The Blog
( Catch latest news & hacks related to travel ).
About Tsomgo Lake
Everything You Need to Know About Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim)
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Sikkim is a mesmerizing natural gem that’ll capture your heart in just one visit – Tsomgo Lake. Also recognized as Changu Lake or Tsongmo Lake, this magical water body holds a special allure for those who’re in search of peace and natural splendour.
Located 40 kilometres from Gangtok and sitting at an elevation of 12,400 ft, Tsomgo Lake boasts an irresistible charm that keeps eyes glued. Surrounded by tall mountains and their reflections dancing on its clear waters, it's a popular spot to explore in Sikkim.
In this detailed guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Tsomgo Lake, from what makes it famous to nearby attractions.
CONTENTS:
1.2 Perfect Place for Birdwatching
1.4 An Adventurous Journey to Tsomgo Lake
2. Best Time to Visit Tsomgo Lake
3. How to Reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok
4. Things to Do Near Tsomgo Lake
4.1 Frozen Adventure with Icewalking
4.3 Trekking Through Scenic Routes near Tsomgo Lake
4.4 Capture Unforgettable Moments with Photography
4.6 Witness Spiritual Offerings
5. Top Places to Visit Near Tsomgo Lake
5.3 Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Want to Explore Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim?
1. Why Tsomgo Lake is Famous?
1.1 A Beauty Worth a Visit
Surrounded by tall, snow-covered mountains, Tsomgo Lake is a refined beauty. Spanning 1 square kilometre, this lake offers a vast panorama of colourful waters reflecting the sky and mountains, creating a stunning spectacle.
Moreover, the lake's hues change with time and seasons. In spring, you'll be treated to shades of blue and green, complemented by the beautiful reflections of rhododendrons and alpine trees.
In winter, just like many other lakes in Sikkim, Changu Lake freezes. And the entire region transforms into a frozen wonderland, with snow blanketing the mountains and the lake freezing over. This frozen lake mirrors the mountains like shining glass adorned with scattered diamonds. This spellbinding beauty is one of the top reasons to visit Changu Lake.
1.2 Perfect Place for Birdwatching
If you want to watch birds gliding over the clear waters, chirping amidst nature, Tsomgo Lake is the perfect spot for you. The lake is home to various migratory birds, including Brahminy ducks.
With plenty of Blue Whistling Thrushes, Redstarts, and Forktails, birdwatching is among the top things to do at Changu Lake. These birds use the lake as a resting place during their journey from places like Siberia to the Indian plains during winter. You can watch them fly high in the sky and capture beautiful pictures for your travel album.
1.3 A Sacred Site
Another reason Changu Lake is famous is its high reverence among Buddhists and Hindus. It holds deep religious importance for the local Sikkimese people. Tsomgo means "source of water" in Bhutia. And, ironically, the source of the lake’s water is still a mystery. According to a legend, the lake formed from the tears of the Buddhist deity Guru Padmasambhava, making it sacred.
Many legends also revolve around its changing colours. According to one, Buddhist Saints called Lamas used to predict the future based on the lake's colour. If the water had a dark tint, they predicted a dismal, dark, and unrestful future of the state. Isn’t that a fascinating thing to know about Tsomgo Lake?
1.4 An Adventurous Journey to Tsomgo Lake
Not only is Tsomgo Lake Sikkim itself a sight to behold, but the entire journey to reach it is also filled with wonders. As you travel from Gangtok to Tsongmo Lake, you'll be greeted by exotic wildlife and lush green forests adorned with blooming rhododendrons and alpine trees. And don't forget the breathtaking view of the majestic snow-covered Himalayas that stand tall and mighty in the distance.
While the route may take you over rough terrains, the sheer beauty that unfolds before your eyes at every turn makes every bump and challenge entirely worthwhile.
2. Best Time to Visit Tsomgo Lake
The ideal time to visit Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is during the summer months, from mid-March to June, when the weather is pleasant and the lake reflects blooming rhododendrons, boasting turquoise and emerald green waters. You may even catch a bit of snowfall if you're lucky during summer.
However, if you want to see the lake frozen, plan your visit for the winter months, from October to mid-December. It's best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the conditions aren't favourable for trips then. Before setting off, make sure to check the weather forecast, as heavy snowfall can sometimes disrupt travel plans.
3. How to Reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok
The distance between Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake is 40 kilometres. The quickest way to get to Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok is by hiring a taxi, which costs around 1000 - 1500 INR. The journey typically takes about 40 - 50 minutes. If you're looking for the cheapest way to reach Tsomgo Lake, the best way is to drive your own or rented car.
Most tourists usually include Tsomgo Lake as a stop on their way to visit Nathula Pass and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, covering all these popular Sikkim attractions in a single day.
4. Things to Do Near Tsomgo Lake
4.1 Frozen Adventure with Icewalking
During winter, one of the best things to do at Changu Lake is walking on its frozen surface. This will offer you a special chance to stroll across the icy surface and admire the stunning snow-covered landscapes that envelop the lake. There's even a dedicated Tsomgo Lake Ice Playground for this purpose, to boost the experience further.
4.2 Thrilling Yak Safari
Looking for adventurous things to do near Changu Lake? Enjoy the excitement of riding on a yak, a native of the Himalayas, along the shores of the lake. This unique experience will offer you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it allows you to get absorbed in the natural beauty of Sikkim while moving on the uneven trails on the back of a yak.
4.3 Trekking through Scenic Routes near Tsomgo Lake
Here’s another adventure activity near Tsomgo Lake. Trek through the scenic trails around Tsomgo Lake, where you can discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The trails boast breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscapes.
Near Tsomgo Lake, there's a viewpoint – Tsogmo Lake Ropeway Side Viewpoint. Hike to reach there and witness the stunning beauty of the lake and its surroundings from above.
4.4 Capture Unforgettable Moments with Photography
The shores of Tsomgo Lake are full of a range of alpine flora, like colourful rhododendrons, primulas, and blue poppies. Plus, its stunning landscape, dreamy surroundings, and exotic natural resources make Tsomgo Lake an ideal spot for capturing snapshots.
You'll absolutely love photography here, especially if you're a bird lover. It's a treat to admire the sky filled with migratory birds near Tsomgo Lake.
4.5 Shop for Souvenirs
Near Tsomgo Lake, you'll find the bustling Changu market. Here, you can purchase yummy yak cheese, beautiful trinkets, and other souvenirs. It's also a great place to interact with locals and indulge in delicious street food.
4.6 Witness Spiritual Offerings
During your visit to Tsomgo Lake, you'll frequently see local residents conducting traditional rituals and offerings along the shores. These rituals, like prayers and lighting butter lamps, show the strong spiritual bond that the people of Sikkim feel with the lake.
ALSO READ: Things to do in Sikkim with friends
5. Top Places to Visit Near Tsomgo Lake
5.1 Changu Shiv Mandir
Near Tsomgo Lake, there's a Shiva temple located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road. You can take some time to visit and seek blessings here. The surroundings are incredibly beautiful and peaceful. It’s an ideal space to relax and reflect for as long as you wish.
Distance from Tsomgo Lake: 300 metres
Trip Duration: 10-20 minutes
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
5.2 Tsomgo Lake Ropeway
Want to watch Tsomgo Lake and its surroundings from high above? A popular attraction near Tsomgo Lake, this ropeway offers exactly that.
It's a cable car ride that ascends to 14,500 ft above sea level on the snow-covered slopes near Changu Lake. This ropeway is one of the highest in Asia, providing a fantastic panoramic view of the lake and the snow-covered mountains. Don’t forget to try this if you’re interested in adventure activities in Sikkim.
Distance from Tsomgo Lake: 650 metres
Trip Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
Timings: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cable Car Ride cost per person: around INR 300-400 per person
5.3 Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
While traveling from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, you'll encounter fantastic attractions in Sikkim, such as the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. This sanctuary boasts dense forests of junipers, silver firs, and rhododendrons.
Inside, you'll even find the stunning Kyongnosla waterfalls, and you might even spot rare and endangered orchids and rhododendron species as you stroll through the sanctuary. This is one of the best tourist places to visit near Changu Lake.
Distance from Tsomgo Lake: 6 kilometres
Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
ALSO READ: Offbeat places to visit in Sikkim
Want to Explore Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim?
If you're craving to explore the enchanting beauty of Tsomgo Lake and uncover its mystical charm amidst the stunning surroundings, consider planning a trip to Sikkim for your next vacation. Let Holidays Crowd be your trusted companion.
Explore our Sikkim tour packages and select the one that best fits your preferences. We'll handle everything - from activities, sightseeing, and accommodation, to transportation. You just need to pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey in the lap of nature.