Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)


Tsomgo Lake Gangtok | Weather Temperature Permit
Changu Lake is the most important tourist attraction near Gangtok, the Sikkim capital. The article covers important information like Tsomgo Lake weather/ temperature, permit, how to reach with route map & images in different season. You need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Changu Lake. Permits can be obtained in Gangtok. You can view snow-covered Tsomgo Lake in December end to April. You can have clear sky & moderate temperature at Tsomgo Lake in November & December. Most people visit Tsomgo Lake in May, but there will be increasing possibility of rainfall during summer & monsoon. You can visit the same in March & April, as the orchids & rhododendrons start blooming in mid March till May as well as snow continues till mid April.

Changu Lake is a paradise for the ornithologists. The migratory birds takes a break near the lake while flying long way from Syberia to the Indian plains. Brahminy Ducks  is a one of the spices.

Book a Tour

Tsomgo Lake – Gangtok (Sikkim)

Photo Gallery | Permit | Best time to visitTemperature | To Reach | MAP
Tour packages | 
Nathula Pass

 

Tsomgo Lake in December- Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake is 40 Km away from Gangtok on the way to Nathula Pass. In Bhutaia Lacguage the word Tsomgo means the ‘Source of Lakes’. At an altitude of approx 12,000 ft above the sea level it is the most visited place in Gangtok. The  Lake is oval in shape and approximately 1km. long. It has an average depth of about 50 ft. it was created by the snow melted water from the mountains around the lake & a river namely Lungtze Chu has been created from the Lake. The lake further falls into Rangpo-chu. According to the myth the spiritual gurus of Sikkim used to study the colour of the water to forecast the future of the state. So the local people consider the lake as sacred.

The Lake gets frozen in the winter (Jan to mid April) & offers a breath taking view of snow capped mountains all around. In April & May it offers variety of flowers including various types of Rhododendrons & Orchids. On the way from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake there is Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which offers a wide variety of flora & fauna.

 

Gangtok Darjeeling Tour package 6D

Gangtok Darjeeling Tour package 6D

Darjeeling Gangtok Tour @11,500

Book Now

Darjeeling Sikkim Tour 7D

Darjeeling Sikkim Tour 7D

Darjeeling Sikkim 7D @13,500

Book Now

Gangtok Pelling Tour Package 6D

Gangtok Pelling Tour Package 6D

Gangtok Pelling 6D @11,500

Book Now

 

Top


Photo Gallery- Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake in October, November & December

 

In January February March & April

In May & June

Top


 Tsomgo Lake Permit & regulations

Changu Lake is open for the tourists all days. It comes under protected areas in Sikkim hence Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed. Tourists need to submit a photo copy of any of the ID proofs (Voter ID, Passport, Driving License or any other id card issued by the Government of India / State Government) along with passport size recent colour photographs.

Foreign nationals are also allowed to travel up to Changu Lake accompanied by a local guide.

Note: PAN card/ Aadhar Card are not accepted as an identity proof in Sikkim. Issuance of Tsomgo permit depends on the weather & road condition.

 


Best time to visit Tsomgo Lake- Temperature & Weather

Winter (December to February)

Mid December to Mid February are the coolest months. Temperature ranges from -100C at night to 70C at day. This is the best time to see snow in East & North Sikkim. In December temperature ranges from -3oC to 10oC & the water starts freezing. You may witness a snowfall at end of December. January is the coolest month and thick snow covers the entire lake. In January temperature ranges from -15oC to 5oC. In some cases it may reach -20oC

Spring (March to April)

In March & April it will be moderately cold. In March temperature ranges from -50C at night to 100C at day & In April temperature ranges from -30C at night to 180C. This is flowering season & best time to see snow along with orchid & rhododendron. you can witness a snowfall till mid April.

Summer (May to June)

In May & June it will not be very hot in Tsomgo Lake. In May temperature ranges from 30C at night to 220C at day. May is the summer vacation season & the maximum no of tourists visit the lake in May.

Monsoon (July to Mid September)

July & August are not considered to be a good season, as there will be possibilities of heavy rain. Temperature ranges from 100C at night to 220C at day.

Autumn (October November  & December)

In October & November just after monsoon this is probably the best time to visit Tsomgo Lake with clear sky & moderate temperature.  Temperature ranges from -50C at night to 180C at day. It is also a good time for photography.

Novemver & April are the considered to be the best time to visit Tsomgo Lake.

Top


How to Reach Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is just 40km away from the state capital Gangtok & easily accessible by road.  Gangtok is well connected by road with other cities of Sikkim.

By Air

The only airport in Sikkim is Pakyong (30 km from Gangtok). Pakyong is directly connected with Kolkata & Guwahati. Another operational airport is Bagdogra (IXB) located in West Bengal. Bagdogra to Gangtok is 125km, Pelling 145km & Namchi is approx 110km. Bagdogra is directly connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai. Guwahati & Bangkok & it is indirect connection all major cities in India.

By Rail

Due to the geographic nature Sikkim does not have any railway connectivity. The nearest railway station is New Jalpauguri (NJP) located in neighboring state West Bengal. NJP is well connected with all major cities in India. NJP to Gangtok is 120km, Pelling 135km & Namchi is 98km.

By Road 

Sikkim is connected with Siliguri/Bagdogra/NJP through national National Highway 31A. It connects West & South district through Melli & Gangtok (East) through Rongpo. Sikkim National Transport (SNT) operates regular busses from Siliguri to various destinations in Sikkim. Private buses are also available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

 

Top


Changu Lake Tourist Guide MAP

Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake – 40 km (2.30 hrs)

 

Top

Read more

Book a Tour

 

Tsomgo Lake Tour packages 

List of Packages (Ex Bagdogra/ Siliguri/ NJP)

Duration

Price Starts

6 nights- 7 daysRs.14,000/-
3 nights- 4 daysRs.7,500/-
5 nights- 6 daysRs.11,500/-
6 nights- 7 daysRs.13,500/-
8 nights- 9 daysRs.26,500/-
5 nights- 6 daysRs.11,500/-

Comments

Top