Tsomgo Lake also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim
district of
the Indian, some 40 kilometres from the capital Gangtok and is one of most beautiful lakes in India The
lake remains frozen during the winter season.
The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and so is seen in a different colour
every season. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colours of the
lake.
The lake is the venue for the Guru Purnima festival which is also the Raksha Bandhan festival when the
faith healers known as Jhakris of Sikkim assemble at the lake area to derive benefits from the healing
qualities of the lake waters.
Alpine forests cover the catchment of the lake. After the winter season ends, the
periphery of lake has blooms of flower species of rhododendrons,
primulas, blue and yellow poppies and so forth. Also seen in the precincts of the lake are
several species of birds including Brahminy ducks. Wildlife includes the red panda.
Tourist attractions at the lake site include joy rides on decorated yaks and mules where kiosks offer
variety of food and drinks. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake too hindu
travelers.
Lake is located in a restricted area ,it is essential for all Indians visiting the area to obtain
permits. In case of foreign nationals special permit is essential.
The road to Nathu La(which is a mountain pass in Himalayas) skirts the lake on the northern side. The
Chinese border crossing is only some 5
kilometres in a straight line, but about. 18 kilometres by road.