Tsomgo or Changu Lake, situated more than 12000 ft above sea level, is a high-altitude glacial lake in East Sikkim, India. The lake remains a top-rated treasure and adventure hunt in the country. Glacier runoff increases during the monsoon and winters, increasing the water level of Tsomgo Lake. Travelers prefer winters and early summers as the best time to visit Changu Lake. Changu Lake is one of the biggest lakes and the most critical water body in East Sikkim. Yaks are famous animals that can be spotted in and around Tsomgo Lake. Changu Lake is also known as ‘Yak Lake.’ The mountains of the Eastern Himalayas encompass the yak lake.
How to reach Changu Lake?
- Travelers can reach Changu Lake from Gangtok.
Travelers can reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok by road, which takes around three hours. The road runs through dense forests and the flora of the Eastern Himalayas. - Travelers can also reach Changu Lake from Zuluk.
Travelers can reach Changu Lake from Zuluk via Gnathang Valley. They can cover the Silk Route and easily reach Changu Lake in 1.5 hours.
The best time to visit Changu Lake is from December to April.
The best time to visit Changu Lake is from December to April when it remains frozen. Since winter activities are favorable to travelers in India, they prefer winter months as the best time to visit Changu Lake. Tsomgo is the most crucial lake in Sikkim due to its height and water level depth. On delving further, we can also find other lakes like Menmecho, Elephant Lake, and Kupup Lake. Tsomgo Lake is also the entry point to the Harbhajan Singh arcade.
Changu Lake serves as the gateway to the Silk Route.
As the most prominent lake in Sikkim, Changu Lake is the entry point to an important passage known as the Silk Route. Popular places around the Silk Route are Zuluk and Lungtung. The lake is the only water body in Changu village. Since the lake is quite deep, taking a bath or undergoing any water activities inside the lake is not advisable. Changu Lake continues to impress tourists and is visited by millions of adventurers annually.
CHANGU LAKE FAQ
Changu Lake was formed when alpine glaciers in the region melted. Small glaciers can still be spotted in the area around Lake.
Changu Lake is situated in Changu Village, around 40 km from the state capital of Gangtok.
During the winters, the lake remains submerged in ice, making it the best time to visit Changu Lake.
Yak rides are very popular in Tsomgo Lake. Travelers can enjoy Yak rides and walk on certain parts of the lake during winter. Ridges and Rocky Mountains surround Tsomgo Lake and look scenic and impressive throughout the day.
Impressive pictorial post on Tsomgo In Sikkim. Enjoyed detailed depiction of the destination.
Yes Indu,you should try that during Mar-Apr
Great post Somnath! I have never heard about this place and it’s so beautiful and certainly off the beaten track – scores double points from me! What language do people speak there? Is it manageable if you only speak English? It will definitely be on my radar when I finally visit India x
Anna:They speak Hindi and English and Nepali..Yes there are lot of people who come from other countries for a visit…
I have never heard about Tsomgo but now I am intrigued. Thanks for sharing.
Thank You Petya for appreciating!!!
very pretty impressive stuff with beautiful pics
this is very interesting. i can imagine the historic and georaphic significance of this lake from before. would be nice to visit this place.
Yes Jen but try to visit it during Mar-April
Gorgeous pictures! Loved it 😊
This looks awesome! Next time I’m in India, I’ll add it to the list
What a beautiful article. Made me realise how less do I know about my own country
@Ketchupmoms-But mind this place was an independent country till 1975..
This lake seems so charming and awe-inspiring, Somnath! Is it even possible to swim in the lake?
No,swimming is’nt allowed…However when the lake is frozen in winters,you can take some steps and scroll around the lake..
Its a very beautiful lake..after visiting pangong in ladakh tsomgothe lake is on my wish list…soon i will be there . all pictures are awsm
I’ve not heard of tsomgo lake but would love to visit it one day. The lake is beautiful and so serene. I would love to stay in one of the eco retreats and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.
The Yak are such interesting animals and your pictures show their special place in the lives of these people. Thanks for sharing information about this little known destination
Sikkim is absolutely beautiful. Tsomgo is stunning. There is another lake in the north – Gurudongmar, which is also very beautiful.
Yes thats correct Mary