Tsomgo means ‘Source of Water’ which is also known as Changu Lake glacial lake in Sikkim, located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. Gangtok town and on the steep route which is also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road which leads to the Nathula pass. It is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim which is 40 kilometres from the capital Gangtok. The lake remains frozen during the winter season, and it reflects the surface with different colours with the changes of seasons and is held in by local Sikkimese people. After studying the changes colours of the lake Buddhist monks prognosticated. It is the lake which is surrounded by steep mountains which are covered with snow water during winter but during summer the snow cover melts and forms the source for the lake which remains frozen in winter. Tsomgo Lake in May sometimes extending which receives an average annual precipitation of 1,183 millimetres with its Tsomgo lake temperature recorded in the range of 0-25°C (32-77°F).
Best time to Visit Changu Lake (Tsomgo)
Tsomgo Lake weather in Sikkim is the dream destination place to visit the place and spend time is at summer and winter vacations and can cherish the moments with your beloved family. During winter from the month, January to mid-May the lake is totally covered with snow and you can get the pleasure of trekking, along that with the coasts of the lake Yak ride on snow. On the months April to July, you get the dream to observe fine blossom of flowers. Wandering birds can be seen waddling in the lake’s water at Changu Lake in the months October. Tsomgo Lake in December is the month which is partially covered with the sheet of ice. Summer and Autumn you can find Primula flowers and other Alpine Vegetation which is around the lake. In all in all the place is beautiful throughout the year and you can visit at any time of the year, depending on what kind of travelling that you prefers.
Facts and Its Unknown Things of Changu Lake (Tsomgo)
1. The lake cannot be litter, installation of the prayer wheels and Lord Shiva by the lake which also denotes that the lake is considered sacred by the locals.
2. It is the Lake which is the stopover in places for many different migratory ducks like the Brahmini ducks.
3. In the earlier days, the lamas used to study the colour of the water in the lake and to forecast the future, for example, the darker colour would indicate that the coming year in the state which may be troublesome.
4. Tsomgo lake permit is must and it is compulsory as this is a protected area and you require taking the permit for which you need to have photo identity proof and two passport size photos. You can get the permit from Sikkim Tourist Information Center at MG Marg Gangtok or can ask the travel agent to arrange for it as it is a necessary factor.
5. The place is too reached before noon because afternoon the weather here usually turns inclement. It is the fact that for the lake it is to start from Gangtok by 7.30 to 8 am and reach by 10 am so that to get the clear 2 hours to enjoy.
6. It is to also keep in mind that in the winter season the route sometimes gets closed due to its heavy snowing. Photographs are now permitted and foreigners are also allowed to visit the place.
7. There is no lodging accommodation in the area to stay overnight. But there are pay and use toilets inside the complex.
8. Stalls rent out snow boots, jackets and gumboots etc are always available for the tourists, about half a kilometre walk. Away from the lake 200 meters lots of stalls and shops selling tea, coffee, and snacks. Tibetan noodles soup you can also get to combat the cold.
9. Further to 10 km, you will see another reach Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is a home to rare animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bears and birds like Blood Pheasants. Also can spot few yaks though, with that numerous types of medicinal plants here are rare Orchids and Rhododendrons. View of the Gangtok town and the surrounding hills can also be seen.
10. Gangtok to Changu Lake distance which is located 35 km with an average depth of 50 ft and it derives its water from the melting snow of the mountains. Large vehicles like Scorpio or a Jeep to visit the lake because the road condition is bad with lots of potholes, but it is ideal to reserve the car, but you can also get shared jeeps as well on per person rates. A reserved large vehicles cost about Rs.3, 800 for a round trip and shared vehicles rate is about Rs.400 per person.
11. Additionally, combine Nathula Pass (14,140 ft) to see the Indo-Chinese border but it is always advised that if you have breathtaking problems, consult a doctor before visiting these places particularly in Nathula because of low oxygen at such high altitudes.
12. Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir is the most tourists combine the visit to Tsomgo Lake which is few km away if you start at 8 am in the morning you should get back by 3 pm. So Tsomgo and Baba Mandir both are covered as part of a day trip from Gangtok.
