spiritual · Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim
Twenty minutes on the Gurudongmar shore
Cars park a short walk above the shore. Step out slowly and let your breathing settle before you walk. Even a gentle slope will leave you panting. Go down to the lake at a steady, slow pace, and do not carry anything heavy; leave bags in the car.
The shore has prayer flags and a small shrine kept by Lachen Monastery. Walk clockwise around it, keep your voice low and do not throw coins or anything else into the water. Many Buddhist visitors take a little lake water home in a small bottle; ask your driver about local custom before you do. Do not wade or bathe.
Take your photographs in the first ten minutes, then simply look. After 20–30 minutes start walking back. If anyone in your group has a strong headache, vomiting, confusion or breathlessness while resting, leave at once. Going down is the only reliable treatment, and the army posts below have medical support.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
How long can I stay at Gurudongmar Lake
Plan for 20–30 minutes at the lake itself. The altitude is 5,430 m, and staying longer increases the risk of altitude sickness. Drivers and the army usually expect vehicles to start back by about noon in any case, because wind and cloud build in the afternoon.
Can I touch or take water from Gurudongmar Lake
The lake is sacred, and visitors should not wade, bathe, throw objects in or wash in it. Some Buddhist pilgrims carry a little water home in a small bottle as a blessing. If you want to do this, ask your driver or a local first and do it quietly and respectfully.
Is there a temple at Gurudongmar Lake
There is a small Buddhist shrine with prayer flags on the shore, looked after by Lachen Monastery since 2001, when the army handed over a building it had constructed there. Visitors of all faiths can walk around it respectfully. Remove your shoes if you enter, and walk clockwise.
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