Anand Mahindra praises Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake as a “surreal vision” — Here’s why it’s so special

Anand Mahindra praises Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake as a “surreal vision”

Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes at an elevation of 17,800 feet, has found its place in the national spotlight—thanks to a stunning photograph recently shared by industrialist Anand Mahindra. Nestled deep in the northern reaches of Sikkim, not far from the Indo-China border, the lake is no ordinary travel destination. It is a convergence of nature’s sublimity, spiritual lore, and geographic extremity.

Mahindra, moved by an image captured by former Indian Navy pilot Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar, described the landscape as a “surreal vision.” The business leader went a step further, quoting Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore: “In the mountain, stillness surges up to explore its own height; in the lake, movement stands still to contemplate its own depth.”

“In the mountain, stillness surges up to explore its own height; in the lake, movement stands still to contemplate its own depth.”
-Tagore

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Through the lens of Capt. Sumit Bhatnagar, an ex-pilot with the Indian Navy, comes this surreal vision of Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim.… pic.twitter.com/adPWk2P119

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 27, 2025

With that poetic gesture, Mahindra didn’t just amplify the lake’s visual appeal. He brought national attention to a place that, until recently, remained quietly revered by the few who had journeyed there.

A Sacred Mirror Amid the Mountains

Named after Guru Padmasambhava—the 8th-century Buddhist mystic believed to have visited and blessed the site during his journey to Tibet—Gurudongmar Lake holds deep religious significance. It is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike.

According to local lore, a part of the lake never freezes, even during the harshest winters, due to the Guru’s divine blessings. Many believe its waters possess healing properties, and pilgrims often carry it back in bottles as a token of faith and reverence. The surrounding silence, broken only by gusts of wind and the crunch of snow beneath boots, heightens the spiritual experience.

Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake (Image: Canva)

The Road Less Travelled: How to Reach Gurudongmar

The journey to Gurudongmar Lake is not for the casual traveller. It demands both preparation and patience, but it rewards visitors with vistas few have seen and fewer forget.

Travellers typically begin their journey by flying into Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal or Pakyong Airport near Gangtok. From the Sikkimese capital, a scenic but arduous drive through the mountains leads to Lachen, a remote village that serves as the final staging point. The route from Lachen to Gurudongmar, which must begin before dawn, takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road.

Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake (Image: Instagram/@olanmark.official)

Due to its proximity to the international border, Indian citizens must obtain a special permit to visit the lake. These are generally facilitated by registered tour operators. Foreign nationals are not permitted beyond certain checkpoints and cannot visit Gurudongmar.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is either between March and June, when the snow begins to recede and the roads reopen, or between October and early December, before winter renders the region inaccessible.

The monsoon months (July–September) are best avoided due to landslide-prone roads, while January to March sees heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, making the journey near impossible.

Travel Considerations at High Altitude

At over 17,000 feet, Gurudongmar presents travellers with thin air and low oxygen levels. Acclimatisation in Lachen is essential to avoid acute mountain sickness. Warm clothing, sufficient hydration, and a slow, measured ascent are vital for a safe visit. Travellers are advised to start early from Lachen and return before noon, as weather conditions can shift dramatically by afternoon.

There are no shops or rest stops near the lake, so carrying basic snacks, water, and any essential medication is strongly recommended.

Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake (Image: Canva)

More Than Just a Postcard

What makes Gurudongmar extraordinary is not simply its altitude or location—it’s the sense of awe it inspires. The mirrored surface of the lake, ringed by snow-draped peaks and whispered legends, compels a kind of stillness in even the most restless traveller.

Thanks to Anand Mahindra’s recent post, the lake has once again emerged into the public imagination—not merely as a scenic marvel but as a place of quiet power and emotional resonance. For those willing to make the trek, Gurudongmar is less a destination and more a revelation.