Gurudongmar Lake, located in the Indian state of Sikkim, is one of the highest lakes in the world. Situated at an altitude of 5,425 meters (17,800 feet) above sea level, the lake lies near the Chinese border in North Sikkim and holds sacred significance for Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus. The nearest major town is Lachen, which serves as a base for visitors traveling to the lake.
An Unexpected Call
One cold evening in December 2020, I was relaxing at home in New Delhi, listening to some Sufi music, when I received a call from Prashant, a fellow rider from Gorakhpur. He was in Gangtok with his wife and wanted to visit Gurudongmar Lake, but the local taxi union claimed private vehicles were not allowed. Prashant sought my guidance.
“Gurudongmar Lake, with its serene and ethereal beauty, stands as a testament to the splendor of nature at high altitudes, offering a tranquil retreat and a spiritual haven amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks.”
Quick Solutions
I assured him not to worry and promised to find out. I contacted a friend, who checked with her husband and confirmed that the road to Gurudongmar was open, and even small cars were making the trip. Relieved, I informed Prashant that he could get permission from the Mangan police station, provided he had all necessary documents: driver’s license, RC, Aadhar card, and Covid permit.
Changing Plans
Later that night, I thought about my own travel plans. I hadn’t visited Gurudongmar Lake yet, and the idea excited me. I called my travel buddy Hitesh, who was in Goa, and he readily agreed to join me. I canceled my pre-planned trip to Bihar and decided to head to Sikkim instead. My wife, initially confused by the sudden change, agreed to meet me in Kolkata after my trip.
The Journey Begins
At 4 AM the next day, I packed my bags and set off. My route was Delhi to Greater Noida Expressway, Yamuna Expressway to Agra, Lucknow Expressway, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur bypass, and onwards to Siliguri. The total distance was 1,710 km, with night halts in Siliguri, Lachen, Lachung, and Siliguri.
My first stop was at Starbucks in Jewar. I called Vivek, a fellow Pajero Club member in Siliguri, who was eager to meet. Continuing my journey, I reached Gorakhpur and met my old school friend, Govind Singh. After a nostalgic catch-up, I resumed my drive, taking a short nap at Kosi Mahasetu Toll before reaching Siliguri.
Warm Welcome in Siliguri
Vivek welcomed me warmly and arranged for my stay. I spent the day getting my Pajero’s alignment checked while waiting for Hitesh’s delayed flight. When Hitesh finally arrived, we had dinner with Vivek’s family, where Vivek’s sister challenged us to visit Tsolamu Lake, a place beyond Gurudongmar.
Heading North
The next day, we drove to Mangan, where we met Karma Ma’am, a friend from a previous Sikkim drive. She helped us get the necessary permits. We then drove to Lachen, arriving at night in -3°C weather. Finding a good parking spot and ensuring the car was protected from the cold was crucial.
Reaching the Lake
The next morning, we set off for Gurudongmar Lake, enduring the freezing temperatures. The journey took us through Thangu Valley and the Chopta Valley View Point. Along the way, my wiper fluid froze, but a splash of Old Monk rum in the reservoir solved the problem.
Reaching the final checkpoint, Giagong, at 15,000 ft, I showed my permit and enjoyed some delicious momos at a Gurkha kitchen. We then made our way to Gurudongmar Lake. The view was breathtaking—snow-capped mountains surrounding a frozen lake. After taking numerous photos, we decided to tackle the challenge and visit Tsolamu Lake. Although heavy snow prevented us from reaching it, we took some memorable photos nearby and completed our journey.
Unforgettable Adventure
In the end, the trip was an unforgettable adventure, filled with beautiful landscapes, new experiences, and the joy of spontaneous travel.
Why One Must Visit Gurudongmar Lake
Traveling to Gurudongmar Lake is a must for its breathtaking beauty, serene environment, and cultural significance. Here are some reasons to visit:
Stunning Scenery: At 17,800 feet, the lake offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains and clear waters.
Cultural Significance: Sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus, it is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
Adventure: The journey involves challenging terrains and high altitudes, thrilling for adventure enthusiasts.
Peaceful Ambiance: The tranquil environment offers an escape from daily life, perfect for relaxation and introspection.
Visiting Gurudongmar Lake means experiencing a blend of adventure, spirituality, and peace.
