Nestled like a turquoise jewel at 12,400 ft amid the rugged Eastern Himalayas, Tsomgo Lake (locally Changu) is Sikkim’s most iconic glacial lake – a sacred mirror fed by melting snow that freezes solid in winter and blooms with rhododendrons in summer. Just 40 km from Gangtok, this 1-km-long oval is revered by Buddhists as the abode of spirits, with Brahma ducks migrating annually and prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain air. From yak rides along the shore to sipping hot tea at 3,780 m, Tsomgo offers breathtaking 360° views of jagged peaks. A high-altitude contrast to Dumboor’s lotus islands, it is Sikkim’s postcard-perfect day trip. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Tsomgo is pure Himalayan magic. With 2025 cable car access and the Tsomgo Winter Festival, this “Source of the Lake” is an unmissable destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Key Attractions
Turquoise Glacial Water – changes colour with seasons
Yak Rides – along the frozen shore (winter)
Prayer Flags & Shrine – small Gurudwara & Buddhist temple
Brahma Ducks – sacred migratory birds (summer)
Rhododendron Bloom – red carpet in May–Jun
Snow-Covered Banks – Dec–Apr, perfect for snow play
Nathula Pass Route – same permit, 16 km ahead
Things to Do
Yak ride on the lake shore (~₹300–500)
Attend Tsomgo Winter Festival – ice sculptures & yak race (Jan 10–12, 2026)
Try the 2025 cable car to lakeside viewpoint
Photography at golden hour with reflection
Sip sukku tea & maggi at army canteen
Throw snowballs on frozen lake (winter)
Spot Brahma ducks (May–Sep)
Local Culture and History
Tsomgo means “source of the lake” in Bhutia; locals believe it predicts Sikkim’s future via water colour. The 2025 cable car, promoted by Sikkim Tourism and X posts, reduces trek strain for elderly visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Open 8 AM–3 PM (permit hours), with May–June (rhododendrons) and December–February (frozen lake) best. July–September (monsoon) cloudy but lush.
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra (124 km) → Gangtok (4 hrs)
By Road: Gangtok → Tsomgo (40 km, 2 hrs) via NH10
Local Transport: Shared jeep (~₹400 return), taxi (~₹3500)
Permit: Required (free via tour operator, 1 day prior)
Travel Tips
Booking: Permit via registered agent; cable car on-spot
Cost: Jeep ~₹400; yak ~₹300; food ~₹100–200
Dress: Heavy jacket; gloves; oxygen if needed
Safety: Altitude sickness possible; diamox advised
Respect Local Culture: No littering near shrine
Connectivity: No signal at lake
Environment: Carry trash back
Accessibility: Cable car helps; steps to shore
Nearby Attractions
Nathula Pass (16 km)
Baba Mandir (14 km)
Gangtok (40 km)
Kupup Lake (same route)
Old Baba Mandir (off-road)
Explore More
Discover other Sikkim wonders like Dumboor Lake or Jampui Hills on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your glacial lake adventure with indiatourisminfo.com today!
