Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a breathtaking glacial lake located in the Indian state of Sikkim, approximately 40 kilometres from the capital city, Gangtok. Perched at an altitude of 3,753 meters (12,313 feet) above sea level, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most stunning and sacred high-altitude lakes in the Eastern Himalayas. The lake is nestled amidst rugged mountains and remains frozen during the winter months, transforming into a pristine, mirror-like expanse in the summer, reflecting the surrounding peaks and vibrant alpine flowers. A visit to Tsomgo Lake is the most common tourist activity from Gangtok.

The name "Tsomgo" is derived from two words in the Bhutia language—‘Tso’ meaning lake and ‘Mgo’ meaning head—translating to "Source of the Lake." The lake is about one kilometre long, 50ft deep, oval and is situated at an altitude of 3753 metres. The lake holds spiritual significance for the local Sikkimese people, who believe it to be a sacred site. Tsomgo Lake is also an important stopover for migratory birds, adding to its ecological significance.

Location

Tsomgo Lake is located in the rugged terrain of the High Altitude Himalayas. The lake is situated at a staggering altitude of 3,753 meters (12,313 feet), making it one of the highest lakes in India. To reach Tsomgo Lake, visitors can embark on a scenic drive from Gangtok, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. The journey is an adventure in itself, as the winding roads ascend through lush forests and mist-covered valleys, offering glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Gangtok is situated at an altitude of 1700 metres, so within a short drive, you will gain an altitude of 2000 meters to reach Tsomgo.

The best time to visit

Tsomgo Lake’s appearance changes with the seasons, offering visitors a different experience depending on the time of year.

Winter (November to February): During the winter months, the lake is completely frozen, with a thick layer of ice covering its surface. The surrounding landscape is blanketed in snow, creating a stark, white wonderland. This is the time when the lake is most serene, with few tourists and the silence is broken only by the occasional crunch of snow underfoot.

Spring (March to May): As the snow melts, the lake starts to thaw, revealing its deep blue waters. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the surrounding hills come alive with blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, and other alpine flowers.

Summer (June): In summer, the lake is at its most accessible, with all the snow melted and the roads clear. The water is calm and reflects the clear skies and green slopes. However, this is also the monsoon season, and heavy rains can sometimes obscure the views and make the roads slippery.

Monsoon (July - August): There are frequent and heavy showers coupled with frequent landslides and road closures.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another excellent time to visit, with clear skies and crisp air. The vegetation begins to turn golden, and the landscape takes on a warm, earthy tone.

Landscape

The landscape surrounding Tsomgo Lake is a mesmerizing blend of rugged mountains, rocky outcrops, and dense forests. The lake itself is a glacial formation, fed by the melting snow from the surrounding peaks. The water has a strikingly clear, deep blue colour, especially during the summer months when the ice melts away. Its beauty is amplified by the towering mountains that encircle it, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The area around Tsomgo Lake is rich in alpine vegetation, with rhododendrons, primulas, and a variety of wildflowers dotting the landscape during the warmer months. The higher slopes are covered with thick forests of pine, fir, and other conifers, while the lower areas around the lake feature a mix of shrubs and grasses. This diverse flora provides habitat for various species of wildlife.

Local Legend

This famous lake of Sikkim is known by many names. Commonly tourists refer to the lake as Changu. Other versions of the name include Tsomgo / Tsongo Lake.

According to local legends, The Lake was originally situated several kilometres away. An old woman who used to live at Tsomgo one night dreamed that the lake was to move to its current location. The old lady informed her friends but they did not pay heed to her words.

The lady milked her yak, poured the milk on the ground as an auspicious sign and left the place. Just before leaving, she saw an old lady with milk-like white hair entering Tsomgo. Immediately after this Tsomgo Lake was formed. The friends of the old lady are believed to be submerged in the lake along with their herd of yaks.

Sightseeing

Tsomgo Lake is a visual treat, with several key spots and viewpoints offering different perspectives of the lake and its surrounding landscape:

Cable Car Ride - The Cable Car Ride at Tsomgo Lake offers a thrilling way to experience the breathtaking beauty of this high-altitude destination. As the gondola ascends, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the pristine lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine forests. The ride provides a bird’s-eye perspective of the rugged terrain, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Lake Viewpoint: The primary viewpoint is located near the parking area, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. The calm, reflective surface of the lake is mesmerizing, especially on a clear day.

Higher Viewpoints: For those who wish to explore further, there are higher vantage points around the lake that can be reached by short treks. These spots offer a bird’s-eye view of the lake, with the bonus of spotting rare Himalayan flora and fauna.

Yak Rides

One of the most unique and memorable activities at Tsomgo Lake is a yak ride. These gentle, long-haired animals are well adapted to the high-altitude terrain and offer a fun way to explore the area around the lake. Visitors can hire a yak for a short ride along the lake’s shore or opt for a longer journey to some of the higher viewpoints.

Yak rides are available throughout the year, but the experience is particularly special during the winter when the yaks tread over the snow-covered ground. The handlers, usually locals, are friendly and provide interesting insights about the lake and its surroundings.

Photography

Tsomgo Lake is a paradise for photographers, offering countless opportunities to capture its stunning beauty. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for photography, as the light is soft and creates beautiful reflections on the lake’s surface. During these times, the chances of getting clear skies are higher, enhancing the vividness of the landscape.

The main viewpoint near the parking area is ideal for wide-angle shots of the lake. For more creative compositions, the higher viewpoints around the lake offer dramatic angles, with the lake framed by snow-capped peaks or blooming rhododendrons. The shoreline, with its prayer flags and yak caravans, is perfect for capturing the cultural essence of the region.

Nearby Attractions

Tsomgo Lake is not just a standalone destination; it’s part of a broader circuit of attractions in the region:

Nathula Pass: Located about 17 kilometres from Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass is a must-visit for those interested in history and geopolitics. It’s one of the few open border posts between India and China and offers a unique glimpse into the strategic significance of the region. The pass is open to Indian nationals with a special permit. Please note that a limited number of passes are issued on specific days for a visit to Nathula. Due to a demand-supply mismatch, the permits are often sold by local operators at exorbitant prices. Coordinate with our helpdesk team well in advance if you wish to visit Nathula on your tour.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: Often referred to as Baba Mandir, this shrine is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a revered Indian army soldier who is believed to be a guardian spirit of the region. Located around 16 kilometres from Tsomgo Lake, the shrine is visited by both soldiers and civilians, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.

Menmencho Lake: Slightly further away but worth the visit, Menmecho Lake is another high-altitude lake known for its crystal-clear waters and serene environment. It’s less crowded than Tsomgo Lake, making it a peaceful alternative for nature lovers. The lake is not part of the usual tourist itinerary and a special permit needs to be arranged to visit it.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary: 

About 30 kilometres from Gangtok en route to Tsomgo is the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. The sanctuary with an area of 31 square km and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.

This protected area is home to rare and endangered species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and various high-altitude birds. The sanctuary is also rich in medicinal plants and alpine flowers, making it a great stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
There are several beautiful waterfalls on the way to the Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok.

Birds Around Tsomgo Lake

The place is a paradise for bird lovers with a variety of birds such as the Blue Whistling Thrush, Redstarts and Forktails can be seen around. It is also the home for many migratory birds such as the Brahminy ducks. The migratory birds use the lake as a stopover on their way to the Indian plains from as far as Siberia during the winter months.

Getting There

Tsomgo Lake is situated approximately 38 kilometres from Gangtok. A typical tour of Tsomgo Lake and its surrounding area is a half-day sightseeing experience from Gangtok. The journey to Tsomgo Lake offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains and dense forests, making the drive as captivating as the destination itself.

Due to its location in a restricted area near the Indo-China border, visitors require a permit to visit the lake, which can be arranged through local tour operators such as us. There are no overnight accommodations available at Tsomgo Lake, visitors must plan to return to Gangtok by evening, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey back to the city.

Permits Requirement

To visit Tsomgo Lake, travellers are required to obtain a special permit due to its proximity to the Indo-China border and its location in a restricted area. Both Indian nationals and foreign tourists need to secure these permits, although the process differs slightly for each group.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian Citizens: Indian citizens must obtain an ILP, which can be easily arranged through us. A valid government-issued ID (such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport) and passport-sized photographs are required for the application.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Foreign Nationals: Foreign tourists need a Restricted Area Permit, which can also be arranged through us. Foreigners are required to travel in groups of two or more and must be accompanied by a guide. A valid passport with an Indian visa and passport-sized photographs are needed to obtain the permit.
Permits are typically issued on the morning of the day of travel or one day in advance.

The road to Tsomgo is rough and landslide-prone, in case of bad weather or other reasons, the army may restrict vehicle movement to Tsomgo, keep in touch with our experts for the latest ground report. On a few specific days of the week, Nathula's visit might be restricted, so if you wish to combine the Tsomgo Lake visit with Nathula, you need to discuss the day of the visit with our experts.

Food Experiences

By the time you return to Gangtok from your Tsomgo tour, it might be well past your lunch hours. Hence it may often be a necessity to have food at Tsomgo. Visitors to Tsomgo Lake can enjoy a taste of Sikkimese cuisine, which is influenced by Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese culinary traditions.

Due to its relative inaccessibility, the choice of food is limited at Tsomgo. While there are no formal restaurants or cafes directly at Tsomgo Lake, you can find small roadside stalls and tea shops offering hot snacks and beverages. These stalls typically serve simple yet delicious local dishes, including momos and Thukpa, which are perfect for warming up in the chilly mountain air. For more extensive dining options, you’ll need to return to Gangtok.