One of the highest in the world, situated at an elevation of 5,210 m, this fresh-water lake is located northeast of the Kangchenjunga range. Turquoise blue and surreal in summers, the lake remains practically frozen in the months from November to mid-May.
The lake derives its name from Guru Padmasambhava, also known by the name of Guru Dongmar - the Buddhist tantric who conducted rituals here. It is believed that it is for this reason, even in peak winters, one portion of the lake never freezes. The lake is sacred and is visited by many pilgrims annually. It is also said that the waters of this lake have therapeutic properties. A rivulet, from the lake, is one of the sources of River Teesta. Nearby is a 'Sarva Dharma Sthal' (house of worship for all religions), where one can meditate in peace.
Chopta Valley, located at an altitude of 14,500-ft, is a beautiful and scenic place. Laden with alpine vegetation, heavenly orchids and colorful rhododendrons, its virgin appeal, makes this place seem like an abode of god. Adding to the mystical landscape, are the several rivers and rivulets which meander through the valley. In winters these rivers freeze and one can actually walk over them. A slightly intimidating trek leads to another unexplored destination in the greater Himalayas, to Muguthang valley, at an elevation of 15500ft. One can find an enormous pasture crisscrossed by plentiful snow-fed streams here. Except for a few nomadic tribes, one is surrounded by nature here.
The trek to Gurudongmar Lake can be rated as moderate grading. Begin your journey as early as 5 am from Lachen. It is generally dark during the early hours. Once you start ascending, the sun arises, its rays kiss the snow peaks to create spectacular hues of gold.
Halt at Thangu, for tea and refreshments. Yak-wool socks and rubber boots are available here for sale/rent. Journey ahead, to find the landscape change - frozen rivers and dazzling waterfalls. After about 4,800m till Gurudongmar the terrain is mostly flat land, almost like a high altitude desert - scanty vegetation, barren and dusty. Since it is a plateau, icy winds from the frozen mountain slopes make it a little chilly. Due to the high elevation and paucity of oxygen, some people may experience difficulty in breathing. Visitors are recommended not to stay overnight at this place.
At above 5000m, Gurudongmar lake is well worth all the exertion. Breathtaking, peaceful, almost surreal.
About 30km from Lachen lies Thangu at an altitude of 13000ft. The small picturesque hamlet with scanty population is situated on an alpine plateau. From Thangu, it is a 45-minute drive to Chopta Valley. Thangu provides a base for trek routes to Chopta valley and Muguthang. It is a good stop-point to get acclimatised and proceed further for the treks.
