Tsomgo Lake In May

Tsomgo Lake- The Lake That Leaves You To Gape In Awe!

Steeped in legends and myths, Tsomgo Lake is a spectacular attraction of Sikkim. The word Tsomgo consists of two words ‘Tso’ meaning “lake” and ‘Mgo’ meaning “head” which when combined means ‘source of the lake’. Nestled at an altitude of 12,310 feet, the Lake remains frozen during winters. May is the month when spring comes in and the lake’s surroundings bloom with rhododendrons, several species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies and irises adding more beauty to the lake.

The lake is hemmed in by snow-covered mountains which become the source of water for the lake. The lake is also known by the name Changu and is 50 meters deep and is 1 km long. When the climate is favourable here, you can also spot Brahmini Ducks and other bird species.

The Lake is located around 38 km from the capital city Gangtok. It will take you around 2-3 hours to reach there. The lake is sacred and is visited by the faith healers popularly known as Jhakris of Sikkim on Guru Purnima festival. It is believed that its water has healing properties and that is the reason the Jhakris come here. You can also visit the Shiva temple on the bank of the lake.

The Weather At Tsomgo Lake In May

May is a great time to visit the lake if you want to avoid extreme cold. Sometimes the winters extend up to May but not always. Spring comes in May and the temperature is around 5-10°C and may even drop to minus degrees depending on the weather conditions during that time.

How To Reach Tsomgo Lake In Sikkim

Tsomgo Lake can be easily reached through Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The lake is approximately 38 km from Gangtok and it takes around 2-3 hours to reach there. Hire a good cab like Innova and reach there comfortably. The journey is scenic but at certain points is bumpy but it is worth it. Reach Gangtok by taking a flight to Bagdogra airport (125 km from Gangtok) in Siliguri, West Bengal, from the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc., or board the train to New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri located at around 117 km from Gangtok.

Things You Must Know:

The lake is located in a restricted area, and hence Indian visitors need an inner line permit to visit the Tsomgo Lake whereas foreign tourists need a special permit to visit the lake.

Food And Fun At Tsomgo Lake

The lakeside is lined with a few small shops which sell tea, Maggie, momos and some other snacks. You can enjoy some hot tea and Maggie while gaping at the mesmerizing lake and the snow-capped mountains. The shops also rent jackets and shoes.

Important Tips For Travelling To Tsomgo Lake In May

Due to the low oxygen content at the lake, one might feel dizzy or uncomfortable. It is better if you don’t exert yourself too much once you are here.

It is advisable to see your physician before visiting the lake and carry some prescribed medicine for mountain sickness. You might need it.

Don’t drink alcohol or smoke when you are in Sikkim.

Drink lots of water.

Eat light meals.

Carry woollens and shoes.

Anaemic people must carry their iron supplement because anaemia lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood and hence it makes you more susceptible to mountain sickness.

People with breathing problem must carry their oxygen tank.

Nearby Attraction

Visit Nathula Pass, one of the highest motorable rods in the world. Located at an elevation of 4,310 m above mean sea level.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tourists can visit Nathula Pass in May. However, if bad weather conditions arise, then the road to the pass is blocked, and the entry permit is not issued to visitors. It would be better if you check it in advance.

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

Only Indian citizens are given the permit to visit Nathula Pass. The Pass remains open for 5 days a week- Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and closed for two days- Monday and Tuesday.