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Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in India and one of the most azure and pristine lakes of Sikkim, is situated on the foothills of a snow-capped mountain range near the Indo-Tibet border. The lake is named after the renowned guru Padmasambhava. Gurudongmar Lake in March is one of the most attractive places to visit in Sikkim. On a bright sunny day, it acts as a crystal clear mirror, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding icy peaks. One of the most interesting facts about this lake is that it never freezes completely.
Quick Details
Altitude: 5183 meters / 17800 ft
Main Attractions: Natural beauty, a wide range of flora and fauna, adventure and photography
Temperature In March: 5°C – 7°C
Weather: In March, the weather is cool and dry
Accessibility: Open, but road conditions may be rugged
Permits: Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit
Location
Photo: Akatyayan / Wikimedia Commons
Gurudongmar Lake is located in North Sikkim, at an altitude of 17,800 feet, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance. It lies over 170 km from Gangtok, accessible via a scenic drive through the charming town of Lachen. The journey to the lake is as captivating as the destination itself, with winding roads, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque valleys. Gurudongmar is also situated just 5 km from the Indo-Tibet border.
How To Reach
Photo: samarkumarsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to visit Gurudongmar Lake. After reaching Bagdogra, you can hire a private taxi for Lachen, which is 265 km from Bagdogra. From Lachen you can get taxis and jeeps to get to the lake.
By Train: You can also take a train journey to visit Gurudongmar Lake in March. For this, you need to reach New Jalpaiguri Station and hire a private taxi to Lachen, which is 262 km from Siliguri.
By Road: If you’re travelling from Gangtok, you can hire a private taxi or a shared car for the distance of 121 km. The distance from Lachen to Gurudongmar is 68 km. The journey is rough but worth experiencing.
Things To Do In Gurudongmar Lake In March
Discover the best things to do at Gurudongmar Lake in March, from sightseeing and photography to peaceful nature walks:
1. Enjoy Birdwatching And Photography
Photo: Nikolay Tchaouchev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Gurudongmar is one of the best places for bird watchers and photography enthusiasts. Gurudongmar Lake in March, when the snow melts gradually, the surrounding landscape offers amazing opportunities for photographers. The lake encircled by snow-covered mountains provides a beautiful picturesque background. Additionally, the Himalayan region is home to extraordinary birds such as the Tibetan snowcock and Brahminy Duck.
2. Experience Trekking Through High-Altitude Trails
Photo: Chandra Chakradhar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re an adventure lover, then you can plan a trek from Gurudongmar Lake to Tso Lhamo Lake. This is one of the highest lakes in the world, and to trek from one lake to another, you need to obtain a permit from the army. These two lakes are situated 9 km apart and the trek is not for beginners. Therefore, if you want to experience a long walk to complete the circuit, the Gurudongmar Lake trek is appropriate for you.
3. Enjoy The Adventure Of A High-Altitude Road Trip
Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons
The journey to Gurudongmar Lake is an adventure in itself. The drive from Lachen to Gurudongmar takes you through stunning landscapes, with hairpin bends, snow-covered passes, and mesmerising valleys. It’s a thrilling yet challenging route, especially due to the high altitude. Travellers prone to motion sickness or altitude-related issues are advised to take proper medication and necessary precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Places To Visit Near Gurudongmar Lake in March
From Lachen to Thangu Valley, explore the best places to visit near Gurudongmar Lake in March:
1. Lachen
Photo: Prabhat114 / Wikimedia Commons
Lachen is one of the best places near the Gurudongmar Lake, situated in the northern part of Sikkim. Surrounded by snow-covered and soaring peaks, Lachen is located at 2750 meters above sea level. This place is a perfect example of tranquillity, nestled away from the chaos of the city. Lachen is the base for tourists visiting Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. Lachen Monastery is a must-visit place, showcasing colourful Buddhist artwork and traditions.
Location: 68 km from Gurudongmar Lake
2. Lachung
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Encircled by the snow-covered Himalayan range and stunning waterfalls, Lachung is a perfect destination to spend time with loved ones. Lachung resembles a town from storybooks. Here, most of the houses are made of wood and surrounded by small kitchen gardens along winding roads. During the winter season, this place experiences snowfall. A famous place to visit is Lachung Gompa, situated atop a hillock. To enjoy the scenic beauty and valleys of the Himalayas, you can visit Mt. Katao.
Location: 66 – 68 km from Gurudongmar Lake
3. Chopta Valley
Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons
Chopta Valley offers the scenic beauty of the snow-covered mountains. During March, the snow starts melting, which transforms the landscape into a land of fairytale with colourful rhododendrons. This place is perfect for trekking as well as nature walks and photography. The natural beauty of Chopta Valley is often compared to that of Switzerland.
Location: Situated 25 km away from Gurudongmar Lake
4. Yumthang Valley
Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons
Yumthang Valley is also called the Valley of Flowers. Nestled at an altitude of 3,500 meters, this valley comprises a wide range of Himalayan flora. Yumthang is famous for its natural beauty. Here, tourists can experience over 24 species of rhododendrons, painting the entire valley with a rosy blush during March and April. Apart from rhododendrons, this place is covered with colourful Himalayan flowers and herbs, making it a haven for botanists.
Location: 90 km from Gurudongmar Lake
5. Thangu Valley
Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Thangu Valley is situated at a distance of 2 hours from Lachen. It is a beautiful settlement in Sikkim situated at 13500 ft. With a small number of huts and an army base, the valley has its own enormous beauty. If you are planning to stay at Lachen overnight, then in the morning, this place will be the first stop towards Gurudongmar Lake. From November to March, this valley is covered with snow.
Location: 30 km from Gurudongmar Lake
6. Zero Point / Yumesamdong
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Zero point or Yumesamdong, located at an altitude of 13,500 ft, is the perfect place for high altitude excursions. It is the last outpost of the settlement, and after that, there is no road ahead. This place is the beautiful confluence of three rivers, and the snow-covered mountains make it one of the best places to visit. Here, you can spot yaks grazing in the snow. If you fantasise about spending time in the snow, Zero Point is the ideal place for you.
Location: It is located around 45 km from Gurudongmar Lake
7. Kala Patthar
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at 14,850 ft, Kala Patthar is an appropriate place for adventure lovers. The panoramic views from this place are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists. Kala Patthar, or the “Black Rock”, is a famous landmark that offers a unique perspective of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan range. The best part of visiting Kala Patthar is enjoying the sunrise over Mt. Everest and the 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Location: 28 km from Gurudongmar Lake
Where To Stay
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lachen is the only option for staying as there are no other hotels or homestays near the lake. In Lachen, you will find pocket-friendly lodges and resorts with basic amenities. Here, you can stay at the Summit Gangchen Hotel, a 3-star hotel that offers free WiFi, a shared lounge, and room service at a very affordable cost. Yashshree Lachung, a 4-star hotel with good reviews, is also a place to stay, offering American cuisine and free private car parking. Mount Bayul Shangri-La Resort is another option, a 4-star accommodation with a garden, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. This property provides a sun terrace to the guests.
Where To Eat
Photo: Mack Male / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As Gurudongmar Lake is situated in a remote high-altitude region, no proper restaurants are nearby. Visitors must depend on the small restaurants and homestays in Lachen for their meals. Here, you can get simple and freshly cooked foods such as momos, thukpa, rice, gundruk soup, etc. Tourists can also enjoy authentic Sikkimese foods in these restaurants. Since there are not many options for eateries around the lake, visitors can carry dry fruits, biscuits, and water. Also, visitors may carry tea or coffee since there is a chance of a sharp drop in temperature in March, and people will get relief after having tea or coffee.
Gurudongmar Lake in March is a breathtaking destination, where winter’s frozen beauty blends with spring’s refreshing charm. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and crisp mountain air, this sacred lake offers serenity and adventure at high altitude. Whether you seek pristine landscapes or spiritual tranquillity, it’s a must-visit. Plan your trip with TripXL for guided tours and comfortable stays. Book today and explore one of India’s most enchanting Himalayan gems!
Cover Photo: Abhishek / Wikimedia Commons
