Photos

Tsomgo(Changu) lake, literally known as “source of the lake” in Bhutia language, is situated 35 km from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway at 12,310 feet above sea level, which forms a part of the old trade route from India to China. Before 1962, caravans of mules carrying goods used to ply on this route.

To visit Tsomgo(Changu) lake you have to take Inner Line Permit from tourism Deptt. of Sikkim or travel agent is required by visitors to visit this place. Its cool, placid water harmonies with the scenic beauty around which is doubled by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the lakeside. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, has an average depth of 50 ft, lend a pristine beauty to this place. A footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed - a walk of more than half a kilometer. During the winter months the lake becomes frozen. The lake itself derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around. The river Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and meets the Rangpo-Chu further down its course. During the olden times, lamas used to study the colour of the water of the lake and forecast the future. If the waters of the lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state. The lake has a few rainbow trout and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse at them.
I have taken so many photos of the lake during my motorcycle visit to Sikkim, but I was not satisfied with these photos. I moved towards the Nathu La. After one Km. or so, I have seen the whole lake, which was looking very beautiful. I stopped there and take this photo, which is before you to see.