Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok
Summer: March-June (20°C - 27°C)
Winter: December-February (2°C - 20°C)
Monsoon: July-September (17°C-22°C)
Best time to visit:
September-June
Opening Time: 08:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: Permits Re
Children:
Permits Re
Cameras: Nil
Video Camera: Nil
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
Group Perm
Children:
Group Perm
Cameras:
Nil
Video Camera:
Nil
At a staggering altitude of 12,400 ft. and 38 km. away from the town of Gangtok, Sikkim amidst craggy mountainous terrain is the picturesque Tsomgo Lake. This wondrous lake is a popular tourist haunt, and attracts visitors from all over the globe. The lake gets its cool and fresh waters from the melting snow that gushes from the surrounding foothills.
In the local Bhutia language, Tsomgo means ‘the resource of water’. The Tsomgo Lake is linked with numerous legendary tales and greatly revered by the local people (Sikkimese). Visiting tourists are mesmerised by the beauty of the place and often find that the surrounding area of the lake is filled with colourful flowers during the late spring season, whereas winter finds it frozen as ice.
In ancient times, it is believed that the Buddhist monks could actually predict future happenings by just gazing at the colour of the Tsomgo Lake. The lake holds special significance for certain sects of faith healers in Sikkim, who gather during Guru Purnima celebrations for prayer meetings. Tourists from India and abroad enjoy trilling rides on large mules and yaks, which are decorated with colourful cloths and made to stand near the lake site. The nearby areas of the lake are also populated by eatery stalls and other shops to attract tourists. All in all, the Tsomgo Lake is a place worth seeing for Sikkim tourists.
Connectivites
Road:
Tourists preferring to drive to Gangtok can do so close-by places such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, taking advantage of the well maintained roads leading to Gangtok. There are also bus services from Siliguri Bus Station to Gangtok.
Railway:
The railway station closest to Gangtok is situated in New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri. This station connects with all prime cities in India. Tourist can hire a taxi from New Jalpaiguri and reach Gangtok in 5 hours.
Airway:
The closest airport to reach Gangtok is Bagdogra airport, west Bengal, which is 124 km. away from the township. Visitors can take a taxi or car for Gangtok and reach in two hours time. For budget free tourists, chopper flights can be arranged to reach Gangtok in 20 minutes.