How To Reach Gurudongmar Lake
How To Reach Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, a sight of breathtaking beauty nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas in North Sikkim, India, is a high-altitude lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks. Reaching this remote lake requires careful planning and preparation due to its high altitude and location. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Gurudongmar Lake:
Know Before You Go:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): A mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all visitors entering Sikkim. You can apply online through the Sikkim Tourism website (http://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/) or upon arrival at designated entry points.
- Restricted Area: Gurudongmar Lake lies close to the Indo-China border. Foreign nationals need special permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi for access.
- High Altitude: The lake sits at a staggering 17,800 feet (5,430 meters), making it susceptible to altitude sickness. Gradual acclimatization in lower areas like Lachen is highly recommended before attempting the ascent to the lake.
- Weather Conditions: The region experiences harsh winters with temperatures dipping below freezing. The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is typically between May and September when the weather is more manageable.
Modes of Transportation:
Reaching Gurudongmar Lake primarily involves road travel. Public transport options are limited, so hiring a taxi or jeep is the preferred mode. However, for a more adventurous experience, consider these possibilities:
Shared Jeep:
Shared jeeps are a common sight in Sikkim, especially on popular routes like Gangtok to Lachen. Inquire with travel agencies or guesthouses in Gangtok about joining a shared jeep to Lachen. This can be a budget-friendly option, although be prepared for potential delays depending on passenger pick-up and drop-off points.
Motorbike:
For the truly adventurous, reaching Gurudongmar Lake by motorbike offers a unique perspective of the stunning landscape. Make sure you have extensive experience riding motorbikes in mountainous terrain and are comfortable with high altitudes. Ensure your
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Explore More About Sikkim
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, and reaching this picturesque hill station involves a few travel options:
By Air
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, India.
Flight duration from major cities: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
After arriving at Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok, which is around 125 kilometers away. The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions.
By Train
The nearest major railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri, West Bengal.
After arriving at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, you can proceed to Gangtok by hiring a taxi or taking a shared cab. The distance is approximately 125 kilometers, and the journey can take around 4 to 5 hours.
By Road
Gangtok is well-connected by road to various nearby cities and towns.
You can reach Gangtok by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Bagdogra. The journey times vary depending on the starting point, but it generally takes around 4 to 5 hours from Siliguri and Bagdogra.
Delhi to Gangtok Route
Delhi – Agra – Kanpur – Lucknow – Gorakhpur – Muzaffarpur – Patna – Bhagalpur – Purnia – Siliguri – Gangtok
The total distance can be around 1700-1800 kilometers (1056-1118 miles), and the journey could take approximately 30-35 hours of driving time which is less preferable
Spring (March to May)
This is one of the most popular times to visit Sikkim. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F) in most areas. The rhododendrons and other flowers are in full bloom during this time, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. It’s a great time for nature walks, trekking, and sightseeing.
Summer (September to November)
Autumn is another popular time to visit Sikkim. The weather is clear, and the temperatures range between 4°C and 15°C (39°F to 59°F). The skies are generally clear, making it a great time for trekking, mountain views, and exploring the various cultural festivals of the region.
You just need to choose your Package and come to Bagdogra rest will be handled by Etripto.in
If you are coming through Train then you need to reach NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station).If you are coming through flight then you can come to Bagdogra Airport or Pakyong Airport.
You want to visit then September to June will be the proper time to visit Sikkim.If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in Vacation Dates.
You can explore North Sikkim, East Sikkim, South Sikkim and West Sikkim.
To visit Sikkim 6 Days 5 Nights is the best plan in which you roam Lachen Lachung Gurudongmarlake Yumthang Valley, Zeropoint and Nathulapass Changu Lake and Baba Mandir.
Gangtok is 125 Km away from Njp and it takes 6 hours to reach Gangtok.
You can get snow in Zeropoint and Kalapathar from December to June.
Adventurous activities have always been a fancy against which one can challenge and put to test one’s caliber. While we talk about numerous adventure destinations in India, a multitude of names pop up, yet nothing matches the wide variety of adventure activities that are associated with Manali. Therefore, if you are still in the phase to decide upon which adventurous sports to do in Manali, then take a back seat and simply go through the below adventurous activities.
- River Rafting
- Paragliding
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Mountaineering
- Zorbing
- Jeep Safari
- Camping
- River Crossing
- Angling
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Snow Scooter
- Cable Car Ropeway
- Kayaking
