Snowfall In Changu Lake: The Ultimate Guide For Travellers

Changu Lake, also called Tsomgo Lake, is a spectacular high-Altitude glacial lake in East Sikkim, India. In winter, the lake freezes, allowing for snowfall in Changu Lake, a dreamlike experience in its vicinity. Perched at an Altitude of 12,313 feet, Changu Lake is bordered by tough mountains, which add to its unspoiled beauty. The crisp air of the mountains, the peaceful environment, and the reflection of stark mountains of snow on the snow-covered lake are more than enough to create incomparable experiences.

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Quick Details About Changu Lake

Location: Changu, Gangtok district, Sikkim
Surface Area: 24.47 hectares
Average Depth: 4.58 metres
Altitude: 12,313 feet (3,753 meters)
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Temperature Range: -5°C to -20°C in peak winter

Location

People walking on the snow-covered trails and Changu Lake below with snowy mountains

Photo: Varun Pratap / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located on the rocky terrain of East Sikkim, Changu Lake is around 38 km away from Gangtok. It is situated on the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, an essential roadway connecting India with Tibet. Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which leads access to the lake, is a beautiful mountain road passing through the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity. Landmarks that help with navigation include the Army Transit Camp (near Kyongnosla), a stretch of isolated Tukla Valley, and a diversion point on the old Silk Route.

How To Reach

Highway in Sikkim with a narrow road, sandy plains and snow-covered mountains ahead

Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

By Air: Pakyong Airport, 60 km and Bagdogra Airport, 124 km, are the nearest. From there, take a taxi to Gangtok, from where there are local cabs to Changu Lake.

By Train: The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. Share a taxi or private cab from NJP to Gangtok and then to Changu Lake.

By Road: Changu Lake is well-connected through National Highway-10 by road. You can take a government-approved taxi from Gangtok to reach the lake in approximately 2 hours. Regular passenger cars require special permits.

Things To Do

Enjoy stunning views, adventure activities, and a tranquil escape into the Himalayas when you visit during snowfall in Changu Lake.

1. Yak Safari On Snowy Trails

Yak at Tsomgo Lake with a saddle, design on its horn, lake and white snow in the back

Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Changu Lake is adjacent to China and is a delicate but transparent lake covered with snow. Yaks, dressed in colourful woollen ornaments, trek through the trails of snowfall in Changu Lake, providing a slow but immersive way to experience the winter wonderland. Feel the cold breeze against your face as you ride, and take in the ethereal sights of the frozen lake, the icicle-sheathed cliffs, and the untainted beauty of the Himalayan terrain. This is a great activity for those who want to absorb the scenery but not hike. The cold winds and snowy backdrop make for a surreal adventure, and local yak herders frequently tell fascinating stories about the region’s culture and traditions.

2. Trekking To Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Narrow trail with stairs covered in snow and dry grass, fallen leaves and trees all white

Photo: Ted Moravec / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Adventure enthusiasts can’t miss a guided snow trek from Changu Lake to the nearby Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. This hike guides you through snow-capped trails, surrounded by frozen waterfalls and resilient high-Altitude: flora that endures the biting cold of winter. The sanctuary contains rare species such as the red panda and the Himalayan monal. The feeling of joy while trekking on this snowy path surrounded by fresh mountain breeze adds to the excitement and the spectacular views of Kanchenjunga in the distance make the trek worth undertaking. Due to the high Altitude:, this trek needs to be undertaken only after proper acclimatisation and hiring a local guide recommended for safety and to navigate the locations.

3. Cable Car Ride Over Snowfields

Changu Lake with a small water body, a distant ropeway building and snowy mountains

Photo: Haldarchandan91 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you wish to experience a bird’s-eye view of Changu Lake and the snow-laden Himalayas, Changu Ropeway is the place to be. The Changu ropeway starts from the base station situated close to Changu Lake and stretches towards an upper Altitude: station at 14,500 feet, giving you panoramic vistas of snow-covered valleys, frozen streams, and rugged mountains. The experience is exhilarating, if a little more so when the gondola cabins sway slightly from fierce mountain winds. Tickets must be booked on the day but are subject to availability and weather.

Places To Visit Near Changu Lake

Be it the joy ride to Nathula Pass or capturing the first rays of sunlight over Zuluk, visit the following places during snowfall in Changu Lake.

1. Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass with snow-covered area and clear road, street lights and a car passing by

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

Nathula Pass is a high-Altitude: mountain pass that connects India with Tibet. When it snows, the whole pass looks like a white wonderland with thick snow covering the serpentine roads and military bunkers. The pass is at an elevation of 14,140 feet and is the second-highest motorable road in the country. You can see the Indo-China border gate and even meet the Indian Army jawans deployed in the area. It is recommended to pack warm clothes and acclimatise first in Gangtok before the visit due to the extreme cold and high- Altitude environment. Special permits are required, which a registered travel agent in Gangtok can arrange.

Distance From Changu Lake: 18 km

2. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Baba Harbhajan Singh temple with red architecture and multiple flags and people

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a sacred temple in the name of an Indian Army soldier who is believed to protect the borders even after death. When it snows, the whole area and the temple are covered in a white layer of snow, adding to the mystique of the place. The hike, from the parking area to the temple, is short yet fills you with awe as you top snow-dusted paths. Local men and soldiers say prayers here because Baba Harbhajan Singh’s spirit is believed to still protect the area.

Distance From Changu Lake: 20 km
Altitude:: 13,123 feet

3. Kupup Lake

Kupup Lake with a small and still water body surrounded by sandy shoreline and mountains

Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Kupup Lake, or Elephant Lake due to its shape, is a hidden gem near Changu Lake. During winter, the lake freezes completely, revealing a stunning expanse of glistening white ice, mirrored against its surrounding snow-capped peaks. The drive to Kupup Lake is simply mesmerising, with sightings of wild yaks trudging over snowy slopes along the way. Nearby, the Yak Golf Course, one of the highest golf courses in the world, is covered in snow. Kupup lake, less commercialised than Changu, offers a more natural and untouched winter experience.

Distance From Changu Lake: 24 km
Altitude:: 13,066 feet
Permit Required: Yes

4. Zuluk

Old silk route in Zuluk with snakey roads on the mountains and little to no snow

Photo: Esra Kaya / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Find Zuluk, a remote Himalayan village along the Old Silk Route. In the snowfall, Zuluk is a peaceful winter wonderland, and its renowned winding roads are encased in thick snow to provide spectacular views from above. Covered with a fresh layering of snow, the Zuluk Loops, a suspension of sharp hairpin bends, look spectacular. At a height of 11,200 feet, Thambi Viewpoint is located just above Zuluk, and here you can experience a 360-degree sunrise view over the Kanchenjunga range with golden light filtered on the snow-clad mountains. In winter, the roads are slippery and only four-wheel-drive vehicles with experienced drivers should be used for travel.

Distance From Changu Lake: 45 km
Permit Required: Yes (Part of restricted Silk Route region)

5. Menmecho Lake

Menmecho Lake with a small water body surrounded by white snow shorelines and mountains

Photo: Avisek.Dutta83 / Wikimedia Commons

Menmecho Lake, or Memencho Lake, is a mountain lake situated in the Gangtok district in the Indian state of Sikkim. Located 12,500 feet above sea level, it is on the road to the Jelep Pass beyond Changu Lake. The lake is the origin of the river Rangpo Chu, which is a tributary of the Teesta River. It is a lesser-known but equally beautiful high-Altitude: lake, set amidst snow-covered pine forests and steep mountains. In winter, the lake freezes entirely, providing a postcard-pretty landscape rarely seen by tourists. Due to heavy snowfall, it is advisable to take a guided trek or use 4WD whenever passing these areas.

Distance From Changu Lake: 20 km
Permit Required: Yes

Where To Stay

Resort with a small pool, multiple buildings of the resort surrounded by trees and hills

Photo: Sheila Mae Capul / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

As Changu Lake is at a high Altitude:, there are only a few accommodation options, but you can stay in Nathang Valley, Zuluk or Gangtok for good stays. Gangtok has luxury hotels like The Elgin Nor-Khill (₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per night) and budget hotels like Hotel Tibet (₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per night). Nathang Valley and Zuluk have homestays, such as Lungthung Homestay (₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for one night) for a cosy, local experience. The homestays come with hot meals, heated rooms, and beautiful snow views. Winter temperatures get pretty low, so make sure the place you choose has good heating.

Where To Eat

Hot water pouring from a kettle into a cup with tea leaves and other pots on the table

Photo: Life Of Pix / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

There are not many food options in Changu Lake, but the local army-run canteens and small roadside stalls do give hot and tasty meals. At Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, the Army Canteen serves hot but basic meals such as Maggi, momo, tea and thukpa at nominal prices (₹50 to ₹200 per dish). Gangtok has some of the best-rated restaurants serving authentic Sikkimese and Nepali fare, with some of the popular ones like Taste of Tibet (₹500 per meal) and Thakali (₹600 per meal). Homemade food is available at homestays to travellers visiting Zuluk and Nathang Valley (₹300 to ₹600 a meal).

Other Factors To Consider

Tsomgo Lake with a frozen water body surrounded by white snowy mountains and wires

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

Any 3-day trip to experience snowfall in Changu Lake and the nearby sites can cost ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per person. Expect charges of ₹200-₹500 for permits and a shared taxi fare of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 (for a day or two to Gangtok) and food and stay if required. Basic accommodations like homestays can cost you ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night for lodging and food, while luxury travellers can easily spend ₹6,000+ per night. Adventure sports like snow trekking or yak rides cost an additional ₹500 to ₹1,500. Rent winter clothes in Gangtok from ₹300 to ₹800 per day.

Tips For Travellers

Obtain permits for Changu Lake, Nathula Pass, and Zuluk through registered travel agencies in Gangtok to avoid last-minute hassles.
Keep photocopies of your Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID, as they may be required at checkpoints.
Winter temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower, so pack thermals, waterproof boots, gloves, and insulated jackets for warmth.
Snow-covered roads can be slippery, so hiring an experienced driver with a 4×4 vehicle is the safest option for travel.

Changu Lake is at 12,313 feet, so spend time in Gangtok before ascending to prevent Altitude: sickness.

Experience snowfall in Changu Lake as the place never fails to deliver on the devastating effects of all the beautiful spots. With adequate preparation, personal choices and acclimatisation, plan an itinerary and enjoy Sikkim’s winter playground. If you want a less-popularised snowy escape, Changu Lake serves as a great high-Altitude winter spot. Plan your trip with TripXL and follow the snow-covered land in the north.

Cover Photo: Varun Pratap / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Snowfall In Changu Lake: A Mesmerizing Winter Wonderland

Quick Details About Changu Lake

Location

How To Reach