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. Travelers prefer winter and early summer as the best time to visit Changu Lake. Tsomgo Lake is one of the biggest lakes and the most critical water bodies in East Sikkim.
What are the things to do in and around Changu Lake?
- Travelers can walk on certain parts of the lake during winter because it gets covered in snow.
- Yak rides are very popular in Tsomgo Lake. Travelers can enjoy Yak rides in and around the lake.
- Adventure seekers can witness the ridges and the Rocky Mountains surrounding Tsomgo Lake, which look scenic and impressive throughout the day.
Changu Lake is also known as the Yak Lake.
Yaks are famous animals spotted in and around Tsomgo Lake, also known as Yak Lake. The mountains of the Eastern Himalayas encompass the yak lake. Travellers can also spot animals such as mountain sheep and goats around the lake. It is possible to witness snow around the mountains encircling Changu Lake.ย
The best time to visit Changu Lake is from December to April.
The best time to visit Changu Lake is during the winter and spring seasons from December to April, when it remains frozen. Glacier runoff increases during the monsoon and winter seasons, thereby increasing the water level of Tsomgo Lake. Tsomgo is the most crucial lake in Sikkim due to its high altitude and depth of water. 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. Zuluk, Gnathang Valley, and Lungtung are popular places around the Silk Route. There is also a 32-strip serpentine road on the Silk Route, en route to Zuluk from Lungtung. Tourists often plan a trip to Changu Lake and the Old Silk Route. Changu Lake impresses tourists, and millions of adventurers visit it annually.
How to reach Changu Lake?
- Travelers can reach Changu Lake from Gangtok.
Travelers can reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok by road, a journey that takes approximately three hours. The road runs through dense forests and the flora of the Eastern Himalayas. - Travelers can 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.
CHANGU LAKE FAQ
Changu Lake was formed when alpine glaciers in the region melted. Small glaciers can still be seen in the area around the lake.
Changu Lake is situated in Changu Village, around 40 km from the state capital of Gangtok.
Travelers can experience snowfall in Changu Lake from November to April.
Yes, travelers need a permit to visit Changu Lake.
Taxi fares cost around Rs 4000 from Gangtok to visit Tsomgo Lake.
Travelers can obtain the Pass to Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok.
CONCLUSION
Changu Lake is renowned for being the only place in the world where travellers can observe yaks in their natural habitat. They can also witness the frozen lake in winter and the magnificent mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. Changu Lake is worth visiting due to its splendid landscape.
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 ๐
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