Station

Local Tourism Police Post

0.5 km away

Local Hotline

112 / 100

Available 24/7 for Tourists

Entry Price

FREE
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