Sikkim's Sanglaphu Lake That Was Once Off-Limits To Tourists Is Now Open To The Public!

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Photo of Sikkim's Sanglaphu Lake That Was Once Off-Limits To Tourists Is Now Open To The Public! by Varsha Banerjee (Crazy Jetsetters)

Guess what? Sanglaphu Lake in Mangan district is no longer just for the postcards—it’s open for the public to visit! That’s right, this high-up hidden gem is now a go-to spot for anyone craving a slice of Sikkim’s stunning scenery.

Sanglaphu Cho isn’t just any lake — it’s the “Great Lake,” a sacred spot where locals go to get their prayer on. Picture yourself at a whopping 5080 meters up, with nothing but snowy peaks and wild nature for company. The vibe? Sheer peace. Read on to know more.

Kickoff With A Blessing

The lake’s inaugural opening was straight-up enchanting. Monks from Samten Choling Monastery in Lachung blessed the place with their prayers, and let me tell you, those chants bouncing off the mountains? Total spiritual buzz.

Things To Know Before You Go

Heads up if you’re planning a trip—there are rules to keep Sanglaphu pristine:

Embrace Eco-Friendly Practices: Travelers are encouraged to avoid any single-use plastic products to preserve the natural splendor of the area.

Navigate with Four-Wheel Drives: Currently, the terrain to the lake is best suited for four-wheel drive vehicles. Efforts are being made to enhance access as the snow melts away.

Respect the Sanctity of the Site: The entire vicinity of the lake is a designated no-spitting zone to ensure its cleanliness and purity.

Photo of Sikkim's Sanglaphu Lake That Was Once Off-Limits To Tourists Is Now Open To The Public! by Varsha Banerjee (Crazy Jetsetters)

Gurudongmar Lake: A Wonder of Nature

Tucked away in Sikkim’s northeastern embrace, Sanglaphu is a hidden gem that shares its enigmatic charm with the stunning Gurudongmar Lake. Perched at an awe-inspiring height of 5,425 meters (17,800 feet), Gurudongmar is the lifeblood of the Lachen stream, contributing to the mighty Teesta River’s flow. These lakes are not merely scenic splendors; they are sanctified by profound spiritual importance.

Embarking on a voyage to Sanglaphu Lake is to embark on an odyssey of discovery. Serpentine roads meander across the rugged landscape, offering glimpses of the majestic Himalayas that take one’s breath away. As Sikkim gradually reveals its hidden jewels to the global community, the importance of sustainable tourism and the safeguarding of its cultural heritage cannot be overstated.

Getting There

The lake is about 5 km from Yumesamdong, also known as Zero Point. You’ll need to trek a bit from Lachung, which is roughly 115 km from Gangtok. The nearest airport to kickstart your adventure is in Bagdogra, about 76 km from Gangtok.

So, why linger in the land of ‘what if’ when an epic adventure beckons? Sanglaphu Lake isn’t merely whispering your name—it’s echoing a call to the wild within you. It's a sign from the divine to wrap yourself in the Himalayan embrace, let the grandeur of Sikkim’s untouched beauty steal your breath, and surrender to the allure of nature’s masterpiece.

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