Culture and history · Gurudongmar Lake
The Guru Rinpoche legend on the shore
Buddhist lore says Guru Padmasambhava touched part of the frozen lake so the herders would always have water, and that patch never froze again. Walk the shore clockwise among the prayer flags and see where pilgrims fill bottles with lake water.
Guru Padmasambhava, called Guru Rinpoche, is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century, and Sikkim's Buddhists hold him as the land's protector. Many places in North Sikkim carry his story, from a footprint rock at Chungthang to this lake, which takes his name.
The lore told at Gurudongmar is short. On his return from Tibet he passed this lake, which was frozen most of the year. The herders who used it asked for help, and he touched one small part of the ice. That part has never frozen since. Pilgrims treat the water as blessed, and many fill a bottle to take home.
Walk slowly along the shore, clockwise, past the prayer flags and the shrine. Do not wade or throw anything into the lake. Some visitors also revere the lake for its association with Guru Nanak; whatever your faith, act as you would in a temple. At this altitude, a slow, quiet walk is also the safest thing to do.
Cost: Free
Questions people ask
Good to know
Why is Gurudongmar Lake sacred?
Buddhists hold that Guru Padmasambhava visited the lake in the 8th century and blessed it by touching part of the frozen surface so it would never freeze, giving water to herders. The lake is named after him. Many Sikhs also revere the lake. Treat the whole shore as a place of worship.
Does part of Gurudongmar Lake stay unfrozen in winter?
That is the local Buddhist belief: a patch blessed by Guru Padmasambhava never freezes. Visitors in March and April often report open water in part of an otherwise frozen lake. We pass this on as lore. The lake as a whole is frozen roughly from November to mid-May.
Can I take water from Gurudongmar Lake?
Pilgrims commonly fill a small bottle of lake water as a blessing, and nobody minds if you do it respectfully from the shore. Do not wade in, wash, or throw coins, food or offerings into the water. Carry the bottle back with you.
Also in Gurudongmar Lake
More things to do
Viewpoints · 7–8 hours returnThe dawn run from Lachen to the lakeGurudongmar Lake · Included in Lachen tours
Wildlife and birds · On the drive, 1–2 hoursBlue sheep and yaks on the high plateauGurudongmar Lake · Free
Adventure · Whole morningHow to visit at 5,000 m without getting illGurudongmar Lake · Oxygen can ₹500–900 (optional)