One of the world’s highest lakes, located in Sikkim, has left Anand Mahindra mesmerised. Here's how to reach the place

Perched at a staggering 17,800 feet above sea level in the northern reaches of Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is not just a breathtaking natural wonder — it’s a place steeped in legend, faith, and geological awe. Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar, an ex-pilot with the Indian Navy, recently captured a surreal image of the lake that caught the attention of Anand Mahindra. Sharing the photo, Mahindra quoted Rabindranath Tagore: “In the mountain, stillness surges up to explore its own height; in the lake, movement stands still to contemplate its own depth,” calling it a “surreal vision” of one of the world’s highest lakes.

Named after Guru Padmasambhava — the 8th-century Buddhist master revered across Tibet, Nepal, and the Himalayan belt — Gurudongmar Lake holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike. According to the Mangan district website, it’s also a place of pilgrimage and myth, surrounded by snowy peaks and steeped in serenity.



But there’s more to this lake than just its beauty and belief. As noted by Incredible India’s website, Gurudongmar is the origin point of the mighty Teesta River. Fed by glacial melt, its waters flow into the nearby Tso Lahmu Lake, eventually giving birth to a river that sustains countless lives downstream. Interestingly, the hilly terrain and surrounding glaciers make the lake appear deceptively small, hiding its true scale and hydrological importance.

How to reach Gurudongmar Lake?

Reaching this high-altitude marvel requires a bit of effort. Travellers can fly into either Pakyong Airport (about 30 km from Gangtok) or Bagdogra Airport (around 100 km away), then take the road route via Gangtok–Mangan–Lachung. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, approximately 100 km from the capital.