Gurudongmar Lake vs Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La
Pick Gurudongmar Lake for
road trips, a spiritual journey, photography, fewer people
Pick Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La for
snow, family trips, first-timers, an easier walk, fewer days
| Gurudongmar Lake | Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Sikkim, Lachen, North Sikkim | Sikkim, East Sikkim |
| Highest point | 5,430 m | 4,310 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Easy |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 5–6 | 4 |
| Best months | Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Busy |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Bagdogra / NJP | Bagdogra / NJP |
| With kids | Possible | Good |
| With seniors | Not advised | Possible |
| Permits | North Sikkim permit through a registered agent; Indian nationals only. | Protected-area permit through a registered Gangtok agent. Nathu La is for Indian nationals only and open on limited days. |
Gurudongmar Lake: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely