Gurudongmar Lake

Sitting at a proximately close distance to the Tibetan and Chinese borders, lies the Gurudongmar Lake at an altitude of 5,183 meters. This freezing alpine lake is the major source of water to the Teesta river. The lake takes its name after the eminent Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have traversed this region during his visit to Tibet.
Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world and has been a major tourist magnet and pilgrimage site of Sikkim ever since tourism started in the state. The devout, it is said, get to see the future in form of letters or scenes on the lake water after required prayers and offerings have been made. This lake is believed sacred by the people of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Reaching Gurudongmar Lake is an adventure in itself and requires a little bit of extra planning. First of all, the lake is situated at a dizzying altitude, which means that one may encounter high altitude sickness or trouble in breathing at the lake. To make a visit to the lake, you need to get up early morning around four, and leave Lachen by 4.30 am. It would take you at least four hours to reach the lake. The Indian army closes entry to the lake at 11 am as after this, the wind gets too chilly.