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| Yumthang & Gurudongmar | ||||||||||
| Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is at an elevation of 3,575 metres (11,800) above msl at a distance of 150 km from the state capital Gangtok. It is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the state flower. A tributary of the river Teesta flows past the valley and the town of Lachung, the nearest inhabited centre. Yumthang is closed between December and March due to heavy snowfall | ||||||||||
| In the northern district of Sikkim, Yumthang Valley is like a surprise that certainly deserves a visit. Yumthang Valley is easily accessible from Mangan by regular jeeps or by hired taxis. During this journey, Lachung is the last destination prior to Yumthang. Lachung lies at a distance of approx 25 kms and serves as an excellent stopover for the tourists on course for Yumthang. However, Yumthang has been made accessible to the tourists, yet foreigners are required to obtain the Inner Line Permit to enter this area |
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| Besides its astonishing flora, Yumthang also offers an eye-catching vista of peaks along with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. Yumthang is also famous for Hot Springs, but actually these springs fall in Yumesamdong region. We have covered them in a separate article. During winters, the whole valley gets enveloped in a thick layer of snow. To put succinctly, Yumthang Valley is an amazing treat where you would become the element of the ceaseless picture exclusive of any sort of infringement. | ||||||||||
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Gurudongmar Lake is the largest, perhaps the highest lake in Sikkim. The very appearance of serene waters of the lake brings a sense of relief to the beholder. Situated at an elevation of 17,100 feet (5,148 m), Gurudogmar Lake rests on the northern side of the Khangchengyao Range, in a high plateau area next to the Tibetan Plateau. Gurudongmar Lake is a watercourse of high reverence for the Sikkimese and Buddhists |
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| Gurudongmar Lake is conceivably one amongst the highest lakes, not only in India, but in the whole world. Gurudongmar Lake got its name from Guru Padmasambhava, who is known by the name of Guru Dongmar as well. Gurudogmar Lake is located in close proximity to the Indo-China Border in the northern part of Sikkim. Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred lake that is visited by many pilgrims place annually |
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From November to Mid-May, the lake continues to be frozen with the
exception of one small part of the lake that is believed to have
been touched and sanctified by Guru Padmasambhava. The rivulet,
budding from the lake, is one of the sources of River Teesta. The
waters of this lake are said to have curative properties. Close to
the lake, there is a 'Sarva Dharma Sthal' (House of worship for All
Religions), where some time can be spent in peaceful meditation. The way leading to Gurudongmar Lake is quite difficult; subsequently very few people could visit this lake every year. The right for entry is under the strict control of the Army check post at Giagong. Owing to the elevation, the place has paucity of oxygen. The visitors are recommended not to stay overnight at the place. Apart from the geographical cons, Gurudongmar Lake is a beautiful place to visit and behold the splendor of nature |
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