Tsomogo Lake (Changu Lake)

Tsomgo Lake is located in the Indian state of Sikkim at a height of 12,310 feet from sea level. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake which is also named as Changu lake. It is located 40kms from Gangtok town and on Jawaharlal Nehru Road which leads to Nathula Pass. Tsomgo means a Source of water.

This is one of the outstanding high altitude lakes in India. The lake becomes more attractive with the shadows of surrounding mountains on the water. From Gangtok which is at 5410 ft from sea level, the altitude rises about 10,000 ft in just 15kms. You can imagine how steep the inclination would be on this extent of road.

Before 1962, this was part of the old trade route between India and China. Mules used to carry weights along this route. Many mules would slide and die descending into the depths of the valleys below. But proper road has been built, although the condition of the road normally remains bad due to foul weather conditions.

On the way to Tsomogo lake, you will go through Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is home to rare animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bears, and birds like Blood Pheasants. Normally, you can only find a few yaks though. You can find infinite types of medicinal plants here as well as rare Orchids. From here you get the best views of Gangtok town and the surrounding hills.

Finally you will reach Tsomgo lake. It takes about 2 hours from Gangtok to reach Tsomogo lake. The lake is filled with the water of melting snow from surrounding mountains. It's a 1 km long oval-shaped lake with an average depth of 50-feet.

During the autumn season, you will find some flowers and other Alpine plants around the lake. And during winter the lake becomes frozen. Installation of prayer wheels and a temple of Lord Shiva by the lakeside indicates that the lake is considered sacred by the locals. Tsomgo lake is a stopover place for many different migratory ducks.

You should spend some time here and soak in the quiet majesty of the lake and its surroundings. In the olden days, the lamas used to analyze the color of water in the lake and forecast the future.

There is a pathway along the lake, which leads to a relaxing place - about half a km walk. Near to the lake, there are lots of stalls & shops selling tea, coffee and snacks. You will get hot Tibetan noodle soup to fight the cold. You can take a ride on colorfully decorated yaks around the lake.

Point to be noted:

Tsomogo lake is usually included with a day trip to Baba mandir or Nathula pass. Since this is a protected area (border), you will also require a permit, which the tour operator will take care of. You need to provide id proof and two passport size photos. Permit should be applied a day before visiting the place.

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