Gurudongmar Lake
Sikkim ยท northeast ยท 5,425m
Sacred lake at 17,800 ft โ one of highest lakes in the world, frozen Nov-May, stunning turquoise in summer.
Why Special
Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world at 5,425m (17,800 ft), sitting just 5 km from the Tibet border in North Sikkim. The lake is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs โ Guru Padmasambhava reportedly blessed it, and one section never freezes even in deep winter. From November to May the lake is a sheet of white ice; from June to October it turns an otherworldly turquoise. The drive from Lachen (3 hours, 65 km) passes through Thangu valley with yaks grazing at 4,000m. Altitude sickness is a real risk โ there is no medical facility here, only an army aid post in Lachen. Only Indian citizens are permitted; foreigners cannot visit. The Protected Area Permit must be arranged through a registered Sikkim tour operator in Gangtok.
Who Should Think Twice
Infrastructure concerns
Only basic medical (PHC) โ serious cases need referral
No phone signal โ can't call for help
Signal drops to zero in many areas
High altitude (5,425m) โ AMS risk for children and elderly
Extreme access โ multi-day trek or extreme roads
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
No signal at lake. BSNL in Lachen only.
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: PHC Lachen (65km) (65 km)
Ambulance: None at lake
Police: 100
Getting There
Lachen 65km, 3-4 hrs
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Mangan (95km away)
Stay: โนโน800-1500 (in Lachen) โ โน1500-3000 (in Lachen)/night
How to Reach
๐ For International Travelers
Cultural Context
Sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Sikhs. Maintain silence and respect at the prayer flag area. Photography allowed but be respectful.
What to Wear
Heavy winter clothing mandatory โ temperatures drop to -20ยฐC. Multiple thermal layers, windproof jacket, gloves, balaclava essential.
Food Safety
No food available at the lake. Carry packed meals from Lachen. Drink only bottled water โ altitude sickness risk increases with dehydration.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Essentially none โ too remote and militarily sensitive for any tourist scams
Cards & Cash
No โ cash only. No ATMs or card machines anywhere in North Sikkim beyond Mangan.
English Spoken
Very low โ army personnel speak some English but local guides may not. Hindi is more useful.
Phone & SIM
NO signal at Gurudongmar Lake. BSNL may work intermittently at Lachen base. No Jio or Airtel.
Nearest Embassy
Kolkata (~650km) โ nearest consular services.
e-Visa for India entry. Protected Area Permit (PAP) MANDATORY โ arrange through registered Sikkim tour operator. Foreigners from certain countries restricted.
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