Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok | Permit, Legend, Best time to visit
Located on the Gangtok-Nathu La highway, Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India, perched between the Himalayas at an astounding 12,400 feet above sea level. Also referred to as Changu Lake, it is a must-see destination for all travelers, and with good reason—its breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between a verdant carpet of alpine woods and surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, Tsogmo Lake’s alluring splendor is sure to leave you speechless. The lake is a must-see destination in Sikkim because of its captivating natural beauty and its legendary significance to the locals.
The water at Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake, comes from the surrounding mountains’ melting snow. The waters of this glacier lake are renowned for their ability to change color. throughout the monsoon season, the lake seems bright and turquoise, but throughout the winter, it turns into a translucent layer of ice. Midway through May, as summer draws near, a thousand flowering flowers line the lake’s edge, bringing a riot of color to the waters.
The words “Tso” and “Mgo” in the Bhutia language, which literally translate to “lake” and “head,” respectively, have great religious and cultural significance for the Bhutia people. Changu Lake is linked to numerous myths and tales and is regarded as a sacred lake by the Sikkimese. It is said that Buddhist monks used to predict the future by analyzing the lake’s color!
How to get Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok Permit
It is necessary for all tourists to obtain permits in order to enter the restricted area where Tsomgo Lake is located. Special permits must be obtained by foreign nationals. You must go through officially certified travel agents and tour operators to obtain these permits; they cannot be obtained online. Other than the agent’s fee, there are no fees or costs involved in acquiring these permits. However, you will need to provide two passport-sized photos and proof of identification. It takes a day or two for permits to be issued.
Travel Tips For Visiting Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
- One piece of advice is to wear or bring boots because the lake can be quite slick. For about INR 50, you can also rent plastic boots close to the lake. Keep an extra pair of socks on hand as well.
- To avoid being caught in the late evening, try to visit the lake early in the morning because there are several locations along the path that are prone to slides.
The Scenic Beauty of Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
Tourists from all over the world have been enchanted by Tsomgo Lake’s breathtaking natural beauty, which keeps them coming back for more, especially in the winter and summer. Rhododendrons, primulas, irises, and multicolored poppies form a vibrant and vibrant outline around the edges of this circular glacier lake as spring arrives. In the summer, a variety of exotic and therapeutic plants blossom here as well. You will fall in love with nature’s captivating and amazing creations if you see Changu Lake during this time of year.
The entire lake turns into a massive tray of ice during the winter. The frost gleams in the gentle sunlight, illuminating this lake’s glossy surface. It is truly a visual feast to see this enormous lake frozen solid at the foot of the gorgeous snow-covered mountains. You may get a broad perspective of Gangtok, the Sikkim capital, from Tsomgo Lake. The Brahmini duck is one of the many uncommon migratory species that have made this lovely lake their yearly home. When it becomes really cold in the west, hundreds of Brahimini ducks come here to warm off in these calm waters.
There are a number of things that attract tourists’ attention besides gazing into the Tsomgo Lake’s ethereal beauty and losing yourself in its mesmerizing appeal. Trekking along the lake’s edges in the heavy snow or taking a ride on yaks and mules that are colorfully painted are two options. A little market about 200 meters away offers travelers yak cheese, handicrafts, and local specialties. When it becomes really chilly, a few stalls also lend out gloves, boots, and jackets. Tea, coffee, and nibbles from the local cuisine are sold at these little booths. The hot Tibetan noodle soup is sure to revitalise and refresh you from within and will help you combat the biting cold in the winters.
Legend of Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
Myths and stories surround Tsomgo Lake. Buddhist monks are claimed to have been able to foretell the future in the past simply by looking at the color of the lake; a darker tint of the water was thought to portend a more bleak or problematic future. Known as Jhakhris, the Sikkim faith-healers come to this lake during Guru Purnima and Raksha Bandhan to pray and benefit from the healing properties of the pure lake’s waters.
Tsomgo Lake Weather and Best Time to Visit
The lake is blanketed in an amazing carpet of orchids and rhododendrons from April to May. With temperatures ranging from a low of -1 to 18 degrees Celsius, the weather is nice. The sky are clear and provide a clear, unhindered view of the surroundings from October to December. The temperature fluctuates between 5 and 26 degrees Celsius. Changu Lake is completely frozen from January to March, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
How To Reach Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
Special cars with drivers trained to drive at such high elevations are available for hire; they travel from Gangtok, which is on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, to Changu Lake. For one round-trip, you will have to pay INR 4,000 to reserve such a seven-seater car. You can pay INR 450 per person if you decide to share the car. It is crucial to remember that the extremely thin air at these elevations makes it difficult for elderly persons, newborns, and those with heart or respiratory conditions to breathe.
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