Gurudongmar Lake

• Location: Gurudongmar Lake is located in the Mangan district of North Sikkim in the Great Himalayas, about 5 km south of the India–China (Tibet) border and north of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
• Accessibility: The lake is situated around 190 km from Gangtok and can be accessed via NH310C through Chungthang, Lachen, and Thangu Valley.
• Gurudongmar Lake Height: The lake lies at an altitude of approximately 5,430 meters (17,800 feet) above sea level, making it the second highest lake in India.
• Type of Lake: Gurudongmar Lake is a glacier-fed, moraine-dammed freshwater lake formed by glacial processes.
• Area: The lake covers about 118 hectares (290 acres) and has a perimeter of approximately 5.34 kilometers.
• Gurudongmar Lake Depth: The exact depth of Gurudongmar Lake is not officially recorded due to its remote location, but it is considered to have significant and largely unexplored depth.
• Source of Water: The lake is primarily fed by glaciers and contributes to the Tso Lhamo Lake, which ultimately forms the source of the Teesta River.
• Gurudongmar Lake Temperature: The temperature ranges from around -27°C in winter to about 10°C in summer, reflecting extreme climatic conditions at high altitude.
• Gurudongmar Lake in Winter: During winter months (November to mid-May), the lake remains mostly frozen, although a small portion is believed to stay unfrozen throughout the year.
• Religious Importance: It is considered sacred by Buddhists (associated with Guru Padmasambhava) and Sikhs (associated with Guru Nanak).
  • Name Origin: Named after Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who visited in the 8th century.
  • Sacred Status: It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake by touching its waters, ensuring that a portion of it never freezes completely, even during extreme winters, so that locals would always have access to water. According to local tradition, his blessing keeps part of the lake unfrozen throughout the year.
  • Guru Nanak: It is also believed that Guru Nanak visited and blessed the lake during his travels in the 15th century.
• Wildlife: The surrounding region supports high-altitude wildlife such as yaks, blue sheep (Bharal), and occasionally snow leopards.
• Nearby Attractions: Gurudongmar Lake is often visited along with Lachen and the nearby Tso Lhamo Lake, making it part of a scenic Himalayan route
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from March to June when the weather is relatively clear, though still cold.
• Permits Required: Visitors need special permits such as Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) to access the lake. Indian citizens must obtain this permit through registered travel agents using valid ID proof. Foreign nationals need both an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Restricted Area Permit and a PAP, although access to this specific area is highly restricted for them. All permits must be arranged in advance before the visit.
• Gurudongmar Lake Oxygen Level: At this altitude, oxygen levels drop to nearly 50% of sea-level conditions, making acclimatization essential.
  • Health Advisory: Due to low oxygen levels, visitors should limit their stay, carry oxygen support if needed, and consult a doctor if they have heart or lung conditions.
  • Age Restrictions: Children below 5 years and elderly people above 65 years are generally advised not to visit due to altitude-related risks.

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