Best time to visit Changu Lake | How to reach Changu Lake

Serene

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 winters and early summers 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 submerged in snow.
  • Yak rides are very popular in Tsomgo Lake. Travelers can enjoy Yak rides in and around the lake.
  • Adventure seekers can witness ridges and the Rocky Mountains because they surround Tsomgo Lake, and look scenic and impressive throughout the day.

Changu Lake is also known as the Yak Lake.

Yaks are famous animals that can be spotted in and around Tsomgo Lake, also known as Yak Lake. The mountains of the Eastern Himalayas encompass the yak lake. Other animals, like mountain sheep and goats, can also be seen in and around the lake. It is possible to witness snow around the mountains encircling Changu Lake.

Changu lake
Changu Lake

How to reach Changu Lake?

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Yak rides around Changu Lake.
Tsomgo lake
Tsomgo Lake

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. Glacier runoff increases during the monsoon and winters, increasing the water level of Tsomgo 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.

Yak rids around Changu
Yak riders around Tsomgo

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 in the Silk Route on the way to Zuluk from Lungtung. Tourists often plan a trip to Changu Lake and the Old Silk Route. Changu Lake continues to impress tourists and is visited by millions of adventurers annually.

CHANGU LAKE FAQ
How was Changu Lake formed?

Changu Lake was formed when alpine glaciers in the region melted. Small glaciers can still be seen in the area around the lake.

Where is Changu Lake situated?


Changu Lake is situated in Changu Village, around 40 km from the state capital of Gangtok.

What is the best time to visit Changu Lake?


During the winters, the lake remains submerged in ice, making it the best time to visit Changu Lake.

22 thoughts on “Best time to visit Changu Lake | How to reach Changu Lake

  1. 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

  2. this is very interesting. i can imagine the historic and georaphic significance of this lake from before. would be nice to visit this place.

  3. 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.

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