About Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake)
Tso Lhamo, also called Cholamu Lake, at 5,330m is the highest lake in India — higher than the better-known Gurudongmar by 600m. It sits near the China border in North Sikkim in a stark, austere landscape of bare rock, ice and sky, with almost no vegetation at this altitude. Access requires a special Army permit beyond the standard Protected Area Permit, and not all groups or nationalities are permitted — the lake is close enough to the China border that security restrictions apply. On the years when the permit is available, reaching Tso Lhamo is one of the most demanding day trips accessible by road in the Eastern Himalayas — a full day from Lachen at altitudes that will affect everyone. The lake itself is a dark, still body of water reflecting nothing but sky and rock. Deeply quiet. The kind of place that makes you understand why Tibetan Buddhist culture developed here.
Why go to Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake)
India's highest lake at 5,330m
Higher than anything accessible by road in the Himalaya outside of a few army-controlled areas in Ladakh. The landscape at this altitude is essentially Tibetan plateau — no trees, no vegetation, rock and ice.
Why Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake) is revered
India's highest lake at 5,330m, near the China border — considered sacred in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The Brahmaputra river is said to originate near this lake system.
What people do here
- High-altitude lake photography
- Contemplative visit
- Birdwatching (high-altitude species)
Rules at the lake — please respect
- No camping overnight
- No littering at any altitude
- Follow all Army checkpoint instructions
- Permit must be carried at all times
How to reach Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake) from Lachen
Beyond Gurudongmar, requiring a special additional Army permit that We Care Holidays applies for on your behalf. Availability varies year to year. Not all nationalities permitted.
Best time to visit Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake)
May–June and September–October when the road is passable. The extra permit window is narrower — We Care Holidays will advise on availability for your travel dates.
Time of dayEarly morning departure from Lachen (4am) to reach the lake before midday when wind picks up.
What you need to visit Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake)
Requires: North Sikkim PAP + Gurudongmar permit + Special Tso Lhamo Army permit. The final permit is not guaranteed and changes seasonally. We Care Holidays applies for all three simultaneously and advises as soon as approval status is known. Some nationalities are excluded regardless of permit status.
Things we always tell our guests about Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake)
- Serious altitude precaution: 5,330m is above the altitude threshold where AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) becomes a real risk. Acclimatise in Lachen for at least 1–2 nights and at Gurudongmar before attempting Tso Lhamo.
- The lake is often partially frozen even in May — bring your warmest gear.
- We Care Holidays applies for the Tso Lhamo permit as part of North Sikkim packages where available. Confirm availability 2–3 months before your trip.
Tso Lhamo (Cholamu Lake) — your questions answered
Other places in Lachen
- Sacred LakeValleyMonasteryTrek