Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 mi. It lies in the district of North Sikkim in Sikkim, India only some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Chinese border. The blessed water of the lake is believed to possess the miraculous power of granting children to issueless couples. Interestingly, the myth of Gurudongmar is believed as reverentially by the Hindus as by the local Buddhists. Encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. There is a temple of the Guru beside the lake. Devotee tourists as well as Army personnel offer prayers at the temple.

Photo: Vickey Lepcha