About Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo (or Changu) Lake sits at 3,780m in East Sikkim, 34 km from Gangtok on the route to Nathu La. The name means 'source of the lake' in Sikkimese and the lake is considered sacred by both Hindus and Sikkim Buddhists. At just over 1 km long, it sits in a glacial valley with steep hillsides on three sides — snow-fed in winter, surrounded by rhododendron in spring, and reflecting the peaks in October. A small Shiva temple sits at the lakeside and a couple of yak and woollens stalls do brisk business. Most visitors combine it with the Nathu La pass trip.
Why go to Tsomgo Lake
Glacial lake at 3,780m
One of the highest accessible lakes in Sikkim, with a striking mirror-calm when conditions are right. The Shiva temple on the bank adds a Hindu sacred dimension to a Buddhist landscape.
Rhododendron bloom (April–May)
The hillsides above the lake turn vivid pink and red in April and May as rhododendrons flower. Combined with the thawing lake, this is the most photogenic season.
Sacred lake with colour-changing waters
Local oracles traditionally read the lake's colour and the behaviour of its seasonal birds to predict auspicious and inauspicious years. The Shiva temple on the bank draws Hindu pilgrims year-round; the nearby Buddhist prayer flags reflect the lake's dual religious identity.
Why Tsomgo Lake is revered
Sacred to both Hindus (Shiva temple on the bank) and Sikkimese Buddhists. The lake's colour changes from deep blue to green to the traditional belief system, and the direction of its seasonal birds is used to predict good and bad omens by local oracles.
What people do here
- Walking the lakeside path (20–30 min circuit)
- Yak rides (paid activity)
- Photography of the Shiva temple and reflections
Rules at the lake — please respect
- No swimming
- No littering
- Respect the Shiva temple — shoes off inside
- No driving on the immediate lake shore
How to reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok
From Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is 34 km on NH10 toward Nathu La — the same mountain highway that continues to the border pass. The road climbs steeply from 1,650m to 3,780m over 90 minutes, passing through dense forest before opening to the glacial valley. All travel must be in pre-arranged vehicles with permit. Road condition is good May–November; icy December–April.
Best time to visit Tsomgo Lake
April and May are the most photogenic season: the lake is thawing, rhododendrons flame pink and red on the surrounding hillsides and the Shiva temple emerges from the snow line. October and November give mirror-calm reflections and the most stable clear weather of the year. January to March the lake freezes solid — a striking winter landscape that draws visitors specifically for the ice, but the road can be difficult and convoy timing matters.
Time of dayMorning is best — before 11am the lake is often mirror-calm. Afternoons can be windy.
Things we always tell our guests about Tsomgo Lake
- Wear warm layers — the temperature is typically 8–12°C lower than Gangtok even in summer.
- Yak rides and woollen stall touts are aggressive — be politely firm if not interested.
- The small Shiva temple is a genuine sacred site — behave respectfully.
- Snacks and Maggi are available at the stalls but are overpriced; buy food in Gangtok before leaving.
- Do not litter — the lake is a protected zone and a religious site.
Tsomgo Lake — your questions answered
More sacred lakes in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Gangtok
- MonasteryMountain PassViewpointMarket