Gurudongmar Lake

Context

Tourism to Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim has started reviving after more than two years of disruption caused due to the South Lhonak Lake GLOF event, which damaged roads in North Sikkim.

Q1. Where is Gurudongmar Lake located?

1. It is a high-altitude glacial lake located in North Sikkim in the Eastern Himalayas, close to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
2. Key geographical features:
   1. Located at an altitude of about 17,800 feet (5,430 metres) above sea level.
   2. It is one of the highest lakes in India and the world.
   3. The lake covers an area of approximately 290 acres.
   4. Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan mountain ranges.

Q2. What is the hydrological importance of Gurudongmar Lake?

1. The lake plays an important role in the regional river system of the Eastern Himalayas.
2. The lake is mainly fed by surrounding glaciers. Water from the lake contributes to the Tso Lhamo Lake which forms the source of the Teesta River.

Q3. Why is Gurudongmar Lake culturally significant?

1. Gurudongmar Lake is considered sacred by multiple religious traditions (like Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus). It is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.
2. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have visited the lake in the 8th century while returning from Tibet.
3. A notable feature is that a small section of lake remains unfrozen even during extreme winter conditions. Local belief holds that this phenomenon occurs because Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake.

FAQs

Q1. Where is Gurudongmar Lake located in India? 

It is a high‑altitude glacial lake in North Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas, near the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, at about 17,800 feet (5,430 m) above sea level.

Q2. What is the hydrological importance of Gurudongmar Lake? 

Fed by surrounding glaciers, the lake contributes water to Tso Lhamo Lake, which forms the source of the Teesta River in the Eastern Himalayas.

Q3. Why is Gurudongmar Lake culturally significant? 

Considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus, it is named after Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). A section of the lake remains unfrozen even in winter, believed to be due to his blessing.