Tsomgo Lake (Gangtok) - 2019

Lake Tsomgo

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometers (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colors with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colors of the lake.

Etymology

In Bhutia language, the name Tsomgo is made of two words 'Tso' meaning "lake" and 'Mgo' meaning "head" which gives the literal meaning as "source of the lake".

Topography

The lake is surrounded by steep mountains that are covered with snow during winter. During summer the snow cover melts and forms the source for the lake. The lake which remains frozen in the winter season, sometimes extending up to May, receives an average annual precipitation of 1,183 millimeters (46.6 in) with temperatures recorded in the range of 0–25 °C (32–77 °F). 

The lake is about 40 kilometers (25 mi) away from Gangtok on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. Further, the road to Nathu La skirts the lake on the north side. The Chinese border crossing is only some 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) east-northeast in a straight line, but some 18 kilometers (11 mi) by road.

Features

Sign for Tsomgo Lake

The lake is formed in an oval shape and has a surface area of 24.47 hectares (60.5 acres). The maximum length of the lake is 836 meters (2,743 ft) and has a maximum width of 427 meters (1,401 ft). The maximum depth reported is 15 meters (49 ft) while the average depth is 4.58 meters (15.0 ft). The lake water quality is of moderate turbidity.

The lake is the venue for the Guru Purnima festival which is also the Raksha Bandhan festival when the faith healers are known as Jhakris of Sikkim assemble at the lake area to derive benefits from the healing qualities of the lake waters.

Alpine forests cover the catchment of the lake. After the winter season ends in the middle of May, the periphery of the lake has scenic blooms of flower species of rhododendrons (the state tree of Sikkim), primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises and so forth. Also seen in the precincts of the lake are several species of birds including Brahminy ducks. Wildlife seen includes the red panda.

Tourist attractions at the lake site include joy rides on decorated yaks and mules where kiosks offer a variety of food and drinks. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake.

Entry permits

As the lake is located in a restricted area it is essential for all Indians visiting the area to obtain permits. In the case of foreign nationals special permit is essential.

Indian Postal Service released a commemorative stamp on the lake on 6 November 2006

Beautiful view of the hills and the lake. There was a cool breeze in June. Beautifully decorated yaks can be seen. Kids enjoy the ride. There are small shops around for souvenirs and small eateries. You can buy hand-knitted garments as well.

If you want to see the snow then come here a great place for visiting with family.

In summer you can see snow great place.

Calm,  serene,  soothing to the eye,  cold and just beautiful.  I had the pleasure of watching the mist veil the lake and just accentuate its beauty.  It was drizzling, given the fact that I had visited during monsoon (first week of July),  but it was cold.  Also,  yaks are available near it,  just in case you want to experience an out of usual yak ride.

Such a beautiful place it is! You'll fall in love, not just by the beauty of this lake, but also the drive leading up to it. It's serene, calm and soul-soothing. One of the main tourist attractions of Sikkim. Be sure to carry warm clothes with you whenever you visit. It's very chilly even in the hottest of summer.

Also known as change Lake.

I have been there during the march this year and this place was so amazing with all the snows covering the lake and clear sky.

During our visit, the lake was frozen. If you like the pics that I have shared then visit this place during march time.

Tranquil. Surreal. Indescribable. That is how you put what you see when you visit this place. The chilling breeze near the half-frozen lake gets you to ponder why have you not visited this earlier. You'd be lucky if you get the snowfall there. On a clear day, I'd recommend you try the ropeway to witness how much beauty nature has to offer.

Okay I have been to this place its just great to  see the real beauty of nature its just so beautiful and a mesmerizing feeling there are yaks around which you could rent and theirs a temple a few kilometers ahead it has many myths with it it would a great experience visiting that place I say that if you did not visit this place you did not visit Sikkim!

Visited this place in the first week of May. Ended up being struck with heavy hailstorm and thick fog. The heavy rainfall made the journey perilous due to poor road conditions. Luckily the driver was calm and experienced. The weather here changes suddenly, especially afternoon. It is best to visit on a clear day to enjoy the views, ropeway and yak ride and to click postcard-perfect pictures.

I heard it is called Heaven. Trust me this was much more than heaven. The snow, the natural beauty, the wind, the sky everything was up to the mark. The ropeway will cost you 325 per head but it was worth every penny. The beauty of this place is just beyond description. Just visit it and don't forget to go to the ropeway.

Situated 12000 feet above sea level, the lake completely freezes in the winter and April and May are probably the season you can get clean water. But we had the privilege to visit in February and trust me it was all deep dense ice everywhere and amidst the ice pack road, the travel was risky yet enjoyable like anything. Once you reach Changu lake, you can get shoes to wear, hot served Maggi and also a wine to bail out from the bone-chilling cold. If you are traveling in the winter then don't forget to have multiple layers of winter wear.