Tsomgo Lake (Changu lake)

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Tsomgo Lake is 38 km from Gangtok, Nathu La Pass, Gangtok, India. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Tsomgo Lake (Changu lake), is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. From Nathula Pass, one can see deep into Chinese territory, which is dotted with sky touching peaks covered with show. After a 2000 feet downhill, there is a splendid blue water lake called Changu Lake. It is literally known as “source of the lake ” in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission.

Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok

HistoryEdit

Tsomgo Lake is associated with many myths and legends and is revered by the Sikkimese as sacred. It is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the lake to forecast the future. The lake is also of special significance for the Jhakris [faith healers] of Sikkim who congregate here annually on Guru Purnima, which coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, from all over the state to offer prayers.

Must SeeEdit

Must See

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

March to May and October to Mid-December.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1 to 2 hours.

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

The Coffee Shop ; Anola building, Gangtok, India ; Ph/M – N.A ; Food Serve – Bakery, Italian.

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Taxis are available from other cities as well as railway station and airport. They charges within the main areas for a private service or drops will cost according to the distance and Rs 150 for a shared taxi Per Seat. Share taxis are also available within the city for sightseeing and costs 15-20 INR per person.

Bus : Gangtok is well connected by roads. National Highway 31A connects Gangtok to Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kalimpong and other mountain locales. Regular tourist buses, coaches, taxis and jeeps run daily to and from Siliguri, Bagdogra, Darjeeling and Kalimpong to Gangtok. From Gangtok Bagdogra, Siliguri, Kalempong and Jalpaiguri lie at a distance of 124 Kms, 114 kms, 75 Kms and 125 kms respectively.

Train : Nearest railway stations to Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri Station and Siliguri Station. It is located at a distance of 126 kms and 114 kms respectively. Both stations are connected to all the major cities of India. and these places are well connected to Gangtok by road. From station regular tourist buses, coaches, taxis or jeeps are available to reach Gangtok.

Air : Gangtok Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal. It is located at a distance of 124 kms from Gangtok and it is well connected with other cities of nearest state like Delhi, Patna, Imphal, Kolkata, and Guwahati. From the Airport regular buses, coaches and taxis are available, that take around 4 hours to reach Gangtok.
By Helicopter : From Bagdogra Helicopter service is available to reach Gangtok and vice-versa. For get the benefit of this service, you need to have contact your travel agent in advance to get the booking done. Helicopter takes around 20 minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra. Helicopter service is available only onc time during a day and 4 passengers are allowed at one time.

Others : N.A.

Things to CarryEdit

Carry Woolen Cloths, Camera & Plenty of water.

Safety / WarningEdit

Tsomgo lake is open for both Indian and foreign nationals, however foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more and have to apply for a visitors permit through a registered travel agency.