Tosmogo Lake- Guide 2023

Tsomgo Lake is a lake of glacial waters in Sikkim. It is also identified as Changu Lake. It situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet, 38 kilometres from Gangtok. This lovely lake is a must-visit place for hillside tourists. Tsomgo in the local Bhutia language, this means ‘source of water.’ The journey to the lake is an etheric one. The road passes through sturdy mountain terrain and steep cliffs. Every season the lake looks quite different. We, through this article, take a closer look at Tosmogo Lake.

At the end of spring, the enormous amount of flowers in orchids adds colours to the lake. Tsomgo Lake is related to many myths and stories. The Sikkimese regard the lake as holy. In ancient times, Buddhists would study the colour of the lake ‘s water to predict the future. The lake is also of huge importance to the Jhakris (faith healers) of Sikkim. They gather here on Guru Purnima every year to offer their prayers.

Best Time to Visit Tosmogo Lake

During April and May, the lake is coated with a stunning blanket of azaleas. The environment is good and varies between-1 degree Celsius and 18 degree Celsius. From October to December, the weather is clear and offer a vivid, unhindered view of the surroundings. The temperatures vary between 5 and 26 degrees Celsius. From January to March, the whole of Lake Changu is frozen and the weather goes as low as-20 degrees Celsius.

The Story behind the lake

Tsomgo Lake is wrapped in myths and stories. It is said that in ancient times, Buddhist monks could foresee the future only by studying the colour of the lake. The darker shade of water suggests a brighter or more troubled future. Sikkim’s healers, famously known as Jhakhris, visit this lake at Guru Purnima and Raksha Bandhan to give prayers and gain from the healing qualities of the pure lake waters.

Do you need a permit to visit Tosmogo lake?

The Tsomgo Lake is situated in a protected area and allows all travellers to seek licenses to access the otherwise restricted area. International travellers shall be allowed to receive special permits. These permits can be collected only in person and not online. So you will need to proceed through officially licensed travel agencies who can procure a permit for you. Providing proof of Identity and two passport size photographs is mandatory.

How to reach Tosmogo Lake?

Tsomgo Lake is located in Gangtok, and that has no railroad of its own. The nearest railway line is Siliguri train station in New Jalpaiguri at a distance of 148 kilometres. In fact, you can hire a cab to Gangtok or catch a bus from Siliguri Bus Station, which is right beside the train station. It requires about 5-6 hours to get from here to Gangtok. You can opt to rent a car from one of the rental car services available.

Reservation of such a 7-seater vehicle will cost you INR 4000 for one round trip. You can opt to split your car and pay INR 450 per seat. It is important to remember that the air at these elevations is very thin, making it impossible for children, senior citizens and those with any respiratory or lung conditions to breathe.

Also read: Gangtok for 3 nights 4 days—The only Gangtok tour plan you’ll ever need

Places to visit near Tosmogo Lake

Nathu La Pass
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
Kupup Lake
Hanuman Tok

1. Nathu La Pass

A significant pass at the intersection of the Indo-China border, Nathula Pass is a portion of the Old Silk Route. The situation hasn’t changed a lot, and the Pass still indulges passing tourists in very much the same way it once catered to traders and traders. Take a ride to Nathula Pass to avoid the repetitive squalor of city life. This surely is one of most thrilling roads of India. The height of the Nathula Pass is 4310 metres.

Also Read: Best Road Trips To Enjoy In India

2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple

It is stationed between Nathula and Jelepla, around 52 kilometres from Gangtok. It is at an altitude of 13,123 feet. The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a favourite destination, largely due to its history. According to the natives, Baba’s spirit preserves any soldier in the inhabitable high altitude of the Eastern Himalayas. The story of Baba dates back 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment died.

The Army went on a manhunt and came back with nothing after spending 3 days. People still believe that Baba led the soldiers himself. Soldiers built a Samadhi in his honour, and until now people in the area assume that Baba’s spirit preserves the soldier posted here. The Indian Army remembered Baba as a soldier who had never died and he was discharged with full honours in December 2016.

3. Kupup Lake

Situated at an elevation of 13000 feet in a stunningly spectacular and serene setting, Kupup Lake is also one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim. Also known as Elephant Lake because of its appearance, Kupup Lake is a delight for any traveller. The lake is fully frozen in winter from January to May. Afterwards, when the perfectly blue water starts to melt, it changes colour and as the shifting season, the exquisite flowers and orchids blossom around it, it makes the scene completely breathtaking.

4. Hanuman Tok

‘Tok’ in the local vocabulary means shrine, so ‘Hanuman Tok‘ means Hanuman temple. Other than its sacred and mythical significance, the positioning of the temple makes it a magnificent place to visit. The temple is on the top of a hill, and the staircase leads to it. The spot is covered by a serene, lush valley. Taxis are conveniently accessible from Gangtok, which is 11 kilometres from Hanuman Tok.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the destination experts from Pickyourtrail, who can craft your vacation plan according to your needs. Leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options. Check out our guides page for more insights before planning your next Sikkim vacation.

Also read: 11 Incredible Things to do in Sikkim for the adventure of a lifetime