Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake. It is settled at an altitude of 3,753 meters in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim State. It is approximately 40 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. This means that if you are travelling from Tsomgo Lake to Gangtok or from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, it would take around 1 hour. The lake is widely known for its stunning beauty, landscapes, and serene environment, designating it as a must-visiting location for tourists and travel explorers.
Tsomgo is sourced from two Bhutia words where Tso means lake and Mgo means head, reflecting its importance as the “source of the lake”. Along with the natural beauty, the place holds religious and cultural significance for the Sikkim people.
Geographical Significance
Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim is also known as Changu Lake. It is a glacier-fed lake, situated at a height of 3,753 meters, approximately 12,313 feet. It is located in East Sikkim, India. The lake is surrounded by snow and the mountains. It gives a unique experience with stunning scenic beauty.
The lake area extends over 60 acres and is about 15 meters deep. It presents a serene, glassy surface reflecting the clear blue skies. The beauty of Tsomgo Lake resides in its clear, natural environment, and pure ecosystem.
The Best Time To Visit Tsomgo Lake
For a safe and memorable journey and to experience the stunning views of nature and scenic atmosphere, you can plan the visiting timings before you arrive at Sikkim Tsomgo Lake. The most suitable months to visit this amazing lake are (April to June) during the summer season and (October to December) during the Autumn season.
- Summer: The summer season (i.e., from April to June) is the perfect time to visit Tsomgo Lake. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C. It is the best time for sightseeing and exploring new places. The snow melts in this season and the surrounding will be highlighted with the flourishing green.
- Winter: In the winter season (i.e., from January to March), the lake will be frozen and give you a unique scenery of nature during this season. The weather conditions will be quite challenging, heavy snowfalls take place and road closures make travelling a challenging one. It is advised to avoid visiting this place if you can't handle the extreme cold conditions. This season is suitable for those who can enjoy the snow and manage the weather conditions.
- Autumn: The autumn season (i.e., from October to December). This is an excellent time to visit Tsomgo Lake. The weather will be pleasant and the temperatures range from 5°C and 15°C. The golden shade of the autumn leaves refines the beauty of the lake. It will be the perfect time for capturing nature's beauty and the lake's beauty.
- Spring: The spring season (i.e., from July to September). It is a challenging time to visit the lake. The place experiences heavy rainfall. Travelling will be very difficult and even dangerous due to heavy rains. Tourists are not advised to visit Tsomgo Lake in the Spring season.
Travel Tips For Visiting Tsomgo Lake
- Clothing: Whatever the season it might be, always carry warm and woollen clothes. Be cautious while packing your bag before travelling to Tsomgo Lake. Warm clothing includes heat-retaining wear, gloves, jackets, hoodies, etc. It makes you feel comfortable and manage when the temperature rises and falls. It is also advised to pack waterproof clothes during the rainy season.
- Food: Tsomgo Lake is situated at a high altitude. You might not get proper food and essentials in the high altitudes. So, it is advised to pack enough food to keep hydrated. It will be better if you carry raw foods like fruits and nuts rather than packed foods.
- Permissions: Tsomgo Lake is located near the India-China border. Visitors need to take travel permissions from the registered travel agents in Gangtok.
- Accommodate smoothly: Spend a day in Gangtok before visiting Tsomgo Lake. It makes you feel easier and adjust yourself to the climate and reduces the risk of high altitude sickness.
- Carry essentials: Pack your bag with proper low-fat food essentials, snacks, sufficient water, and all the necessary medications. Pack a first aid kit, common medicines, pain relievers, etc. For safeguarding your devices, carry portable charges and extra batteries.
- Travel vehicle info: It takes about 2-3 hours of journey from Gangtok to Tsomgo. The roads will be uneven at the hilly terrain and mountain roads. It is advised to hire a taxi with an experienced driver from the travel agencies while moving through these mountain roads.
- Planning of visiting time: Find out the best time before visiting Tsomgo Lake. It is advised to visit the lake from April to June and October to December, during the summer and the autumn seasons. Avoid the monsoon seasons due to the risk of heavy rainfalls and snowfalls.
- Sustainable practices: Tsomgo Lake is widely known for its natural beauty and its sustainable habits. Avoid using plastic material and throw the used material in the disposal waste. Carry reusable water bottles. Keep the places neat wherever you visit.
Tsomgo Lake To Nathula Pass Distance And Connectivity
Tsomgo Lake is a highly recommended tourist spot in Sikkim. The other known tourist spot which is widely famous for its natural beauty and nearby Tsomgo lake is Nathula Pass. It is a mountain peak area on the Indo-China border. It adds a historical significance to the place. You can visit Nathula Pass, a nearby designation from Tsomgo Lake. The distance is approximately around 16 kilometers, and takes around 1-2 hours to travel. You can experience an amazing journey by viewing the stunning beauty of nature. The roads might be uneven and mostly not advised to travel during snowfall.
You can check the weather or climatic conditions before planning your day. You can take a shared vehicle or a private vehicle. It is advised to take a shared vehicle as a preferred option for a safe journey. It is also a cost-effective option. The drivers will be mostly experienced and will have a strong ability to control the vehicle on uneven roads or hilly terrain. Nathula Pass is a special and restricted area as the area is interconnected to the international border with China. Visitors need to get permission from the registered travel agents in Gangtok. To visit Nathula Pass only Indian tourists are allowed. Foreign tourists need to get permission and submit the necessary documents or photocopies for visiting.
Few Final Words
Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations with widely attractive scenic surroundings all around. It is a captivating spot in Sikkim. You can experience amazing views of nature and the unique cultural significance that the place is known for. The lake is situated in the middle of alpine forests and the barren mountains. The place is highly favoured with all kinds of weather conditions throughout the year. Hence you can experience the unique charm of natural beauty along the seasonal changes.
The lake not only highlights nature and its beauty but also holds a rich cultural and spiritual heritage for local people. The lake is considered a sacred place by the Sikkimese. The spiritual connection with the lake makes it an even more must-visit destination. You can experience a thrilling adventurous experience while traveling to Tsomgo from Gangtok. The wavy roads in the hilly areas, the landscape, the terrain, and the mountain air bring an essence of adventure to the trip. When travelling to visit the lake, you need to take the necessary permissions, and proper planning is required for a safe and memorable journey.
