North-Sikkim-Gurudongmar Lake

Sikkim in the lap of the eastern Himalaya offers splendid natural beauties to the visitors. Surrounded by snowy mountain peaks Sikkim has delightful valleys, fast flowing rivers, virgin forest, alpine meadows, gushing waterfalls. Geographically it has international borders with Nepal on the West, with Bhutan on the east, and with Tibet on the north. Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second smallest state after Goa in total area. It has four districts. They are East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. Gangtok situated in the East Sikkim is the capital of the state. Geyzing, Mongon, and Namchi are district headquarters of West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim respectively.

 

Chumthang

In the year 2009 in the middle of April, We visited North Sikkim. We were a small team with only seven members. We took a 3 Night and 4 day package.

Our journey began from Gangtok. Driver Darji Lachung pa, a resident of Lachung, was handsome but a very introvert fellow.On the first day our destination was Lachen, 123 km from Gangtok. Generally journey starts via Tasi View point, Seven sister-falls. But due to Landslide we took an alternate route via Panthong. This route was longer by 13 to 14 K.M. Road condition was very bad.

We traveled through Samdong, Dicchu, Rangan and reached Mongon at 3 P.M. Being a border state, three types of permits (Inner line permits, restricted area permits and prohibited area permits) are required for foreign nationals, whereas Indian nationals require permits only for areas beyond Chumthang in North Sikkim, Tsomogo lake and Nathulapass. In Mangon we showed our passport and finished other formalities. Mongon is 65 K.M. from Gangtok. We took our launch here.

Leaving mongon we went towards Thung check-post. On the way we enjoyed the beauty of two waterfalls Miyang and Naga. We reached Chumthang by 5 P.M. At Chumthang we visited Phodong army base-camp. Chumthang is a small village on the confluence of Lachen-chu and Lachung-chu. ‘Chu’ means river in tibetan language. Here we saw ongoing work of a hydroelectric project. From Chumthang Lachen is about 27 km. and Lachung is about 20 km.

Thangu

We reached Ranga a small hill station after Chumthang. From Ranga to munshithang the scenic beauty was very nice. Snowy peaks, flowing Lachen river through bolder and surging falls charmed us.

We reached Lachen by 7 P.M. Stepping-down from car we felt very chilled. Accomodation was basic but it was clean and comfortable. Similarly food was simple but tasty.

Waking up in the next morning I was simply spellbound at the sublime beauty of lachen. Such pleasant spot was inaccessible to the tourists only a few years back. It is situated at an altitude of 8,838ft, Lachen lies on the North Sikkim highway. The barren mountains with snowy peaks appear to rise right from Lachen. Lachen is inhabited by a less number of people. A trek route to the Green lake and Kunchenjunga National park starts from Lachen.

At 5.30 A.M in the morning we set out for Gurudongmar. Waterfalls flowing across the road made the road condition very risky. There was danger at every step. On our way the first village was Kalif, 24 K.M from Lachen. In every turn of this way new snowy peaks greeted us. We took our breakfast in Thungu which is near about 22 K.M from Kalif.

Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley

Our next journey break was at Geagoan. It is basically an army camp. Here we met with the soldiers of Bihar regiment. This area was also surrounded by snowy peaks and sparkling blue sky. We took rest for a while. Suddenly our driver Darji Lachungpa said, ‘Hurry up, we have miles to go.’ Next came Chopta Valley at the height of 13,2ooft. This valley was surrounded by brown barren mountains covered with thick snow at the peak. This valley is rich with Alpine vegetation, orchids, rhododendron and other hiOur next journey break was at Geagoan. It is basically an army camp. Here we met with the soldiers of Bihar regiment. This area was also surrounded by snowy peaks and sparkling blue sky. We took rest for a while. Suddenly our driver Darji Lachungpa said, ‘Hurry up, we have miles to go.’ Next came Chopta Valley at the height of 13,2ooft. This valley was surrounded by brown barren mountains covered with thick snow at the peak. This valley is rich with Alpine vegetation, orchids, rhododendron and other high altitude flora. But we didn’t find them. As we moved towards Gurudongmar Lake the landscape become more and more barren.

Gurudongmar Lake

Finally we reached on the banks of Gurudongmar lake. At an altitude of 17,100ft Gurudongmar is one of the highest Lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Kanchenganga Range and is encircled all around by snow covered mountains. The Tibetan border is just a few kilometers away from the Lake. The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of the Sikh Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava went to Tibet following route along banks of Gurudongmar. The area is said to be blessed by Guru

Gurudongmar Lake

Padmasambhava. It is believe that serious disease can be cured by drinking water of this sacred Lake. One Monastery is situated beside the Lake.
The water of the lake gets frozen in winter but in the month of April we saw scattered ice in the deep blue water. The reflection of the snowy peaks on the deep blue Lake was splendid. We saw few brahmani Ducks swimming lazily on the water. We were in the midst of heavenly beauties. Due to high altitude some of our team members felt breathing trouble. For this we couldn’t stay there for long. We rushed back to Lachen with sweet memories.

Gurudongmar Lake as I have seen.