Gurudongmar Lake is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the Indian state of Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 17,800 ft (5,430 m). Located 190 km from Gangtok, with the nearest accommodation at Lachen, this high-altitude glacial lake ranks among the highest lakes in the world and is a destination unlike any other.
About Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It is said that he visited the lake in the 8th century. The lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs, as it was also visited by Guru Nanak, the spiritual head of Sikhism. The lake is believed to have been blessed by both Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Nanak.
The Sacred Legends of Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake remains frozen for nearly half the year. According to legend, a small portion of the lake never freezes even during the harshest winters — believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava to provide drinking water for the local people. He reportedly blessed this portion after witnessing an auspicious phenomenon in the lake.
