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One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake in October is a culturally and spiritually picturesque destination in North Sikkim. October is among the best months to go, when the skies are clear, the temperatures are moderate and snow capped peaks put on stunning reflections. The lake, which is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, is partly frozen in winter but is visible in October. The crystal blue waters are surrounded by mountains that paint a surreal vista.
Quick Details
Location: North Sikkim, India
Altitude: 17,800 feet
Surface Area: 290 acres
Temperature In October: -2°C – 10°C
Permit: Required
Nearest Town: Lachen
Location
Photo: Jeetpswiki / Wikimedia Commons
One of the world’s highest lakes is Gurudongmar Lake, at 17,800 feet in North Sikkim, India. Lying at a distance of 190 km from Gangtok and 70 km from the nearest town of Lachen. The lake is located amidst the dry, spare, cold desert terrain with barren land around it and snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas all around. It is partially frozen in winter but completely passable in October.
How To Reach
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach Gurudongmar Lake by air, rail, or road, with the journey typically involving a scenic drive from Gangtok:
By Air: The closest airport is Pakyong Airport, but flights are infrequent. The more recommended airport is Bagdogra airport, where regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati are available.
By Rail: Gangtok is also well-connected to the rest of India by railway, with the nearest railway station at New Jalpaiguri / NJP. From NJP, reach Gangtok by taxi or shared Jeep.
By Road: The trip from Gangtok to Gurudongmar is a two-day ride, including an overnight stop in Lachen. From Gangtok to Mangan to Chungthang to Lachen. Then from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake.
Things To Do At Gurudongmar Lake In October
Take in the breathtaking scenery of Gurudongmar Lake in October while enjoying these incredible experiences:
1. Experience The High-Altitude Sunrise And Meditate
Photo: Rok Romih / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Reach Gurudongmar before 8 AM to witness the magnificent sunrise over the snow-laden mountains. The altitude makes it difficult to be outside for long periods, but 15 to 20 minutes of sunrise photography is worth it. The earlier visit also avoids heavy afternoon winds, making for an even prettier, more tranquil landscape. It is also a holy lake for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. Part of the lake is believed to never freeze, as it has been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Nanak.
2. Drive Through The Barren Cold Desert
Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
The journey to Gurudongmar itself can be as exciting as the end point. The final 30 km from Thangu to the lake appear almost lunar, with no vegetation in sight, only colossal otherworldly mountains and ice streams. The cold desert land with sporadic yaks and army bunkers provides a unique off-road experience. Gurudongmar Lake in October delivers clear, dry roads and a perfect time to enjoy this drive safely.
5 Places To Visit Near Gurudongmar Lake
The trip to the lake is beautiful on its own, but there are many places near Gurudongmar Lake in October worth visiting:
1. Thangu Valley
Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Thangu Valley, positioned 13,500 feet above sea level, is a beautiful stop before Gurudongmar. In October, the valley is a golden-brown carpet of alpine meadows, framed by snow-capped peaks and glacial rivers. It’s a superb place for acclimatisation as the levels of oxygen plummet beyond here. Local small tea shops provide a much-needed respite with hot tea and snacks. You can see traditional wooden houses and local tribes that inhabit these places.
Distance: 30 km from Gurudongmar
2. Chopta Valley
Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons
Not to be confused with Uttarakhand’s Chopta, Chopta Valley in Sikkim is a spectacular high-altitude valley known for the different colours depending on the season. The rest of the year, it’s a treeless golden expanse flecked with glinting streams and rhododendron bushes. Short hikes, yak rides and photography are among the activities you can enjoy. The valley is not yet too commercialised, so it is ideal for those looking to retreat in the mountains.
Distance: 25 km from Gurudongmar
3. Kala Patthar
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kala Patthar is a high vantage point that provides stunning close-up views of the snow-draped peaks. Located at an elevation of almost 18,000 feet, it is higher than Gurudongmar Lake. The landscape is rocky, barren and rimmed with glaciers. October is also free of clouds and you can view the Himalaya in all their splendour. The temperature can drop quite low, and the winds are fierce, so layers and limited exposure are a necessity.
Distance: 15 km from Gurudongmar
4. Lachen Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Lachen Monastery, or Ngodub Choling Monastery, is an ancient and sacred Buddhist site that offers peace, serenity and an escape from the mundane world. It’s home to monks of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is located in Lachen village. The monastery has prayer wheels, colourful murals and elaborate wooden carvings. Visibility of the Himalayas is at its best in October, making it an ideal time to visit. The prayer flags that surround the temple, caught in the wind, add to the atmosphere.
Distance: 70 km from Gurudongmar
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
5. Yumthang Valley
Photo: Joginder Pathak / Wikimedia Commons
Yumthang Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers of Sikkim,” is a paradise of undulating grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and the Teesta River. The valley is well known for its rhododendron bloom in the spring, but October brings crisp weather, golden-brown landscapes and unobstructed views of the Himalayas. Nearby sulphur hot springs offer bath facilities for a natural, medicinal warm soak.
Distance: 120 km from Gurudongmar
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Stay can be arranged in Lachen only, the last town before Gurudongmar. Budget travellers can choose homestays / ₹800 – 1,500 per night, which provide simple lodgings with home-cooked meals. Low- to mid-range hotels / ₹2,000 – 4,000 per night are slightly more comfortable and have heating and attached bathrooms. Lachen offers few luxury options, while Gangtok has a range of premium hotels. It is recommended to carry extra power banks and bottled water.
Where To Eat
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The food options around Gurudongmar are few, with eateries existing in Lachen and Thangu Valley. Most hotels and homestays in Lachen offer simple Sikkimese and Tibetan meals, like thukpa, momo and rice with dal and vegetables. A meal costs around ₹200 – 500 per person. The Gurudwara at Gurudongmar Lake serves free hot tea, which is a great relief from the harsh cold. As food availability is seasonal, it is advisable to confirm meal options and availability with the hotel before arrival.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Librecontributions / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
Budget-Friendly expenses can range from ₹6,000 – 8,000 per person for a budget trip. A mid-range trip is ₹12,000 – 18,000. Luxury guests at Gangtok’s premium hotels with their SUVs might spend ₹25,000+. Prices include permits and charges, transport, kayak, accommodation, food and guide fees. A hired SUV from Gangtok is ₹5,000 – 7,000 per day. You can save on expenses through pre-booking hotels and group travel.
Tips For Travellers
- Spend a night in Lachen before heading to Gurudongmar to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Start early, 4 AM from Lachen, to reach the lake before strong afternoon winds.
- Pack essential medications, including those for altitude sickness, headaches, and nausea.
- Dress in multiple warm layers, including gloves and woolen socks, as October temperatures drop below freezing.
- Photography is permitted, but drone usage requires special permission.
- Mobile networks are unreliable beyond Lachen, so inform the family before the trip.
Gurudongmar Lake in October is an adventure of a lifetime weaving together spirituality, Himalayan beauty and high-altitude travel. With clear skies, moderate temperatures and stunning reflections, it’s the perfect time to visit. With adventure and photography enthusiasts to spirituality seekers, it is a place waiting to be explored more. So plan your trip with TripXL and experience the breathtaking beauty of Sikkim.
Cover Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons
