Place Details:
Located at an elevation of 12,313 ft and around 40 km from the Gangtok, Tsongmo Lake is an ethereally beautiful glacial lake. The lake is also known as Tsomgo Lake and Changu Lake. In Bhutia language, ‘Tso’ means lake and ‘Mgo’ means head, so Tsomgo literally means ‘source of the lake’. Rugged winding mountain roads take you to this amazing lake which changes color with the changing season. It is said that in the past, Buddhist monks studied the changing colors of the lake and predicted the future.
ALSO SEE The Legend of the Tsomgo lake!
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The lake remains frozen and covered with snow during the winter and the snow melts in the summer to form the placid lake. During spring, the flowers bloom at the periphery adding color to it. Different species of birds are also seen in the precincts of the lake, which is also known for its healing qualities. Jhakris, the faith healers of Sikkim, assemble at this lake every year for the Guru Purnima festival. Permits are required to visit the lake as it is located in a restricted area. Tourist can enjoy rides on mules and yaks adorned with colorful woolen horn caps. There are also several kiosks serving drinks and food near the lake.
Photograph Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGTOK
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Gangtok is as given below. The best time to visit Gangtok is also specified.
| MONTH | BEST TIME | | MIN. TEMP (°C) | MAX. TEMP (°C) |
| January | | | 0 | 8 |
| February | | | 0 | 10 |
| March | | | 1 | 11 |
| April | | | 1 | 16 |
| May | | | 0 | 14 |
| June | | | 1 | 16 |
| July | | | 2 | 15 |
| August | | | 2 | 14 |
| September | Best time | | 1 | 16 |
| October | Best time | | 2 | 17 |
| November | Best time | | 0 | 13 |
| December | Best time | | 0 | 10 |