The light streaming from the window wakes me up. It is bright outside at 6 a.m. Even though we are in India, the time zone feels like that of another country.

I remember to hydrate because we are already at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet and will be going even higher today.

We were based in Lachen, a sleepy village in North Sikkim. Our homestay was cozy, and stepping out of its warmth was difficult. But a very special place awaited us. Our adventure today would take us to an altitude of 17,800 feet to experience a gem nestled deep within the mountains.

The drive from Lachen was bumpy, to put it gently. We passed towering mountains draped in pristine snow, their peaks glistening gold in the morning light.

After nearly two hours of off-roading, our bones and bodies were ready to give up when we finally approached what I can only describe as the highway to heaven.

I say this because the place we had travelled so far to see was finally before us, and nothing had prepared us for its surreal beauty or the aura it radiated.

Lake Gurudongmar is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, sitting at an altitude of around 17,800 feet.

Despite the freezing temperatures, one part of the lake never freezes completely. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava—the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Guru Rinpoche—blessed the lake so that a portion of it would remain unfrozen throughout the year.

It is considered sacred by Buddhists. Sikhs also revere the lake, believing that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place during his travels.

Tibet lies just beyond the mountains that surround the lake, adding to the sense that we were standing at the very edge of the world.

We had looked forward to visiting Lake Gurudongmar with no expectations and very little knowledge of what awaited us. This was back in 2018, when we did not search every destination online before visiting. Genuine reactions, unexpected surprises, and spontaneous adventures shaped our travels back then. 😊

Very few visitors ventured to Lachen because of its high altitude, making it the perfect escape for us. Compared to the rest of Sikkim, it felt untouched and wonderfully peaceful.

As we drew closer, the landscape began to change. We first passed black granite mountains which stood like ancient guardians protecting the lake.

Then the towering peaks gave way to gently sloping chocolate-brown hills and vast open valleys. The guardians now seemed to have angels beside them, softly ushering us toward the lake.

Nothing grew here. It felt like a barren wilderness untouched by time.

The 4×4 came to an abrupt stop, and our driver pointed ahead, signalling that we would have to walk the remaining distance.

We were not prepared for what came next.

The air was painfully thin, and every step demanded effort. As I walked forward, I wondered if I was dreaming—or perhaps the lack of oxygen was making me hallucinate.

A few feet ahead, the land suddenly dropped away.

Below, cradled within the rocky terrain, lay a shimmering sapphire surrounded by towering stone mountains. It looked almost unreal.

The crystal-clear waters sparkled in the morning sun, shifting effortlessly from deep sapphire in the centre to brilliant turquoise, teal, and emerald along the shore.

We stood there, completely hypnotized, gazing at a beauty that words could never truly capture.

As the sun climbed higher, the lake transformed before our eyes. Its colours flowed from soft, shy blues to vibrant aquas, rich teals, and deep navy. It felt as though the lake itself was speaking to us.

The gentle breeze brushed against our faces while tiny waves lapped softly against the shore. It seemed the lake had stories to tell—if only we were willing to slow down, be still, and listen.

In that meditative silence, I found myself completely captivated by its ever-changing colours, protected by the silent embrace of the surrounding mountains.

Stone cairns, lovingly built by pilgrims, were scattered across the landscape as quiet offerings of faith and respect.

Prayer flags fluttered endlessly in the cold mountain wind, carrying whispered prayers toward the heavens.

Because of the extreme altitude and thin air, we were allowed a short time at the lake before our driver reluctantly escorted us back to the 4×4.

As we drove away, I felt as though I had left a part of myself behind while carrying a piece of this heavenly place within me.

Years later, that memory remains as vivid as ever—a reminder that some places are so extraordinary, they stay with you long after you have left them.