Tsongmo Lake

About 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Gangtok, the state capital of Sikkim, lies Tsongmo Lake, sometimes called Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake. It is a glacier lake. Situated at 3,753 meters (12,313 feet) above sea level, the lake is frozen in the winter. The indigenous Sikkimese people have a deep respect for the lake, whose surface changes color with the seasons. Buddhist monks made predictions by observing how the lake’s color changed. The outskirts of the lake are lined with picturesque displays of rhododendrons, the state tree of Sikkim, primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises, and other flower species once the winter season finishes in the middle of May. Numerous bird species, notably Brahminy ducks, can also be observed within the lake’s perimeter. Among the animals spotted is the red panda. Joy rides on adorned yaks and mules, with booths serving a range of food and drinks, are among the tourist attractions at the lake site. On the lakeside is a modest Shiva shrine as well. It is imperative that all Indians visiting the lake receive licenses because the location is a limited one. For international nationals, a specific permit is necessary. One of India’s exceptional and rare high altitude lakes is this one. The reflections of the surrounding hills in the lake give it a double dose of beauty. In about 15 kilometers, the elevation rises to roughly 10,000 feet from Gangtok, which is at 5410 feet. On this portion of the road, the gradient would be extremely steep, as you might guess.

Attraction

Water from melting snow from the neighbouring mountains fills the lake. It is an oval-shaped lake that is one kilometre long. About fifty feet is the usual depth. Around the lake, there are primula flowers and other Alpine plants throughout the summer and fall. Also, the lake freezes over the winter and turns into a snowfield. Tsongmo Lake cannot be littered. The presence of prayer wheels and a modest Lord Shiva shrine by the lake indicates that the people in the area value the lake highly. Many distinct migratory ducks, including the Brahminy ducks, use Tsongmo Lake as a stopover location. Here, you ought to take some time to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

History

With its roots in its picturesque locations, Sikkim is renowned for its rich cultural legacy. Popular legend has an association with Tsomgo Lake. The terms Tso, which means lake, and go, which means ahead, are the origins of the lake’s name in the Bhutia language. According to legend, the location of the lake was once home to a yak stable. An elderly woman who had lived there as a yak herder in the past was ordered to leave because of a dream she had that the area would soon be underwater. The older woman made the decision to leave the region, but she was not taken seriously by the other herders.

The elder woman disappeared from view, and shortly after, water began to fill the valley as another older woman with snow-white hair entered. The last herders in the region were drawn in as the whole region flooded. Eventually, the lake was dubbed Tsomgo, and it was thought that this older woman was its guardian goddess. Lammas used to be able to predict the future based on how the lake’s color changed. Now, on Gurupurnima, people come here with shamans to offer prayers as it is a hallowed location.

Inside/Outside Views

Tsongmo Lake breathtaking natural splendor is cause enough to visit. Magnificent pine and silver fir trees border the nearly kilometre-long glacier lake. The lake’s waters take on different hues with each passing season; they begin as sapphire blue in the spring and turn a deep, inky green as winter draws near. Mists from the monsoon add to the lake’s enigmatic atmosphere by shrouding it. With a variety of blooms, springtime brings a riot of color to the lake’s immaculate surroundings. Rose finches, yellow-bellied fantail flycatchers, golden eagles, and a variety of migratory species like tufted pochards, brown-headed gulls, and the renowned brahminy ducks are just a few of the abundant birdlife in the area. Even when they are there, animals may be quite elusive. But in the higher range of Tsomgo, you might be lucky enough to see red pandas, gorals, or musk deer. Reports of sightings of Himalayan black bears and leopards also exist.

How to Reach

By Air: Tourists who wish to travel by air from other cities, Pakyong is the only airport in Sikkim (30 km from Gangtok) which is connected directly to the cities of Kolkata and Guwahati. Besides that, Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal) is directly connected with Bangkok and other major metropolitan cities of the country.

By Rail: Sikkim does not have its own railway connectivity. However, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest station located in Siliguri, West Bengal, and is connected to the major cities of India. Gangtok is 120 km away from NJP.

By Road: Sikkim is connected via National Highway 31 A with Siliguri/Bagdogra/NJP. Sikkim National Transport operates buses on a daily basis from Siliguri. Private vehicles and taxis on hire are available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. From Gangtok, you should leave for Tsomgo Lake by 7.30 in the morning so that you can reach the lake by 10 a.m and have a solid 2 hours to enjoy the paradisiacal beauty before the weather starts getting bad by the early evening.

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