Tsongmo Lake

Tsomgo Lake

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.