Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is famous tourist an attraction in Sikkim is nearly 42 kilometers from the state capital Gangtok. It is situated at an altitude of nearly 3780 meters / 12,400 feet. The Lake known as The Source of the Lake in Bhutia dialect is ideally located near the Nathu La pass. The lake can be reached by a two and a half hours drive. This one kilometer long oval shaped lake is 50 feet deep. Regarded extremely holy by the locals, the lake is a residence of Brahmini ducks and a stopover for various migratory ducks. Scenic beauty is nice between March to May for rare flowers like the rhododendrons, primulas, iris and blue and yellow poppies bloom. An ideal habitat of the Red Panda, the lake also shelters a number of other birds and aquatic species. It is situated in the restricted area on the Gangtok Nathu La highway; the lake can only be visited by a prior permission of the authorities. Foreign nationals can only visit the lake having obtained a no objection certificate. The placid water of the lake gets frozen in winter i.e. for nearly five months. The lake is considered sacred by the local people and further 12 kilometers visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. He is revered by the soldiers of the Indian army, who have built a shrine in his honour. "Baba" Harbhajan Singh, a Punjabi was an Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass. Baba is to have granted favours to the soldiers, and guard each one in the inhospitable terrain. To add excitement in the trip, a pavement along the lake takes to a quiescent shed, where you can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the natural splendor. The road to Nathu La passes the lake on north side. The Chinese border crossing is only some 5 kilometers east- northeast in a straight line, but one has to drive some 18 kilometers by road.

To See

• Baba Mandir (Baba Harbhajan Singh)
• Tsomgo Lake / Changu Lake
• Nathu La Pass
• Memencho Lake

To Reach

• By Air – The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chopper service is available for Gangtok from Bagdogra otherwise one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers via national highway 31 A. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass requires also Inner Line Permit (ILP)
• By Rail – The nearest major railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass requires also Inner Line Permit (ILP)
• By Road – Roads till Gangtok is national highway 31 A. Guest has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers from Siliguri. From Gangtok vehicle with army permit one has to be booked for visiting this region. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass requires also Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the roads are bit rough from Gangtok.