Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Changu Lake, or Tsomgo Lake, is a great glacier lake located 12,313 feet in East Sikkim. Changu Lake in April marks the enchanting shift from winter’s chill to spring’s warmth, with the lake’s ice beginning to melt, showcasing its deep blue waters. There is still plenty of snow, while rhododendrons are blossoming in the lower valleys, which are breathtaking. No matter whether you are an adventure seeker, a spirituality seeker, or someone who appreciates scenic beauty, Changu Lake in April is a unique experience.
Quick Details About Changu Lake
Location: Changu, Gangtok district, Sikkim
Surface Area: 24.47 hectares (60.5 acres)
Altitude: 12,313 feet (3,753 meters)
Temperature In April: 1°C to 10°C
Best Time To Visit: Morning (before noon)
Location
Photo: Parth9114 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of about 38 km from Gangtok, on the way to Nathula Pass, Changu Lake is situated in East Sikkim. Located on the barren Himalayan mountain range, the lake is 12,313 feet above sea level and freezes in winters. By April, it thaws and starts reflecting surrounding mountains in its deep blue water. The lake is sacred for the Sikkimese people, and orders of Buddhist and Hindu lore enshroud it.
How To Reach Changu Lake
Photo: Partha05 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport (31 km from Gangtok), but the flights are limited. Bagdogra Airport is the preferred choice and has good flight frequency from major Indian cities. Ideally, from Bagdogra, hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri (NJP), located 121 km from Gangtok. You can take taxis or share Jeeps from NJP to Gangtok (4-5 hours)..
By Road: Changu Lake is a 2-hour drive away from Gangtok along NH310. Private vehicles are not allowed, so book a cab from MG Marg in Gangtok or via a tour operator.
Things To Do At Changu Lake In April
Experience the Himalayan wilderness and explore the calm lake surrounded by mountains.
1. Yak Riding
Photo: Izhan555 / Wikimedia Commons
A yak ride in Changu Lake in April is sublime. Hardy and long-haired yaks take a leisurely trek through the snow-covered landscape, which are adorned with colourful woollen ornaments. The ride gives you time to soak in the crisp mountain air while locals tell you interesting folklore about the lake. Unlike so many touristy rides, Changu’s yak business is traditional because these animals are one of the main staples of the high-altitude lifestyle.
2. Explore The Frozen And Thawing Lake
Photo: rup Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
April is a rare moment when Changu Lake is in transition, half frozen, half reflecting the sky. For photographers and nature lovers, it is an unforgettable experience. As you walk along the lake’s edge, you can notice patches of ice breaking, exposing glacial waters below. The high angle of the sun draws intriguing patterns on the ablation zone as it melts, making this place a picturesque landscape.
5 Places To Visit Near Changu Lake In April
Explore the surrounding places to visit near Changu Lake in April and immerse yourself in Sikkim’s beauty.
1. Nathula Pass
Photo: ParthVaghela19 / Wikimedia Commons
At 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass is a historical mountain pass that was once a part of the ancient Silk Route. Roads are still covered in snow as April begins, but mid-month, the pass opens up, rewarding with a breathtaking view of the Indo-China border. The military and the barbed-wire fencing mark the international boundary, where you can see other soldiers on the other side. Steep, winding roads and panoramic Himalayan vistas make the journey to Nathula exhilarating, putting it among the most exciting day trips from Changu Lake.
Distance From Changu Lake: 18 km
2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple stands 13,123 feet above sea level and is dedicated to an Indian soldier who is believed to protect the borders after his death. The shrine is tended by soldiers, and visitors bring water bottles to the shrine, believing they are blessed. The temple visit is spiritual as well as historically interesting. The drive itself is part of the adventure as it passes through high-altitude landscapes and snow-covered stretches that only enhance the temple’s exotic mystique.
Distance From Changu Lake: 15 km
3. Kupup Lake
Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the eastern Himalayas, Kupup Lake, also known as Elephant Lake because of its shape, is a hidden gem. In April, the lake is still partially frozen, revealing a spectacle. The journey to reach Kupup is an experience in itself, with breathtaking mountain roads dug into clouds. In addition to its strategic location near the Indo-China border and natural beauty, the lake is significant because it is the location of the Yak Golf Course, the highest golf course in the world.
Distance From Changu Lake: 24 km
4. Zuluk
Photo: Linus pradhan / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the ancient Silk Route, Zuluk is home to the zigzagging hills that travel in serpent-like curls of the Zuluk Loops. In April, Zuluk starts to mellow, with patches of snow and budding greenery creating a stunning contrast. It has more than 30 hairpin turns, which allows for sweeping views of the valleys below. The native’s cordiality towards you alongside the unrefined Himalayan beauty makes it a must-visit place.
Distance From Changu Lake: 45 km
5. Gnathang Valley
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
Gnathang Valley, known as the “Ladakh of the East” and at an altitude of 13,500 feet, is one of the beautiful sites to visit around Changu Lake in April. Wrapped in a misty aura, with Tibetan houses styled in the region and prayer flags blowing in the gust, it is a unique scenery experience. You can view stunning sunrises over the Kanchenjunga range and explore aging monasteries.
Distance From Changu Lake: 45 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best options for various budgets are in Gangtok near Changu Lake in April. You have options from luxurious hotels to boutique stays to budget homestays. Homestays with basic amenities and stunning views are available in Nathang Valley for stays at high altitudes. The luxurious Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino is in or near the low-end range, whereas The Elgin Nor-Khill is affordable and embodies traditional Sikkimese hospitality. Budget travellers can prefer Gnathang Valley Homestays , run by locals offering warm hospitality.
Where To Eat
Photo: Arunabha.Goswami / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For dining, there are only small roadside shops offering quick, hot meals around Changu Lake. These eateries serve local delights, including momo, Maggi, thukpa and butter tea, ideal for the cold weather. For the more gourmet options you want to get back to Gangtok, the restaurants Taste of Tibet for a taste of authentic Tibetan food, The Coffee Shop for a lovely atmosphere and great snacks, and Shuffle Momos or an exotic variety of your momos.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a 3-day trip to Changu Lake in April and the nearby attractions depends on your lodging, transportation, and activities. If you are on a budget trip, you can spend about ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per person, whereas a luxury trip costs ₹20,000 or above.
Tips For Travellers
- It is important to carry the required permits.
- Wear layers because temperatures vary between 1°C and 10°C.
- Having time to acclimatise properly is important, as some travellers can suffer high-altitude sickness.
- Pre-booking a Sikkim-registered taxi and visiting during the morning hours can let you capture the best shots.
The views of the melting glacier ice on Changu Lake in April, set against the backdrop of blooming rhododendrons on the hills around it, provide a stunning contrast. From adventure to spirituality to the natural world, this part of the country has it all. Be sure to venture beyond Changu Lake to see the expansive beauty of East Sikkim’s Himalayan panoramas. Plan your visit with TripXL and experience Sikkim.
Cover Photo: HEMA RAWAL / Wikimedia Commons
