TSOMGO (CHANGU) LAKE | East Sikkim | India
Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the district of East Sikkim, Sikkim, India. It is situated about 38 km away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim at an elevation of 12,400 ft. The length, width and average depth of this lake is respectively Nearly 1 km, 0.5 km and 50 ft (15 m). In Bhutia Language ‘TSO’ means Lake and ‘MGO’ means Head. In Bhutia language 'Tsomgo' means 'source of the water' or 'Source of Lake'.The lake gets filled with water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake.This glacial lake is conceived sacred by the local people. It is a famous tourist destination in North or North-East India.According to the myth, the spirituals gurus of Sikkim used to study the colour of the water of Tsomgo Lake to forecast the future of the state. So the lake is considered as sacred by the local people. During the winter months the Tsomo Lake becomes frozen. Tsomgo Lake gets frozen in the winter (Jan to mid-April) offers a breathtaking view o the frozen lake and snow-capped mountains all around. In April and May, it offers a variety of flowers including various types of Rhododendrons & Orchids. On the way from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, there is Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which offers a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tsomgo Lake is a paradise for the ornithologists. The migratory birds takes a break near the lake while flying long way from Syberia to the Indian plains. Brahminy Ducks is one of the spices. It is said that in Tsomgo lake, there are a few rainbow trout (fish) and only lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of them.On the banks of Tsomgo Lake, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The river Lungtze Chu originates from the Tsomgo lake, East Sikkim and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course.
Owing to the promotion of tourism in Sikkim, local residents have arranged shops that sell snacks, beverages, momo, hot drinks, tea, chow, yak cheese, trinkets and local curios here. You can hire gloves, jacket, gumboot, etc. at an affordable price.
You can also have the fun of enjoying Yak Ride at this place. To add more enjoyment in your trip, a pavement along the lake takes to a quiescent shed, where you can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the natural splendor.
- Location of Tsomgo Lake on Google Map ( Embedded Map )
I visited Tsomgo Lake on 8th March 2015 and according to my nature tried to make a videography on the holy lake, expect you will enjoy it .
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- Time to Visit (Weather Information )
April to May :- The snow starts melting in April and you start to see the cool water of the lake. The colorful nature can be found around the lake during this time. It offers a variety of flowers including Rhododendrons, Orchids, primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises, etc. , blooming on the banks of the lake.
June to September : The clear weather and best view of surrounding hills and the water of the lake can be seen. Very little amount of ice can be seen here. There is no chance to see ice in the lake except snowfall takes place.The weather is pleasant and the temperature goes above 20 °C in peak summer months like June.
October to December :- As winter comes here at the end of September or at the start of October, the temperature starts decreasing. The lake starts freezing again in October. This is the time when migratory birds from coldest corners of the world take refuge in the partially frozen waters of the lake.The temperature dips below 0°C, and the lake gets completely frozen by January.
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| Tsomgo lake takes the look during summer. Pic Courtesy: internet |
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In fact, best is to start from Gangtok by 7:30 am to 8 am and reach here by 10 am so that you get clear two hours to enjoy. In the winter, however, the route sometimes get closed due to heavy snowing. Photography is permitted and foreigners are also allowed to visit the lake.
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| A Yak near Tsomgo Lake East Sikkim, , Sikkim, India |
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The mountains and a wooden house are covered with snow because of heavy snowfall at a place beside Tsomgo Lake.
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- Rules and Regulations for Visiting Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
Tsomgo Lake is open for the tourists all days. Foreign nationals are also allowed to travel up to Tsomgo Lake (Changu) accompanied by a local guide or registered travel agency.Tsomgo Lake comes under restricted areas in Sikkim hence Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required. Tourists need to submit a photocopy of any the ID proofs (Voter ID card or EPIC , Passport, Driving License or any other id card issued by the Government of India / State Government) along with two passport size recent colour photographs. PAN card or Aadhaar card are not accepted in Sikkim. For more help tourists can ask the hotel manager or a registered travel agent to arrange for it.
Foreigners are also allowed to visit TSOMGO Lake or Nathula but need some special permissions from the Govt. of India.They need to have their (own) proper authentic papers (like VISA, PASSPORT, etc.,) to travel in India. They should get permission from Department of tourism, M.G. Mark, Gangtok, Sikkim, India. They also need to have permission from GSO-1 (Int), 17 Mountain Division, Gangtok.They need to collect the papers for permission from the Chief Regional Army Officer, Eastern Command, Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Foreigners are also allowed to visit TSOMGO Lake or Nathula but need some special permissions from the Govt. of India.They need to have their (own) proper authentic papers (like VISA, PASSPORT, etc.,) to travel in India. They should get permission from Department of tourism, M.G. Mark, Gangtok, Sikkim, India. They also need to have permission from GSO-1 (Int), 17 Mountain Division, Gangtok.They need to collect the papers for permission from the Chief Regional Army Officer, Eastern Command, Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
- Information Source: Wikipedia.org, Bhraman Sangi Magazine, Internet, google.com, etc.
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