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Read more...Located at an altitude of 12,400 ft,, Tsongmo Lake is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India.
Tsongmo/Changu Lake
Tsongmo lake is 38 km away from Gangtok, a 2 hrs drive. Tsomgo lake, also spelled as Changu lake, is a must on every visitors itinerary. A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes you to Tsomgo, which means source of the water in Bhutia language. The lake derives its water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake. Of legendary beauty, the lake looks different at different seasons. In winter the placid lake remains frozen with the area around it covered in snow while in late spring the profusion of flowers in bloom adds a riot of colours around the lake.
Tsongmo Lake
Lake during spring, when cheerful crowd play with snow
Tsongmo lake is associated with many myths and legends and is revered by the Sikkimese as sacred. It is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the lake to forecast the future. The lake is also of special significance for the tantriks [faith healers] of Sikkim who congregate here annually on Guru Purnima, which coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, from all over the state to offer prayers.
For the tourist, a visit to the lake offers a wonderful outing. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are offered at the lake site, which also has a variety of eating stalls serving snacks and beverages. Snowboots and gumboots can be hired here.
Tsomgo lake is open for both Indian and foreign nationals. However foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more and have to apply for a visitors permit through a registered travel agency.
Yak Riding
While at Tsongmo, don’t miss the Yak ride. Its once in a lifetime experience
TSONGmO PASSENGER ROPEWAY
Tsongmo passenger ropeway, at a height of 14,500 ft at Tsongmo lake is on the way to Nathula and Baba Mandir. It has been designed, installed and operated by Conveyor & Ropeway Services Pvt. Ltd. in association with Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim. Its scenic beauty grasp the minds of tourist by taking one round on the ropeway cable car. Ropeway Cable car operates from 8:00 am to 3 : 00 pm everyday. Tickets are available at a counter near Tsongmo Lake.
How to visit tsongmo lake?
By Road
Tsongmo lake is accessible only by road. It can be reached from two places. One from Gangtok, which is a day’s trip to Tsongmo lake, Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir. Other is from Aritar via Silk Route, which is also a day’s trip visiting Silk road, Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Kupuk, Tsongmo Lake, Nathula Pass , Baba Mandir and then to Gangtok.
The journey to Changu Lake is also quite enchanting, where you can view a number of waterfalls enroute.
Location
Things you need to Know About tsongmo Lake
Elevation
12,400 feet above mean sea level
Temperature Range
-9 °C in January to 15 °C in July
Local Language
Nepali, Hindi and English
Food
Indian, Chinese and Authentic Tibetian cuisines.
Festivals
Dusherra, Diwali, Losar, Holi, and Christmas
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity
Do you know?
Things to do at Tsongmo lake
Lake Sight-Seeing
Walk along the side of the lake and see the magnificent view of the lake and surroundings
Yak Riding
Tourists visiting this lake can also go for a ride on a yak and mule
Shopping
If you are looking for snow boots and gum boots, they are available here on hire. Shops here also sell warm cloths, gift items and artifacts which you can take as a gift
Lunch
There are restaurants and stalls available for lunch and beverages. Indian and Chinese cuisine are available here
Best time to visit Tsongmo Lake
Expected tourist footfall
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
From mid March till June, Tsongmo experiences pleasant weather during the summer season. The temperature hovers 5°C to 12°C during the season. It is the best time to visit if you would like to escape the heat.
From July till September, monsoons causes swift rainfall, many a time causing landslides and road blockage. This is not the best time to visit.
From October till March, winter is the best time for travelling to Tsongmo lake. The temperature ranges between -9°C and 3°C during the season. It is the perfect time to visit for the spectacular view of the snow capped mountains. Snow adventures, vibrant festivals and bone chilling cold makes perfect time to visit to Tsongmo. But however, road to Tsongmo lake remains inaccessible in December and January.
Glimpse of Tsongmo Lake in pictures
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