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Blessed with some of India’s most picturesque glacial lakes, Sikkim is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Each glacial lake in Sikkim is famous for its clear blue waters, high-altitude locations and beautiful mirrors of snowcapped peaks. From trekking to the peace and calm of the Himalayas, these glacial lakes in Sikkim are guaranteed to take you on a memorable journey. Many have profound religious and cultural importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Besides their spiritual beauty, these lakes are popular among adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Breathtaking Glacial Lakes In Sikkim
Here is a list of glacial lakes in Sikkim which are full more exquisite and immersed in history and adventure.
1. Gurudongmar Lake
Photo: Vickeylepcha / Wikimedia Commons
Gurudongmar Lake, which is one of the highest lakes in the world, at an altitude of 17800 ft. Its glassy waters, framed by snow-covered peaks, form a surreal tableau. Guru Padmasambhava blessed the lake and a part of it does not get frozen even in severe winter, which led to its name. Gurudongmar also doesn’t have any shops or restaurants, so you need to carry your lunch from your start point, which is Lachen, passing through army check posts and mountainous terrains. Due to its location near the Indo-Tibet border, Indian nationals require a special permit.
Location: North Sikkim, near the Indo-Tibet border
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to December
2. Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)
Photo: Vinay.vaars / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, sits at 12,310 feet and is a breathtaking high-altitude glacial lake. The lake’s oval shape and changing colours make it a fascinating natural wonder. It freezes completely during winter, while in summer, its waters turn emerald green, beautifully reflecting the surrounding peaks. According to local legend, Buddhist monks predicted the future by studying the lake’s colour changes. A small Shiva temple stands near the lake, adding to its spiritual importance. One of the best experiences here is a yak ride along the lake’s perimeter, offering a unique way to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Location: East Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: October to April
3. Khecheopalri Lake
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Khecheopalri Lake, or the wish-fulfilling Lake, is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Hidden at 5,600 feet, the placid glacial lake is enveloped in dense forests and thought to grant wishes. Despite being surrounded by a heavily wooded area, the lake’s surface is immaculate, as birds take away any leaves that fall. A tranquil wooden jetty and prayer flags fluttering in the wind enhance the lake’s mystical allure. It forms a part of the famous Sikkim Buddhist circuit along with Pemayangtse and Dubdi Monasteries. You can pair your visit with the Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Pemayangtse Monastery of Pelling.
Location: West Sikkim, near Pelling
Best Time To Visit: October to May
4. Samiti Lake
Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons
Hidden far inside the Kanchenjunga National Park, Samiti Lake is a stunning glacial lake with striking blue waters and a background of alpine scenery. It is an important halt on the Goechala Trek, one of the most difficult but expectedly satisfying Himalayan trails in India. The lake, at 14,100 feet, is surrounded by jagged mountains and prayer flags whipping in the breeze. The still waters beautifully mirror the massive Pandim Peak and is a surreal sight for trekkers making their way to this section. Reaching Samiti Lake is an adventure itself, through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain.
Location: West Sikkim, part of the Goechala Trek
Best Time To Visit: April to June; September to November
5. South Lhonak Lake
Photo: Mayukhtintin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
South Lhonak Lake is a glacial-moraine-dammed lake situated in the northwestern region of Sikkim, India, at an altitude of approximately 5,200 meters (17,100 feet) above sea level. It formed from the melting of the Lhonak glacier and is part of the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and pristine ecosystem.
Location: North-western Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: March and June
Other Lakes In Sikkim
Here is a list of lakes in Sikkim which are the key attractions offering a serene atmosphere.
1. Lakshmi Pokhari
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lakshmi Pokhari is a spectacular high-altitude lake that lies at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet above sea level and provides some of the best views of Kanchenjunga and the Singalila Range. In winter, the lake freezes over, and in summer, the clear water mirrors the surrounding snow-topped mountains. It is one of the key attractions along Kasturi Trek, an offbeat walking trail that connects Goechala, Dzongri and Tashiding, making it one of the essential stops for trekkers discovering remote landscapes of West Sikkim.
Location: West Sikkim, near Kasturi Trek
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
2. Tso Lhamo Lake
Photo: StoriesofKabeera / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tso Lhamo Lake lies at 17,500 feet (5,334 meters) close to the Tibetan border. Lesser known and thus less visited, but no less magical than its more renowned neighbour Gurudongmar is Tso Lhamo. The lake, with its brilliant blue waters against a backdrop of barren, wind-whipped landscapes, seems dreamlike. It is also a sensitive area that falls within 40 km of the border with China, and you need special permits from both the Indian Army and Sikkim Tourism Office to go there.
Location: North Sikkim, near Gurudongmar Lake
Best Time To Visit: September to November
3. Menmecho Lake
Photo: Avisek.Dutta83 / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled deep inside lush forests and steep valleys, Menmecho Lake is one of Sikkim’s most stunning lakes. This high-altitude lake (12,500 feet) is best known for its vibrant seasonal colours, which can be emerald green or deep blue. Menmecho Lake receives glacial streams from Jelep La Pass and is rich in trout, the perfect fishing location with prior permits. In the winter, the lake freezes, resulting in a magnificent icy space. Menmecho is encircled by thick pine forests, giving adventurers a taste of Alpine and Himalayan splendour.
Location: East Sikkim, near Tsomgo Lake
Best Time To Visit: May to October
4. Lam Pokhari
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Lam Pokhari (Lampokhari Lake) is a high-altitude lake in Sikkim, located in the remote Singalila Range. Located at an elevation of 14,000 feet, this lake is a hidden gem that is framed by many other peaks of the Himalayas. It is also a significant halt on Singalila Ridge Trek, an exhilarating offbeat trail connecting Uttarey to Goechala route. Surrounding the lake are alpine meadows, rhododendron forests and rocky outcrops, all making for a surreal setting for trekkers. Lam Pokhari has an almost mythic quality, and local folklore connects it to the mountain’s sacred guardian spirits.
Location: West Sikkim, near Uttarey
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
5. Green Lake
Photo: National Park Service, Alaska Region / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated at a staggering 16,500 feet high, Green Lake is one of the lesser-known Himalayan treasures that boasts epic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring snow peaks. Green Lake is quite different from other lakes in Sikkim as it can be accessed only after a long trek through lush forests, meadows, and glacier-lined valleys. The 50 km Green Lake Trek begins from Lachen, meandering amid breathtaking scenery over the rhododendrons in bloom, rare orchids, and yaks grazing in the highlands. The lake is as clear as glass, reflecting the mighty peaks of Kanchenjunga, Simvo, and Siniolchu.
Location: North Sikkim, at the base of Kanchenjunga
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
Glacial lakes in Sikkim are not only a breathtaking natural wonder but are also a spiritual site, ecological treasure and adventure hotspot. Whether you need a place to relax, an adventure to indulge in, or a beautiful photo spot, these lakes have something for every kind of traveller. Bring respect to local customs and take care of the pristine environment of Sikkim. Plan a trip with TripXL and encounter nature in its pristine form.
Cover Photo: Gaurav Bagdi / Unsplash
