Gurudongmar Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in North Sikkim, near the border with Tibet. Siliguri, a major city in West Bengal, serves as the gateway for travelers heading to this remote and sacred destination. The route from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake is popular among tourists seeking natural beauty and spiritual experiences.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, self-driving, or flights, this article covers all you need to know for a smooth journey.

Getting from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable way to reach the closest railway stations near Sikkim. While there is no direct train to Gurudongmar Lake, trains connect Siliguri to nearby towns from where you can continue by road.

• Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) are the main railway stations serving the region, well connected to major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.

• The train journey from Siliguri to NJP takes about 15-30 minutes and costs between ₹20-₹50, offering frequent services throughout the day.

• From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gangtok or Mangan, the main towns in Sikkim, which are the starting points for Gurudongmar Lake visits.

• Train travel is comfortable and affordable but requires additional road travel to reach the lake, which is about 150 km from Gangtok.

• During winter, fog can cause minor delays on the Siliguri-NJP route, so plan accordingly and check train status on IRCTC.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from Siliguri to Sikkim’s towns. State-run and private buses operate regularly, but the journey to Gurudongmar Lake requires multiple connections.

• From Siliguri, you can catch Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses to Gangtok, which take around 4-5 hours covering approximately 115 km via NH10.

• Buses from Gangtok to Lachen or Mangan, the nearest towns to Gurudongmar Lake, run daily but may be limited in frequency, especially in the off-season.

• The final leg from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake is usually done by shared taxis or hired vehicles, as buses do not ply this route due to difficult terrain.

• Bus fares range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the segment, with SNT buses being more reliable and comfortable than private options.

• During monsoon months, landslides can disrupt bus services on NH10 and mountain roads, so check local weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views. However, the route involves mountainous roads requiring careful driving and permits.

• The total distance from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake is about 180 km, taking roughly 7-9 hours depending on road and weather conditions.

• You will travel via NH10 to Gangtok, then proceed to Mangan and Lachen, before reaching the lake on a mountain road.

• Permits from the Sikkim Tourism Department are mandatory for visiting Gurudongmar Lake; these can be arranged online or through travel agents in Siliguri or Gangtok.

• Fuel stations are available in Gangtok and Mangan, but scarce beyond, so fill up before heading to higher altitudes.

• Roads can be narrow and winding, with occasional landslides during monsoon; driving experience in hilly terrain is essential.

• Rest stops with food options are available in Gangtok and Mangan, but carry snacks and water for the final stretch to the lake.

Flight

While there is no direct flight to Gurudongmar Lake, flying to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri is the fastest way to start your journey. From there, you continue by road.

• Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Siliguri, well connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati with multiple daily flights.

• The airport is about 16 km from Siliguri city center, reachable by taxi or shared cabs in 30-45 minutes.

• From Siliguri, you can take trains, buses, or hire cars to reach Sikkim and then Gurudongmar Lake.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on season and booking time but generally range from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 one-way.

• Weather conditions like fog in winter can cause flight delays at Bagdogra, so keep buffer time in your travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers aiming to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Siliguri safely and comfortably.

• Book your train or flight ticket to Siliguri or Bagdogra well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Siliguri, arrange transport to Gangtok by bus or taxi; taxis offer more comfort and flexibility, while buses are budget-friendly.

• Obtain the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for travel to North Sikkim, either online or through authorized agents in Siliguri or Gangtok.

• Hire a local taxi or join a shared vehicle from Gangtok to Lachen; this journey takes about 6 hours and offers beautiful mountain views.

• From Lachen, start early the next day to visit Gurudongmar Lake, as the road is challenging and the lake is at high altitude; acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

• Carry warm clothing, water, and snacks for the trip to the lake, and follow local guidelines to protect the environment and respect cultural sites.

Practical Travel Tips

• Altitude sickness is common near Gurudongmar Lake; spend a day acclimatizing in Lachen and stay hydrated to reduce risks.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water; buy food from trusted vendors in Gangtok and Lachen to prevent stomach issues.

• Book permits and transport early through official websites or trusted travel agents to avoid scams and delays.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Siliguri and Gangtok for safer and transparent fares.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, sun protection, and basic medicines, as shops are limited near the lake.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause roadblocks and landslides; plan your trip in dry months for safer travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from April to June and September to November. These months offer clear skies and safer road conditions. Winters are cold and may restrict access due to snow.

Travel during peak festivals like Losar or Diwali can be crowded, and accommodation may be limited. Early morning departures help avoid traffic and enjoy daylight at the lake.

• Avoid monsoon months when landslides and heavy rains can disrupt travel on NH10 and mountain roads.

• Winter months bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold, making the lake inaccessible or dangerous to visit.

• Depart early from Siliguri and Gangtok to avoid afternoon traffic jams and reach destinations before dark.

• Plan your trip around local festivals to experience cultural events but book accommodations well in advance.

Arrival at Gurudongmar Lake & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Gurudongmar Lake, you will experience breathtaking views of one of the highest lakes in India. The area is sacred to locals and requires respectful behavior. The lake is located at about 17,800 feet, so expect cold temperatures and thin air.

Local transport options end at Lachen; from there, only shared taxis or private vehicles can reach the lake. There are no direct public transport services. Accommodation is available in Lachen, with basic facilities. Prepaid taxis and local guides can be arranged for the lake visit. Carry cash as digital payments may not work in remote areas.

Conclusion

Traveling from Siliguri to Gurudongmar Lake involves a combination of train, bus, or car travel, with permits and acclimatization being key factors. The most efficient way is to fly into Bagdogra, then take a taxi or bus to Gangtok, followed by a hired vehicle to Lachen and the lake. Planning permits and transport ahead ensures a smooth journey.

By following the step-by-step plan and practical tips in this guide, you can confidently prepare for this unique trip. Remember to respect local customs, prepare for high-altitude conditions, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Gurudongmar Lake safely.