A Glacial Lake on the Nathula Road
Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake), roughly 40 km from Gangtok, sits at about 3,753 m on the same route that continues up to Nathula Pass. It's a glacial lake whose look shifts dramatically across the year — vivid blue-green in the warmer months, ringed with snow and partly frozen in winter.
Given its proximity to Nathula, Tsomgo Lake is overwhelmingly visited as part of the same day trip rather than on its own, sharing the same Protected Area Permit and typically the same vehicle for the day.
Yak rides along the shoreline are the signature activity here — touristy, certainly, but a genuinely popular part of the experience for most visitors.
🏔️ Tsomgo Lake at a Glance
Love the outdoors? See our guide to lakes in India.
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit Tsomgo Lake
The lake looks genuinely different depending on the season, so it's worth timing your visit to the mood you want.
Rhododendrons bloom on the surrounding hills and the water is at its clearest, blue-green best.
Cloud cover and rain frequently obscure the surrounding peaks and can disrupt the drive.
Another strong window, with clean air and good mountain visibility.
The lake partially or fully freezes, trading its color for a stark, snowbound look.
Our pick: March to June for rhododendron season and the lake's best color, or October to December for clear, crisp mountain air.
How to Reach Tsomgo Lake & Permits
- From Gangtok: A roughly 40 km drive, the first major stop on the same route that continues to Nathula Pass.
- Permit shared with Nathula: The same Protected Area Permit covers both, arranged through a registered Gangtok agent.
- Vehicle and driver: Bundled with the permit — self-drive isn't typically an option on this route.
The Lake & Yak Rides
Lakeside Walk & Photography
A short paved path runs along part of the shoreline, giving good vantage points for photos with the surrounding peaks as a backdrop — most rewarding early in the day before crowds build.
Yak Rides
Decorated yaks are available for short rides along the shore — a popular, if touristy, activity that most first-time visitors enjoy despite (or because of) how photogenic it is.
Onward to Nathula
Most visitors continue straight on to Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir after Tsomgo, making the most of the shared permit and vehicle for the day.
Where to Stay
There's no accommodation at Tsomgo Lake itself — this is a day trip destination. Gangtok is the practical base, with options across every budget.
Suggested Visit Plan (1 Day)
Tsomgo Lake
- ✓Early departure from Gangtok
- ✓Lakeside walk and photos
- ✓Optional yak ride
Onward to Nathula
- ✓Continue to Nathula Pass
- ✓Visit Baba Mandir en route
Return
- ✓Drive back to Gangtok
- ✓Rest and dinner
Where to Eat
- Small lakeside stalls: A handful of tea and snack stalls sit near the lake — enough for a warm drink, not a full meal.
- Eat before or after in Gangtok: Plan your main meals around the drive rather than expecting much en route.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | ₹100 | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| Yak ride | ₹300 | ₹500 | ₹800 |
| Shared/private vehicle (round trip) | ₹800 | ₹1,800 | ₹3,500 |
* Figures assume Tsomgo Lake is combined with Nathula Pass in the same day-trip vehicle hire.
Essential Tips for Visiting Tsomgo Lake
- Dress warmly: Even in the warmer months, altitude keeps temperatures low.
- Go early: The lakeside path and yak-ride area fill up fast in peak season.
- Check restricted zones: Some areas near the lake may have photography restrictions given its border-adjacent location.
- Combine with Nathula: Make the most of the shared permit and vehicle hire.
✅ Do
- →Arrive early for a quieter lakeside experience
- →Dress warmly regardless of season
- →Combine the visit with Nathula Pass
- →Negotiate yak-ride prices before starting
- →Carry ID for the shared permit checkpoint
- →Time your visit for rhododendron season if possible
❌ Don't
- →Expect a warm-water lake even in summer
- →Arrive late and miss a quiet lakeside window
- →Ignore posted photography restrictions
- →Rely on the lakeside stalls for a full meal
- →Skip warm layers assuming it's a short stop
- →Forget your ID for the permit checkpoint
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok?
Roughly 40 km, generally visited as part of the same day trip that continues on to Nathula Pass, about 14 km further along the same route.
Do I need a separate permit from Nathula Pass?
No — Tsomgo Lake falls under the same Protected Area Permit required for Nathula, arranged through a registered Gangtok travel agent along with your vehicle and driver.
What is the best time to visit Tsomgo Lake?
March to June for rhododendron bloom and clearer water, and October to December for crisp post-monsoon skies, are both strong choices. The lake freezes over in deep winter, which is still atmospheric but visually different.
Is Tsomgo Lake frozen in winter?
Yes, it typically freezes during the coldest winter months, giving it a snow-and-ice character rather than the blue-green water seen in warmer seasons.
Can Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass be combined in one day?
Yes, this is the standard way most visitors see both — they sit on the same route from Gangtok, and a single day trip with an early start comfortably covers both plus Baba Mandir.
Are yak rides available at Tsomgo Lake?
Yes, yak rides along the lakeshore are a popular activity, though the area can get crowded with tourists doing the same in peak season — arrive early for a quieter experience.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip you’re looking for. We’ll build a Tsomgo Lake and Sikkim itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
AdventureGurudongmar Lake Guide: Permits & Altitude
A stark, sacred lake at roughly 5,183 metres, revered by both Buddhists and Sikhs — one of the highest lakes in the world accessible by vehicle.
AdventureNathula Pass Guide: Permits, Height & Tips
An active Indo-China border trade post on the historic Old Silk Route, at 4,310 metres — the complete Nathula Pass guide.
Off-beatTso Moriri Travel Guide: Ladakh's Most Pristine High-Altitude Lake
A sapphire lake at 4,522 metres on the remote Rupshu plateau, ringed by bare mountains and grazed by wild kiang — Tso Moriri is the Ladakh lake that stayed wild.
Off-beatZuluk Travel Guide: Old Silk Route & Tips
A tiny Old Silk Route hamlet famous for a 32-hairpin-bend zigzag road and quiet homestay life — the complete Zuluk guide.