Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake – Story, Trek, Itinerary, Best Time to Visit, Height, How to Reach, Distance

Gurudongmar Lake History:

Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred lake, surprising fact of this lake is, and some of its portions never get frosted even in the harsh and heavy winters. According to the legends, there are some stories which justify the reason why some of the portions of the lake doesn’t freeze. Some legends say “Guru Padmasambhava” blessed the local village people to get water even in winters hence some of the portions of the lake is left unfreeze. Some others say that Lord “Gurunanak Devji” blessed local villages to get water from the lake without getting frozen. Though whatever might be the story behind the lake has a divine beauty and the surprising fact is that some of the portions of the Lake don’t get frosted even in harsh winters. It is also believed that the water of the lake has some healing properties that help women’s to overcome infertility. The lake measures about 17.100ft. The Lake is located near the Indo-China (Tibet) Border. Also, there is a temple known as Sarv Dharam Sthal Temple beside the Lake. On the way back to Lachen from lake known as Chopta Valley 13000 ft. This valley is blessed with many colourful flowers and beautifully wrapped in mist which is a mesmerizing view. This place gives a perfect background to the pictures.

Gurudongmar Lake Trek Itinerary:

1st Day	Reach Lachen (8500 ft)
Stay (1st Day in Night)	Overnight in Lachen (8500 ft)
2nd Day (Morning)	Start Early in the Morning (At 3.00 am)
Breakfast	In Thangu (13000 ft)
After Breakfast	Reach Gaigaon Check Post (15,000 ft)
Get your ID Proofs Verified	At the Military Check Post
Proceed to	Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 ft)
Note: Ø Foreigners Ha no Permit to Visit the Lake Ø Only Indians are permitted to visit the Lake Ø As China border is only 5km away from the Lake

Gurudongmar Lake Trek Timings:

Duration	8 hours Journey (From Lachen to Lake)
Distance	67 km ((From Lachen to Lake)
Note: Start your Journey early as the permit to the lake is prohibited after 1.00 pm due to heavy wind

Best Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake:

November and June

Summer is the Best Season to Visit the Lake

Gurudongmar Lake Trek Map:

From	To
Lachen (8,500 ft)	Thangu (13,000ft)
Thangu (13,000ft)	Military Check Post (15,000 ft)
Military Check Post (15,000 ft)	Lake (17,100 ft)

Things To Be Remembered:

• Kids Below 6 years not allowed
• Oxygen levels are low it’s better to carry medicines which are consulted by Doctor before visiting the Lake
• Note Plastic bottles not allowed in Lachen (8,500 ft), Fine Rs 5000/-

Things to Carry:

• ID Proofs
• Woolens Clothes
• Jackets
• First Aid
• Hot Drinks
• Metal Flasks..etc

How to Reach Gurudongmar Lake?

By Airport:

Bagdogra Airport is the nearest Airport which is 201.6 km away

By Railway Station:

* Darjeeling Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station which is 17401 km away

*New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (West Bengal) nearest – 136 km away

By Road:

Lachen is well connected to Gangtok, from Gangtok, one can hire private vehicles to reach Lachen.

Reference: details