Gurudongmar Lakeगुरुडोंगमार झील

One of India's highest lakes, at 5,430 metres. Permit and an early start needed, and the air is thin.

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WhereMangan, Sikkim
North Sikkim

Kind of placeLakes & Dams, Adventure, Pilgrimage Routes, Dark Sky & Astronomy

Best time to visit1 May to 15 June and 15 September to 15 November

Good seasonsSummer (March to May), Post-monsoon (October to November)

DifficultyDifficult

Height5430 m above sea level

Time needed2 days

Base and nearbyLachen, Mangan

EntryNorth Sikkim permit through a registered operator · ID needed · early start

ClosuresUsually closed 1 December to 31 March. Heavy snow closes the road to the lake in winter. Dates vary, so check before you plan.

About Gurudongmar Lake

One of the highest lakes in India, at about 5,430 metres, sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs, who believe Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Nanak visited it. It is reached from Lachen by an early start and a long, rough road, so most people stay at Lachen the night before. You need a permit from the North Sikkim tourism office, usually through your operator. The air is thin and the cold is sharp, so go slowly, and children and anyone with breathing trouble should not go. The road can close in winter snow.

What to see and do

Sacred lake at 5,430 metres
View of the Tibetan plateau
Early morning light on the water
Lachen as the base
High altitude, so go slowly

Part of The Himalaya.

Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use

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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.