The Gurudongmar Lake is known to be one of the highest lakes in the world and in India also. Located at a very high altitude of 17800 feet covering the mist of this small quaint town of Lachung. The lake is considered to be highly religious and sacred by religions like Buddhism, Sikhs and Hindus. It is said that the lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava who was also known as the Guru Rinpoche. The saint was said to be the founder of Tibetan Buddhism dating back to the 8th century. Legends say that the lake was blessed by Guru Nanak back in the 15th century while he was passing from this area.

The high green pastures, the beautiful meadows decorated with the rhododendron trees are all charismatic and devouring to feel and see. The Indian tourists can easily visit the lake, for foreign nationals they have to take a special permit in order to visit the lake. It is said as the waters of the lake froze most of the times, the inhabitants found it difficult to get drinking water. So they prayed to Guru Padmasambhava who then kept his hands on the frozen lake. Since then, the waters are considered to be sacred and holy. It is said that whoever consumed the waters of the lake will give virility and strength.

A visit to this lake is going to leave you with amazement and thrill. It is one of the two most popular lakes in town.

Timings

The place is open from throughout the day with all its amazement and captivating markets.

Best Time to Visit

Although the high altitude of 17800 feet above the sea level makes it a prominent attraction attracting tourists all year long but the best time of visit in the starting months of winter commencing from October to June. Try visiting in the month of December because there is a three-day music festival organized here with the best of exhibits of the town.

Entry Fee

There are no entry fees charged to enter the lake. You just have to paint your presence near the premises of the lake.

How to Reach

The nearest rail track to the city of Pelling is the Darjeeling Railway Station situated at a distance of 240.3 km and takes around 9 hours and 06 minutes to reach the valley. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal.