Gurudongmar Lake
About Gurudongmar Lake
Far From City: 61 kms from city center
Cost:
About Gurudongmar Lake
Weather:
Time Required:2 to 3 hours
Open Time:Anytime
Cost:No entry fee.Kids below 6 years are not allowed to go.
Legend of Gurudongmar Lake
The Gurudongmar Lake is named after the famous Guru Padmasambhava, who was also known as Guru Rinpoche. This saint was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and had visited the lake in the 8th century. The frozen condition of the lake is also linked to the saint, and it is believed that while on his way back from Tibet, he realized that it was worthy of reverence since it represented the holy location of Chhoedten Nyima.
The lake, however, remained frozen throughout large parts of the year, and thus there was no way that it could meet the drinking water needs of the people. The locals then appealed to the guru, who decided to help them. He placed his hand on the part of the lake, and the ice in that particular spot began to melt. Ever since the mesmerizing lake is considered to be holy and people carry back the water of the lake in containers since the water is considered to be sacred and possess healing properties.
Gurudongmar Lake was also blessed by Guru Nanak in the 15th century when he passed through the area. According to this version of the legend, the locals appealed to him to make the ice melt, so that they could use the water. Guru Nanak touched a part of the lake with his walking stick, and it became free of snow ever since. He also blessed the lake and stated that whosoever would take its water would gain strength and virility.
Features of Gurudongmar Lake
The sight of the Gurudongmar Lake is a visual treat for the eyes and manages to please everyone who visits it. A lot of visitors also love to go trekking from the lake, since it is the base station for several treks. The Sarva Dharma Sthala, which is a famous spiritual attraction for peace seekers, is popularly called as the temple for all religions and is located quite close to the lake.
The Tso Lhamu Lake, which is the source of water for the Teesta River, is located about 9 kilometres away, and can also be explored along with the main attraction. The other places that can be visited along with the trip to Gurudongmar lake are the Lachen village and Thangu village, both of which are just 3-4 hours drive away from the Gurudongmar Lake. In summers, the exciting annual Yak Race called the Thangu takes place at the Lachen and is visited by numerous people who wish to enjoy this amazing festival.
Best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake
The best time to visit the Gurudongmar Lake is between the months of November and June. The weather is quite pleasant at that time of the year. Summers are moderate and quite pleasant in Lachen. An annual yak race called Thangu takes place here every summer. During winter, Lachen can get quite cold. The Gurdongmar Lake freezes completely during the winter months and is a treat to the eyes.
How to Reach Gurudongmar Lake
Air:The nearest Domestic Airport is Bagdogra Airport which is around four and half hour drive from Lachen. You will have to hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lachen where taxis and jeeps are available to go to the lake.
Rail:The nearest Railway Station to Gurudongmar Lake is Darjeeling Railway Station which is connected to most of the cities of Sikkim and is at a distance of 171 Kms from Lachen. Siliguri, Sukna, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Dilaram, Sonada, Jorebungalow and Ghum are the cities it is well connected with.
Road:Lachen is connected through Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) and some private travel services to all the major cities of Sikkim. Regular buses ply from Lachen to these states. From Lachen, you can get jeeps and taxis to reach Gurudongmar Lake.
Top Tourist Places in North Sikkim
Yumthang
Lachung
Lachen
Cholamu Lake
Thangu Valley
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Getting Around Gurudongmar Lake
You can hire taxis to go around the place. Do hire a guide to show you around.
Where to Stay
A night stay at Lachen is advisable before a visit to the lake. Lachen has several deluxe and medium to budget accommodation choices. Some of the exotic and comfy hotels include Apple Orchard the (Lachen), Himalayan Residency (Lachen), Sonam Palgey Lachen (Lachen), Hiden Hill Lodge (Lachen) and Blue Pine Hotel (Lachen).
Sightseeing in Gurudongmar Lake
Apart from that, you can see the other beautiful sightseeing places in Lachen. Thangu is a must visit here.
Activities in Gurudongmar Lake
You can also go for trekking here as it is the base station for several treks.
Shopping in Gurudongmar Lake
Lachen may not be a shopper's paradise in its real sense, but the nearby hill town of Lachen offers an enriching shopping experience to tourists. You can buy fabulous handicrafts and handloom products from here. You can fill your shopping bags with carpets, handbags, shawls, blankets made from sheep and Yak wool along with amazing wooden articles. Do not forget to visit The Handicraft Centre and The Angora Rabbit Farm (Rabom) to shop for fabulous woollen clothes and unique handicrafts.
The Gurudongmar Lake Experience
In Lachen, a traditional administrative system is in practice to follow rules and regulation and is known as Dzumsa. In summers, the interesting annual Yak Race called the Thangu takes place at the Lachen. The population of Thangu is very less. It comes up to just about a 1000 people altogether.
Gurudongmar Lake's Nightlife
The place does not have much of a nightlife as there are hardly any clubs in this town.
Gurudongmar Lake's Cuisine
The local cuisine of Sikkim is popular in this area. Other cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, etc. are available too at nearby restaurants.
Best Restaurants Nearby
The Fortuna, Apple Orchard Resort, etc. are some resorts which have great restaurants. Several fast food joints can be tried too in Lachen.
Itinerary
Reach Lachen via any mode of transport and the places of interest on the way are Tashi View Point, the historic Kabi Lungtsok, Phodong Monastery. Check into a hotel in Lachen and after an early breakfast or you can stay at a simple guest house in Thangu itself. Take a tour of Thangu and enjoy the scenic beauty there. Then, drive to Gurudongmar Lake via Chopta Valley. Have a quick lunch at Lachen and drive to Lachung and enjoy that beautiful town. From there, you can go to Gangtok.
A trip to Lachen will take about 1-2 days and you can follow it with a visit any other city in the state.
Did you know?
It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Dongmar), touched and blessed the lake, and because of that even in extreme winter, a part of the lake does not freeze. The water of Gurudongmar Lake is believed to have healing powers, and many tourists carry the water with them on their way back.
Tips
1. Carry sunglasses with Polaroid film coating and UV lenses to protect you from heavy sun rays and white blindness.2. It's advisable to stop at Lachen as the journey from Gangtok can be quite tiring. Night stay at Lachen and an early morning drive to Gurudongmar is recommended.3. Carry warm clothes as the weather is quite cold out there.4. Indian tourists are allowed to visit the lake, but foreigners need to get a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi to visit the lake.5. Carry medicines to cope up with breathing at high altitude. Spending half an hour at the lake will make you feel light headed because of low oxygen.6. There is a tiny shanty near the lake which sells biscuits, Maggie, tea and other snacks. You can also visit the army canteen.
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