Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar lies at about 5,430 metres in the far north of Sikkim, among the highest lakes in the world, fed by glaciers and draining eventually into the Teesta. It is sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus alike, and local tradition holds that Guru Padmasambhava, or in the Sikh account Guru Nanak, touched the water so that one portion of the lake would not freeze and villagers would have drinking water through winter; that section is pointed out and does reportedly stay open when the rest ices over. A small gurudwara stands beside it. The drive up from Lachen crosses barren plateau above the treeline.

What you actually see

• The lake at 5,430 metres - glacier-fed water among the highest anywhere.
• The unfrozen section - the portion said never to ice over.
• The shrine - a small gurudwara on the shore.
• The plateau drive - bare high ground above the treeline from Lachen.

When to go

April to June and September to November; the route is snowbound much of the year and closes without notice. Visits start before dawn from Lachen and time at the lake is deliberately limited.

Honest expectations

Foreign nationals are generally not permitted to Gurudongmar and are usually sent to Chopta valley instead; Indian nationals need permits. At 5,430 metres altitude sickness is common and time at the lake is capped at minutes for that reason.

Nearby

Lachen lies south; Yumthang is southeast.