Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changgu Lake is a jaw-dropping natural beauty and a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. This glacial lake stretches about a kilometer. The changing seasons are believed to bring new colors to the lake water, as in spring it has sapphire blue, which in winter becomes dark inky green.
Again, during the monsoon, the lake is covered with mist enhancing the charm of the lake. You can also spot a number of migratory birds such as brahminy ducks, brown-headed gulls, and tufted pochards. On the other hand, some of the local birds that can be spotted near this lake are golden eagles, yellow-bellied fantail flycatchers, and rose finches. The splendid view of the surrounding scenery will leave you awestruck.
Table of Contents
Here is Everything You Need To Know About Tsomgo Lake
How to Reach Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is situated at an elevation of 12500 feet above sea level and is a popular tourist spot. The lake can be spotted towards the way to Nathula Pass. This lake is situated at a distance of 41.5 km and it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach this place from Gangtok.
Also Read: Things To Do in Sikkim
Best Time to Visit Tsomgo Lake
You can visit this lake throughout the year. However, during the winter, the lake freezes and the temperature drops below 0°C. The best time to visit this lake is during the summer season that ranges from May to October, when the snow starts to melt and you start to witness blooming, poppies, irises, rhododendrons, and other wildflowers surrounding the lake.
Travel Tips
If you are planning on visiting Tsomgo Lake then make sure to carry valid ID proof, especially your voter card, and also carry proper shoes. You are also advised to carry water in the high altitude region and must ensure to take necessary medicines in case of need.
Also Read: Places To Visit in Gangtok
Folklore
The Tsomgo Lake is deeply connected with the Sikkimese culture. The word Tsomgo has been derived from two Bhutia words, Tso, meaning lake, and go meaning head. There is a folklore related to this lake that earlier there used to be a barn for yak in place of the lake. One night a lady had a dream where she was asked to vacate the land as it will be flooded with water soon.
After waking, she tried convincing her friends but failed so she left. While leaving she saw an old woman with white hair enter the valley and then the valley started filling with water, after which the other herders who refused to believe the dream drowned. This old woman was believed to be the deity of the lake named Tsomgo. There is also another myth associated with this lake, in earlier times priests would foretell the future events based on the changing color of the lake.
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