Tsomgo or Changu lake, situated at a height of more than 12000 ft above sea level is a high-altitude glacial lake in East Sikkim, India. Changu Lake has been formed due to melting of alpine glaciers in the region. Small glaciers can still be spotted in the region enclosing the mountains. The glacier runoff increases during the monsoon and winters thereby increasing the water level of Tsomgo lake. Tsomgo lake is situated in Changu Village which is around 40 km from the state capital of Gangtok. Travellers prefer winters and early summers as the best time to visit Changu lake. However, during the winters, the lake remains completely submerged with ice making it the best time to visit Changu lake. Changu lake is one of the biggest lakes and the most important water body in East Sikkim.
Travellers can reach Changu lake from Gangtok
Travellers can reach Tsomgo lake from Gangtok by traversing a road distance of around 3 hours. The road to Tsomgo lake from Gangtok is through dense forests and flora of the Eastern Himalayas. The lake looks majestic during different seasons of the year and remains a top-rated treasure and adventure hunt in the country. Tsomgo lake is surrounded by ridges and rocky mountains and looks very scenic and impressive throughout the day.
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 the lake remains completely frozen and travellers can walk on the lake. Travelers get a chance to walk on frozen ice in certain parts of the lake. 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 important lake in Sikkim due to its height and the depth of the water level. Ongoing further from the lake, we can find some other lakes like Menmecho, Elephant lake, and Kupup lake. Tsomgo lake is also the entry point to the Harbhajan Singh arcade.
Yak rides are very popular in Tsomgo lake
Yak is a popular animal that can be spotted in and around Tsomgo lake. The milk of yak is used to prepare tea and coffee. There are other animals like goats, sheep, and mountain dogs that can be spotted in the region. Changu lake is also known by the name ‘Yak Lake’. The yak lake is encompassed by mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.
Changu lake serves as the gateway to Silk Route
Being the most prominent lake in Sikkim, Changu Lake serves as the entry point to an important passage known as the Silk Route. Popular places around the Silk route are Zuluk and Lungtung. The elegant lake looks dazzling acting as the only water body in Changu village. Since the lake is quite deep, it is not advisable to take bath or undergo any water activities inside the lake. Changu lake continues to impress tourists and is visited by millions of adventurers throughout the year.
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 š
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