While on our trip to Sikkim, the best memories I have had about something are Pelling and visiting Tsomgo Lake. We were in Sikkim in March 2017 and being a shoulder season, I did not expect much. However, during our stay in Gangtok, we made a quick plan to visit the Nathula Pass circuit. Though we did not get a chance to go to Nathula Pass, the same route covers some amazing destinations like Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Tsomgo Lake and a couple of waterfalls.
A winding, rugged, road with hairpin bands will take you to the Tsomgo Lake. Also known as, Changu lake, Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake located at the altitude of 12,400 feet in the eastern Sikkim. Tsomgo means ‘the source of water’ in Bhutia language. It is around 40 km from Gangtok and the drive is full of the serene natural landscape. One can neither take the private vehicle nor can self-drive. You need to have a permit and book through a registered travel agency. The arrangements for the same can be done through the hotel. It is better to arrange for the permit a day prior. Foreign nationals need special permits.
Tsomgo Lake is known for its color-changing patterns in every season. In winter the lake is frozen while in spring there is a riot of colors because of the abundant flowers near the lake. The sacred Tsomgo Lake is believed to have healing qualities hence to offer prayers Jhakris (faith healers) congregate every year on Guru Purnima which coincides with Raksha Bandhan as well. We saw the color change in a single day rather in a couple of hours.
Snowboots, Gumboots, Traditional dresses are available on rent. Lake site also has some traditional food stalls. One can also enjoy a ride on beautifully decorated Yak.
The best time to visit the lake is around April-June. Leave as soon as possible in the morning as you need to be back by 3 pm. Usually the weather starts getting bad post noon. Also, there is a long line for permit check which takes a lot of time.
Do not forget to carry the extra pair of clothes, warmers and camera. Click and capture the moments of joy with a bowl of hot noodles and momos.
Nanchi.blog 
I’m not getting words to appreciate what beautiful place you’ve visited.
You’re sure it’s called Sikkim and not heaven?
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It indeed was a heaven, Sumit. I too felt the same when I saw this beauty right in front of me. Not less than Switzerland. Hai na! ? It was so serene. I never wanted to leave. Just had to sit there for hours and stare the wonder of nature. Thank you for dropping by Sumit! 😊😊
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Switzerland bhi kaunsa dekha mene🥺
But I feel your emotions, I see your happiness too while smiling on the pictures. Loved it.
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Haha….waise maine bhi nahi dekha hai. Just with the photographs I can relate. Anyway, am I tempting you to make travel plans?
Yes, I was a happy kid when I visited Tsomgo Lake. Usually I am very happy whenever I visit a new destination. 😊
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Surely looks like a beautiful place!
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Indeed a pretty place, Harsh! The nature is so serene. 😊
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Hope to visit some day.
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Definitely, soon! I too am waiting for the right time. 😊🙌
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Stunning pictures. One can mistake some of these pictures for the French or Italian Alps. Sikkim…Someday, if it is meant to be. 🙂
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Thanks a ton, Arv. I was so mesmerised by the landscape that had to capture it for my memories. You rightly said, it looks picture perfect and similar to Alps. This was just one side of Sikkim. I have to explore the other side too. You should definitely plan, you will love it. 😊😊
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lovely man, cool looks, environment 💕so much info to get ready for the sights. 😍😍😍
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Yes, Rishabh. Beautiful landscape. You can refer the post whenever you plan to visit Sikkim! 😊 I am glad you liked it. Thank you for stopping by.
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Wow..!! What a stunning article Madam.. Loved it.. ❤
It's a bit sad to see the lack of Ice though. I like an Empire of Ice and nothing else but Ice in the Himalayan Mountains. Sad to see the destructive effects of global warming.
Sikkim is on my radar. I shall plan to go there only during winters.. 😀
Thank you so much Madam for sharing.. 🙂
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Thank you so much Abir, I am glad you liked it. The water in the lake is not the effect of global warming. Tsomgo Lake is naturally like this only. Only during winters, it freezes. And the terrain also is natural. There is not much destruction. The landscape you can see is of summers hence you can’t see ice. 🙂
You must visit Sikkim and yes winters are harsh. I might post my travel experience in Sikkim. Thank you for stopping by! 😊
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You are right Madam, winters will be harsh there. Which is why I would like to be there during Winters..!!
Thank you once again Madam for sharing.. 😊 Look forward to subsequent posts of yours.. 😊
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excellent post and photos!!
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what a great place to hike..
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We have hanging glacial lakes where we live, but they are much smaller. Riding a yak must be an experience. In a way they remind me of the muskox we saw in the Canadian Arctic. – Margy
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Wow! Stunning lake view
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I love seeing all of the beautiful places you have visited! This is another majestic scenery.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
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It looks like a beautiful place to visit. The yak ride looks interesting!
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Nanchi, these photos are stunning! I want to ride a yak in the Himalayas! Gosh, I am so much more of a mountain girl than a beach girl. The mountains just draw me in. So, so beautiful. And I think yaks may very well replace foxes as my favorite animal now! Thanks for sharing this.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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These are some incredible photos!
Em x
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Wow amazing pics!!
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Oh my its such a beautiful place, I loved the ambiance… you put a desire in my heart to visit the sacred lake. Thanks for this virtual small tour, loved it… great clicks:)
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Hello I loved your blog .
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So very beautiful!
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Nice post. I have been to Tsomgo Lake in 2014. Here’s the link to my post: https://indroyc.com/2014/03/17/tsomgo-changu-lake/
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were the Yaks docile?
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Yes they were docile! 🙂
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I have been lucky to have toured Sikkim as well as Switzerland but it’s difficult to compare the two!Both are very beautiful in their own uniqueness! If you like to get view my both blogs you can get them on my site!Here you have posted a very beautiful blog on Sikkim!I l loved it! Thanks 🙏
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Fantastic pictures! Too bad we couldn’t make it there in 2009. 😦 Thanks for the virtual tour!
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Thank you so much! You should visit Sikkim soon! ❤
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Wow. awesome pictures.
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Thank you so much! 😊
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Reblogged this on worldtraveller70.
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