Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
This ethereally beautiful lake is situated at
an altitude of 12,400 ft, 38 km from Gangtok and a must on every tourist's
itinerary. The road to Tsomgo passes through a rugged mountain terrain and
sharp cliffs. Tsomgo means the source of the water in Bhutia language. The lake
gets water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake and
remains frozen in winters. This extremely beautiful lake appears different in
different seasons. In winter the area around this placid lake remains covered
in snow while in late spring flowers bloom in abundance and cover the area with
colours around the lake.
This lake is considered sacred by the
Sikkimese and many myths and legends are associated with it. It is said that in
old times Buddhist monks used to forecast the future by studying the watercolour
of the lake. The lake is also bears special significance for the Jhakris or
faith healers of Sikkim. They congregate here annually on Guru Purnima, the
festival coincides with that of Raksha Bandhan, from all over the state and
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A visit to the lake is a wonderful outing for
the locals too. Enjoyable ride on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are
available at the lake site. A variety of eating stalls serving snacks and
beverages are also there. One can also hire Snow boots and gumboots here.
The lake is open for both Indian and foreign
tourists but foreigners have to be in a group of two or more and should have
applied for a visitors permit through a registered travel agency in advance.
