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Are you planning to visit Sikkim and eager to see all the famous attractions, including its beautiful lakes? If so, there's important information you need to know. This season, tourists in Sikkim have been unable to visit the state's prime attraction, Gurudongmar Lake. The stunning high-altitude lake remains off-limits due to ongoing safety concerns following a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
The Beauty and Significance of Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, nestled at an altitude of over 17,800 feet, is one of the highest freshwater lakes globally and the second-highest lake in Sikkim and India. Situated on the northern side of the Kanchenjungha Range, close to the Tibet border, the lake covers approximately 290 acres. It is surrounded by snow-covered mountain ranges, creating a breathtaking and ethereal landscape. Visitors often feel like the mountain ranges are floating on the lake itself.
Despite extreme cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius, the lake never freezes completely. Locals consider the lake sacred, and there's a religious belief associated with its perpetual flow. Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities revere Gurudongmar Lake.
Magical Properties and Legends
Some locals believe that drinking the lake's water can resolve fertility issues in women, although this isn't scientifically proven. A temple near the lake allows tourists to offer prayers, and colorful prayer flags adorn the surroundings. Gurudongmar Lake is the actual originator of the Teesta River, fed by glaciers and serving as a source stream for Tso Lahmu Lake.
Visiting Gurudongmar Lake
Due to its high altitude and harsh weather conditions, the lake cannot be visited throughout the year. Altitude sickness is a concern, so proper acclimatization is essential before reaching the lake. Indian tourists can visit the lake, but foreigners require a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
Current Situation and Tourist Influx
Lachung and Lachen usually buzz with activity during the peak tourist seasons from March to May and October to December. This year, however, while Lachung and surrounding areas have welcomed tourists, Lachen and its environs, including the famed Gurudongmar Lake, have not seen any visitors. Despite the influx of over 4 lakh tourists to Sikkim since January - with 3 lakh arriving in the first quarter alone - the scenic route to Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake remains closed. The ongoing risk posed by frequent landslides has necessitated this restriction.
Official Statement and Ongoing Efforts
District Commissioner of Mangan, Hem Kumar Chettri, explained the situation: "We are not allowing tourists to Lachen areas as there is risk so we are allowing only local people to travel. However, efforts are being made to open the road, but the fragile land and frequent landslides are causing delays." Earlier on May 10, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department reported significant disruptions in tourist activities.
Impact of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
In the aftermath of the GLOF, which wreaked havoc across the state, Sikkim witnessed a notable decline in tourist influx, dealing a blow to the state's tourism-dependent economy. According to data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, the domestic tourist inflow plummeted to 41,905 in October 2023, down from 100,174 in September of the same year. Similarly, foreign tourist arrivals saw a dip, with only 3,744 recorded in October compared to 5,912 in the preceding month.
Sikkim faced a severe setback in October 2023 when the GLOF wreaked havoc across the state. The catastrophic event, triggered by the rupture of the South Lhonak Lake, led to widespread flooding in several districts, including Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi. The flooding, compounded by the breach of the Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River, posed huge challenges to the region's infrastructure and economy.
