Tsomgo Lake In December

Tsomgo Lake- A Treasure-Trove Of Wonders!

In December, the stunning Tsomgo Lake becomes a frozen wonderland offering an enthralling experience to the travellers who come here from across the globe. Covered with a thick layer of ice, the lake looks visually appealing. The surrounding mountains are covered with snow which makes the lake look all the more beautiful.

Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim is a high altitude lake with an elevation of 12,310 feet. It is around 1 km long and 50 meters deep. Tsomgo means ‘Source of Water’ and is also known as Changu Lake. It is fed by glaciers and changes its colour with the change in seasons.

The people of Sikkim holds this river in high regard considering it sacred. The lake serves as a venue for Guru Purnima festival when the faith healers who are called Jhakris of Sikkim visit the lake to benefit from its water healing properties. Located on the bank of the lake is a small Shiva temple.

The Temperature Of Tsomgo Lake During December

Come December and it becomes freezing cold at the Tsomgo Lake but it is quite exciting. If you fortunate enough you might even get a chance to experience snowfall. The temperature may drop to as low as -20°C so come prepared with heavy woollens to this lake.

How To Reach Tsomgo Lake

The Tsomgo Lake is easily reachable by road from Gangtok through the Gangtok-Nathu La highway. It is approximately 38 km from Gangtok and is around 2-3 hours drive. The drive is scenic with views of majestic mountains and valleys but at certain points it gets bumpy. However, it is worth a ride!

You can reach Gangtok by flight to Bagdogra airport (125 km from Gangtok) in Siliguri, West Bengal, from the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc., or take a train to New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri which is 117 km far from Gangtok.

Kindly note: Indian visitors need to obtain an inner line permit while foreign travellers need a special permit to visit the lake.

Food And Drink Facility At The Lake

Find a nice cozy point at one of the stalls lined up near the lake which offer hot tea, Maggie, momos and other food items. Enjoy steaming hot Maggie while feasting your eyes on the frozen lake and snowy mountains! What an experience! There can be no better place to have Maggie than this, isn’t it? After that, you can also enjoy a yak ride. The small shops at the lake also give jackets and shoes on rent.

Important Information And Tips

It is a high altitude lake, as a result, the oxygen content is low here. After arriving here, rest for some time in order to adjust to the environment. Make sure you don’t exert yourself too much upon your arrival at the Lake as it might lead to dizziness due to low oxygen content.

Drink lots of water so that you don’t get dehydrated.

Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Eat light. Stay away from heavy meals.

Pack good woollens and sports shoes for a comfortable journey when you are in Sikkim.

If you are anaemic, make sure you carry your iron supplement because anaemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood and hence it makes you more susceptible to mountain sickness.

Consult your physician before coming to Tsomgo Lake. He might prescribe some medicine to avoid mountain sickness. Keep that medicine with you.

If you have a breathing problem, carry your oxygen tank.

Nearby Attraction Of Tsomgo Lake

If you are visiting Tsomgo Lake, then you must also visit the nearby attraction – Nathula Pass. Located at an altitude of 4,310 m, Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world offering adventure in plenty. It was once an important trade route between the silk traders from Sikkim and Tibet.

Important Information You Must Know Before You Visit The Lake

Visitors need to obtain permission along with vehicle permission to visit Nathula pass. You must take permission a day prior to your visit to the Pass as there is a limitation on the number of vehicles per day.

Nathula Pass can be visited by Indian nationals only. It is open for 5 days a week including Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and closed for two days- Monday & Tuesday.

In December, due to very low temperature, there are chances that the road to Nathula may get blocked due to snowfall. If this happens, you will not be issued the entry pass. Check it before starting off for Natula Pass from Gangtok.