A trip to Sikkim is not complete without a visit to North Sikkim, which has some of the most spectacular valley views of the Yumthang Valley, most picturesque villages -- Lachung and Lachen and the Gurudongmar Lake -- one of the most beautiful, spectacular and sacred lakes surrounded on all sides by snow clad mountains.
About The Lake
At an attitude of 17000 ft, Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. The Chinese Tibetan boarder is just a few kilometres away from the lake.
The blessed water of the lake is believed to posses the miraculous power of granting children to issueless couples. Interestingly, the myth of Gurudongmar is believed as reverentially by the Hindus as by the local Buddhists.
The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of the Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have visited Tibet through this area. Snow capped mountains close to the lakeThe area is said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. There is a temple of the Guru besides the lake. Devotee tourists as well as the Army personnel offer prayer at the
Getting There
Tour to North Sikkim requires special permit (Inner Line Permit). The permit is given to Tourists through an authorised tour operator. Only Indian tourists are allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake. For international tourists, the tour is limited to Chopta Valley a few kilometers before the lake.
The lake is located at an extreme corner of India. The nearest tourist accommodation at Lachen is 45 km (3 hours) away. A typical tour starts at Gangtok from where Lachen is about 120 kms (6 hours). After overnight stay at Lachen next morning you may visit Gurudongmar. You should start early in the morning and be back to Lachen latest by lunch time. As the day progresses weather in the high altitude begins to worsens.
Road to Gurudongmar
The first phase of the journey starts at Lachen at 8800 feet and in next 30 kms reaches Thangu at 13000 feet. As you gain altitude you will find the green forests of lower altitude gives way to smaller trees and bushes. Beyond Thangu is the second phase of your travel. The road towards the lake from Thangu passes through the high alpine pastures carpeted with occassional rhododendron bushes. One can get a prized view of rare Sikkim Rhubarb peeping The Road to Gurudongmar Lakethrough the bushes in inaccessible terrain or of a herd of mountain sheep grazing in the distant valley. In this area you will find little vegetation or people. Apart from Indian Army, there is no human habitation here. The gravel road through the valley gives you a unique view of a barren land. Just before you reach the lake the road takes a right turn and goes uphill to reach the lake.
Special Note for Travelers
The terrain leading to Gurudongmar is very hostile and yet very beautiful. The land resembles Tibetan plateau, vegetation is very limited and the road is through stony moraine like unpaved path. Due to proximity to the Chinese Boarder, landmines are not uncommon and presence of Indian Army is ubiquitous. Due to high altitude breathing problems may also arise. Tourists are suggested to spend little time at the high altitude and come down to Lachen soon.
Despite the hardship and difficulty, a visit to this lake may last as an experience of a lifetime.
About The Lake
At an attitude of 17000 ft, Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. The Chinese Tibetan boarder is just a few kilometres away from the lake.
The blessed water of the lake is believed to posses the miraculous power of granting children to issueless couples. Interestingly, the myth of Gurudongmar is believed as reverentially by the Hindus as by the local Buddhists.
The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of the Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have visited Tibet through this area. Snow capped mountains close to the lakeThe area is said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. There is a temple of the Guru besides the lake. Devotee tourists as well as the Army personnel offer prayer at the
Getting There
Tour to North Sikkim requires special permit (Inner Line Permit). The permit is given to Tourists through an authorised tour operator. Only Indian tourists are allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake. For international tourists, the tour is limited to Chopta Valley a few kilometers before the lake.
The lake is located at an extreme corner of India. The nearest tourist accommodation at Lachen is 45 km (3 hours) away. A typical tour starts at Gangtok from where Lachen is about 120 kms (6 hours). After overnight stay at Lachen next morning you may visit Gurudongmar. You should start early in the morning and be back to Lachen latest by lunch time. As the day progresses weather in the high altitude begins to worsens.
Road to Gurudongmar
The first phase of the journey starts at Lachen at 8800 feet and in next 30 kms reaches Thangu at 13000 feet. As you gain altitude you will find the green forests of lower altitude gives way to smaller trees and bushes. Beyond Thangu is the second phase of your travel. The road towards the lake from Thangu passes through the high alpine pastures carpeted with occassional rhododendron bushes. One can get a prized view of rare Sikkim Rhubarb peeping The Road to Gurudongmar Lakethrough the bushes in inaccessible terrain or of a herd of mountain sheep grazing in the distant valley. In this area you will find little vegetation or people. Apart from Indian Army, there is no human habitation here. The gravel road through the valley gives you a unique view of a barren land. Just before you reach the lake the road takes a right turn and goes uphill to reach the lake.
Special Note for Travelers
The terrain leading to Gurudongmar is very hostile and yet very beautiful. The land resembles Tibetan plateau, vegetation is very limited and the road is through stony moraine like unpaved path. Due to proximity to the Chinese Boarder, landmines are not uncommon and presence of Indian Army is ubiquitous. Due to high altitude breathing problems may also arise. Tourists are suggested to spend little time at the high altitude and come down to Lachen soon.
Despite the hardship and difficulty, a visit to this lake may last as an experience of a lifetime.
No comments:
Post a Comment