Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is situated in extreme North Sikkim District and is close to Lachen. Lachen is nearly 125 kilometers from Gangtok and requires 5 – 6 hours drive and special permit to reach. The Lake is approximately 55 kilometers from Lachen. The Calm and crystal clear water of the Gurudongmar Lake in that altitude is great to watch. This is also one of the sacred lake and many pilgrims visit this place once in a year. People with respiratory problem should not go to this place. Cholamo Lake is above Gurudongmar Lake and is the origin of Teesta River. North Sikkim has immense potential of nature that includes approx 500 waterfalls, beautiful valleys, glaciers, hot spring, snowcapped Himalayan peaks & various types of rhododendrons & orchids. Please note that it is not easy to do Gurudongmar Lake is nice for maximum of one hours stay. Due to its altitude and strong wind breathing is difficult. Guest with breathing / heart problems are requested to avoid the tour and stay put in Hotel at Lachen. One has to stay here or arrive Lachen on the previous night. Next day morning Gurudongmar Lake visit via Chopta Valley is possible. The Vehicle, Hotel, Food etc comes in packages provided / booked from Gangtok as there are formalities of Inner Line Permit (ILP) to be obtained. Voter ID card / Driving License / Similar ID card is required along with 4 passport size photograph is required for permit.  Sikkim is very close to Peoples Republic of China’s border and the Defense establishment tends to keep things under a very tight leash. Hence it is very difficult to get individual permissions for visiting these areas. As long as you move in groups (More than one guest) under the guidance of tour operators its manageable. By the way, foreign citizens are completely forbidden from visiting few places in North Sikkim and Nathu La pass.

To See

• Lachen Monastery
  Lachung Monastery
  Yumthang
  Yumesamdong or Zero Point
  Hot Water Spring
  Katao
  Gurudongmar Lake
  Thangu (Trekkers)
  Chopta Valley
  Phodong Monastery / Seven sister’s falls
  Mangan /Singhik

To Reach

By Air – The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chopper service is available for Gangtok from Bagdogra otherwise one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers via national highway 31 A. From Gangtok one has to drive to Lachen to visit this destination. Gangtok to Lachung or Lachen is 5 - 6 hours drive and requires Inner Line Permit (ILP).

By Rail – The nearest major railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers. Gangtok to Lachung or Lachen is 5 - 6 hours drive and requires Inner Line Permit (ILP).

By Road – Roads till Gangtok is national highway 31 A. Guest has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers from Siliguri. From Gangtok vehicle with army permit has to be booked for visiting Lachen or Lachung. From Lachung one can visit Yumthang nearly 25 kilometers. Roads are rough from Gangtok.