Serene

Tsomgo or Changu Lake, situated more than 12000 ft above sea level, is a high-altitude glacial lake in East Sikkim, India. Changu Lake has been formed due to the melting of alpine glaciers in the region. Small glaciers can still be spotted in the region enclosing the mountains. Glacier runoff increases during the monsoon and winters, increasing the water level of Tsomgo Lake. Tsomgo Lake is situated in Changu Village, around 40 km from the state capital of Gangtok. Travelers prefer winters and early summers as the best time to visit Changu Lake. However, during the winters, the lake remains wholly submerged in ice, making it the best time to visit Changu Lake. Changu Lake is one of the biggest lakes and the most critical water body in East Sikkim.

Travellers can reach Changu lake from Gangtok.

Travelers can reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok by traversing a road distance of around three hours. The road runs through dense forests and the 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. Ridges and Rocky Mountains surround Tsomgo Lake and look 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 frozen, and travelers can walk there. Travelers can walk on 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 crucial lake in Sikkim due to its height and water level depth. We can also find other lakes like Menmecho, Elephant Lake, and Kupup Lake on delving further. Tsomgo Lake is also the entry point to the Harbhajan Singh arcade.

Yak rides are very popular in Tsomgo Lake.

Yaks are famous animals that can be spotted in and around Tsomgo Lake. Their milk is used to prepare tea and coffee. Other animals like goats, sheep, and mountain dogs can be spotted in the region. Changu Lake is also known as ‘Yak Lake.’ The mountains of the Eastern Himalayas encompass the yak lake.

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 elegant lake looks dazzling and 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.