Gurudongmar Lake

2. Gurudongmar Lake, SikkimThis lake is the highest lake in the world and India, rising to a height of 17800 feet. According to mythology, when Guru Nanak visited this lake, he bestowed upon it the blessing of never freezing, even during the harsh winters of the Great Himalayan ranges, and of being used for the benefit of mankind. Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus all regard it as a sacred lake.

North Sikkim is popular for its out of the world scenic beauty and unique mountain landscapes.  The holy lake of Gurudongmer Tso is a major crowd puller of the region. The lake is the highest one Indian civilians are allowed to visit. At a height greater than 5000m many people suffer breathing problems and headache. So, before visiting this pristine destination you need to pack a few essentials.

-Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake to Lachung- Wake up early and drive to Gurudongmar Lake (70 km, approximately 3 hours)- Spend a few hours at the lake, taking in the scenic beauty- Return to Lachen for lunch, and then drive to Lachung (47 km, approximately 2 hours)- Explore this scenic town famous for its apples and hot springs- Stay overnight in Lachung.

The pristine and crystal clear Gurudongmar Lake in India is The Second Highest lakes in the World 🌎 at an elevation of 5,430 m according to the Government of Sikkim.The lake derives its water from glaciers.The reflection of the mountains in the lake was ethereal, which makes this place worth to visit for its beauty and natural Splendor. This lake  considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus. This sacred lake has an area of 290 acres and a length stretching to 5.34 kilometres.Location: It is located in the Great Himalayas in the Mangan District in Sikkim, this lake  sits in close proximity to the Tibetan and Chinese border in the north. Ancient History: The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who visited in the 8th century.According to ancient tales, Sikh Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake when he visited Sikkim. A part of this sacred lake remains unfrozen at zero temperatures. How To Reach: I will suggest you to  stay a night at Lachen as it takes 3-4 hours to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen.One can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lachen. If you are planning to  travelling by train, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. All major trains going towards Guwahati pass through New Jalpaiguri.Then hire a car to reach Lachen.Tips: 1. Wear a pair of thermals (both lower and upper) which will act as the innermost protective layer. Above your tees or shirts, wear a sweater. You will need one warm and thick jacket or sweater at Lake Gurudongmar for sure as it is very windy there.2.As the oxygen levels of this place  are very low carry camphor (Kapur) or you can take  Diamox for altitude sickness or any other medicines which prevents or  reduces the symptoms of alltitude sickness . Also, it is not recommended to stay there for long because the lack of oxygen can cause some serious illness. Lastly slow your movement there.3. Carry light packed breakfast / food and a flask of hot water as there is nothing on the way till the return to Lachen. 4.Try to reach there early in the morning around 8 to 9 am , in order to beat the crowds and the winds which blow since late morning.Rules and Permission:1. To visit Gurudongmar lake you need permission and this lake is permissible only for Indian Nationals.No foreigners will be allowed to visit Gurudongmar lake, because it is a part of the International border area.For permission you can pay to an agent or your travel agent. Our driver did our permission. For permission you need a passport size photograph and x-rox of voter ID card, aadhaar is not acceptable. In North Sikkim you need permission to visit some  places like Nathula pass,. Changu lake etc.2. As it is a scared place don't littering there. Also don't throw plastic packets, bottles there to protect the environment.   3. Don't take photos near army Camp or in photo prohibited areas.I am on instagram as @living_fossils_

हिन्दुओं और बौद्धों के बीच लोकप्रिय यह झील सिक्किम की सबसे पवित्र झीलों में एक मानी जाती है। समुद्र तल से 17800 फीट की ऊंचाई पर स्थित यह झील गंगटोक से 190 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर है।  गुरुडोंगमार झील उत्तरी सिक्किम में स्थित है। यह 17800 फीट के साथ दुनिया की दूसरी सबसे ऊंची झील है, ऑक्सीजन का स्तर बहुत है। इतनी ऊंचाई पर कम। इस झील की सुंदरता मनमोहक है। गुरुडोंगमार झील उत्तर के एक छोटे और स्वर्गीय गाँव लाचेन में स्थित है,