Monasteries and shrines · Dzongri and Goecha La
Samiti Lake and the sacred landscape
Pause at Samiti Lake on the way back from the Goecha La viewpoint, a glacial lake sacred to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, where Pandim reflects in still water on calm mornings and camping is forbidden.
Photo: Yoghya · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Samiti Lake lies in the upper valley between Lamuney and the Goecha La viewpoint. On summit day you pass it in the dark, but on the way back to Thansing, in daylight, it is worth a quiet pause. On a still morning the snow ridges of Pandim reflect in its green water.
The lake is sacred to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, part of the wider sacred landscape around Kangchenjunga that the Buddhist tradition calls Demazong. That is why the Forest Department forbids camping here, and why guides ask trekkers to keep their voices low.
Do not wash, throw anything or step into the water. Walk around prayer flags and cairns clockwise, and leave everything as you found it. Check current status before you travel.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Can I camp at Samiti Lake?
No. Camping at Samiti Lake is forbidden because the lake is sacred to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, and the Forest Department enforces the rule. Groups camp at Lamuney or Thansing and pass the lake on summit day. Check current status before you travel.
Where is Samiti Lake on the Goecha La trek?
It lies between Lamuney and the Goecha La viewpoint, at roughly 4,200–4,300 m. You pass it by headlamp on the way up to the viewpoint and again in daylight on the way back to Thansing, which is the best time to see it, often with Pandim reflected in the water.
Why is Samiti Lake sacred?
It is part of the sacred landscape around Kangchenjunga, which Sikkim's Buddhists call Demazong and the Lepcha also hold sacred. Lakes, caves and peaks in Khangchendzonga National Park are places of pilgrimage, and this is one reason UNESCO listed the park for its cultural as well as natural value.
Also in Dzongri and Goecha La
More hours worth planning
Adventure
The Dzongri trek: six nights from NJP
The short version of Sikkim's classic trek: Yuksom to Sachen, Tshoka and Dzongri, a sunrise climb to Dzongri Top over Kabru, Kangchenjunga …
Adventure
Summit day to the Goecha La viewpoint
The long day at the heart of the Goecha La trek: a 3 am start from Lamuney, past Samiti Lake in the …
Nature
Spring trek through the rhododendron belt
Time the Dzongri or Goecha La trek for April and early May, when the forest between Bakhim and Phedang flowers in red, …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartPackages
Trips that stop in Dzongri and Goecha La
Budget
Top4,200M
Dzongri short trek from Yuksom
Yuksom · Dzongri and Goecha La · Yuksom
Budget
Top4,570M
Goecha La trek, group departure
Yuksom · Dzongri and Goecha La · Yuksom
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed