Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Tsomgo Lake in March, or Changu Lake, is a stunning glacial lake in East Sikkim. Sitting 12,313 feet (3,753 meters) up in the mountains, it turns into a dreamy winter wonderland featuring half-frozen waters that mirror snow-covered mountains. In March, when the skies are the clearest and the mountain air is the crispest, the scenic view is at its best and a trip to the mountains is the best idea. Be it for some perfect shots, yak landings or cultural exploration, Tsomgo Lake in March is bound to be a memorable visit.
Quick Details About Tsomgo Lake
Altitude: 3,753 meters (12,313 feet)
Maximum Depth: 15 metres
Temperature In March: -5°C to 10°C
Permit: Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Nearest City: Gangtok (40 km)
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Location
Photo: Rajat Chakraborty / Unsplash
Tsomgo Lake lies in East Sikkim district and is located around 40 km from Gangtok and 15 km from Indo-China Nathula Pass. It is located on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which links Gangtok to the Indo-Tibetan border. The lake itself sits at an elevation of 3,753 meters and is flanked by snow-capped peaks for a surreal setting. The alluring views of the lush vegetation and pools of the magnificent Himalayan mountains make the two-hour ascent up the treacherous mountain roads from Gangtok worthwhile.
How To Reach
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Pakyong Airport is almost 56 km away from Tsomgo Lake, which is the nearest airport to Tsomgo Lake. You can easily book a private taxi from there or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok in 4 to 5 hours.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station, approximately 130 km from Gangtok. You can take a taxi or shared jeep from NJP to Gangtok, which takes around 4 to 5 hours.
By Road: Tsomgo Lake can be reached from Gangtok only by road on a relatively flower-strewn and extremely winding mountain pass. There are private taxis, shared cabs and tour packages available and it takes about 2 hours.
Things To Do
Indulge in fun activities and experience the calmness and peace at Tsomgo Lake in March.
1. Take A Yak Ride
Photo: Shiv’s fotografia / Wikimedia Commons
Yak rides around Tsomgo Lake in March are one-of-a-kind experiences you get. The yaks’ backs are adorned with colourful woollen wares to show off local craftsmanship. They provide a slow, measured journey through the snow-laden landscape that enables you to admire awe-inspiring views in the high-altitude setting. The ride is generally about 15 to 30 minutes and gives a good close-up view of the lake and surrounding area. It is a great way to enjoy the culture of the region and indulge in the national beauty of the pristine Himalayas through the best.
2. Birdwatching And Photography
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
March is the best time for photography lovers to shoot the magnificence of Tsomgo Lake. The half-frozen waters, framed by snow-capped peaks, offer picture-perfect reflections. Those first rays of sunrise and the early morning light get great golden tones on this icy landscape, perfect for shots. The lake is also visited by migratory birds, with wildlife photographers catching a glimpse of Brahminy ducks that visit the lake. Bring a decent zoom lens, and be prepared for some extreme cold, as it gets cold fast.
Places To Visit Near Tsomgo Lake In March
After visiting the beautiful Tsomgo Lake in March, visit the other stunning places nearby and complete your visit.
1. Hanuman Tok
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
A picturesque hill temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is Hanuman Tok. Situated at an altitude of 7,200 feet, it offers an exhilarating 360-degree view of the Kanchenjunga range. Reserved and kept by the Indian Army itself, the temple has a very calm and nice environment where you can engage in meditation. According to local legend, Hanuman slept here on his way to Dunagiri mountain to bring Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana the herb Sanjeevani. March is the best time to visit because the weather is clear and the surrounding valleys are green.
Distance From Lake: 37 km
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Photo: shankar s. / Wikimedia Commons
The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is dedicated to an Indian Army soldier said to guard the region who died near the Nathula Pass in 1968. The temple is located at 4,000 meters and in March the snow is still everywhere. Soldiers and villagers say the spirit of Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the border. A bronze statue of Baba Harbhajan Singh is kept there, along with an empty bed that represents his presence. You can tour the temple, a modest shrine and an army canteen offering simple snacks and refreshments.
Distance From Lake: 16 km
Timings: 8 AM – 2:30 PM
3. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is also one of the best places for nature lovers. The sanctuary, which covers 31 sq km, is known for rare Himalayan life forms like the elusive red panda and blood pheasant. A wide variety of alpine flowers, such as rhododendrons, poppies, primulas, and magnolias, are another reason for the sanctuary’s fame. In March the whole region is draped by a thick layer of snow, so it is a great location for landscape photography and short hikes. Besides, the sanctuary provides scintillating views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Distance From Lake: 5.9 km
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM
Entry fee: ₹50 per person
4. Tashi Viewpoint
Photo: Noel Lepcha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tashi Viewpoint is one of the most pristine places to view the Kanchenjunga range in its full splendour. When the skies are clear, you can enjoy a complete view of the snow-capped peaks. This viewpoint is popular with photographers and nature lovers, particularly at sunrise when the golden light washes the mountains. Telescopes for closer inspection of the peaks and surrounding landscapes are available at the viewpoint for use. Tashi View Point is a serene location with picturesque trails winding through moss-covered boulders, babbling streams, and lush rhododendron groves.
Distance From Lake: 41 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: ₹10 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
As Tsomgo Lake sits at a high altitude, visitors usually stay in Gangtok, which has various lodges and hotels. Budget hotels in Gangtok begin at ₹1,500 per night, with basic amenities and comfortable rooms. ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per night, the mid-range hotels have better facilities such as room heaters, in-house dining and travel assistance. At premium comfort hotels and resorts like Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino or The Elgin Nor-Khill, you can spend from ₹7,000 per night. If you want to try something different, you can stay in a homestay with a local family that costs you about ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per night.
Where To Eat
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Near Tsomgo Lake in March, you can find some roadside stalls and hot tea, Maggi, momo, and simple rice. These stalls are run by locals and offer much-needed warmth in the cold weather. Price-wise, they are quite reasonable, ₹50 for a cup of tea and ₹150 for a plate of momo. You can enjoy an array of dining options available across other restaurants in Gangtok. Mid-range favourites such as The Square, Taste of Tibet and Nimtho serve up delicious Sikkimese, Tibetan and Indian food, with the average meal costing ₹300 to ₹600 per person. For fine dining, The Coffee Shop at Mayfair Gangtok offers meals from ₹1,200 per person.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The price of a trip to Tsomgo Lake in March varies based on travel experiences. For a budget trip (including shared transportation, budget accommodation in Gangtok and basic meals), it can cost you around ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per person for a two-day trip. An average trip that consists of a private vehicle, a 3-star hotel, and meals at restaurants can range from anywhere between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience with higher-end stays, personal guided tours and fine dining, it can go upwards of ₹30,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- Tsomgo Lake in March is very cold and high, so wear warm layers, including thermals, gloves and insulated jackets, as it can be freezing.
- Start early in the morning, as the weather changes rapidly in the mountains, often resulting in roadblocks in the afternoon.
- You need to carry a valid ID, and a permit should be obtained in advance via a travel agency.
- It is advisable to carry cash, as many small vendors do not take digital payments.
- If you’re prone to altitude sickness, bring the medication you might need and take short breaks on the way to adjust.
Tsomgo Lake in March has snow-capped peaks surrounding the partially frozen lake, which allow you to enjoy its ethereal beauty only through yak rides, photography, and excursions to nearby tourist hotspots. A visit to Tsomgo Lake with adequate planning can be an adventure packed with scenic beauty and local charm. So plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy the waters of Sikkim.
Cover Photo: Bhaskar Palit / Unsplash
