Adventure · Tsomgo Lake
Snow and ice at Tsomgo in winter
From about January to March Tsomgo freezes over and snow covers the shore and slopes. For many visitors from the plains it is their first snow. Dress for well below freezing, hire boots on the way and keep a spare day in case snow closes the road.
In winter the lake changes completely. Ice spreads across the water from December, and by January Tsomgo is usually white and frozen, with snow banked along the shore and the road. It can stay frozen into March and sometimes April. The stalls stay open in most weeks, the yaks still come down, and families spend the hour throwing snowballs and taking photographs in hired coats.
Getting there is the uncertain part. Heavy snow can close the road above Kyongnosla for a day or more until the army clears it, and on some days permits are issued only up to the lake, not on to Nathu La. Shared jeeps and cars carry chains. Keep a spare day in Gangtok, and ask your operator the evening before what the road report says.
Dress for temperatures well below freezing: thermal layers, a down jacket, gloves, a woollen hat and thick socks. Stalls on the way hire knee-length boots and long coats for ₹100–200 each, which is worth it for children. Do not walk on the ice, however solid it looks, and wear dark glasses, as snow glare at this height is strong. Hot noodles at the stalls are part of the day.
Cost: ₹800–1,200 shared seat · boots ₹100–200
Questions people ask
Good to know
When does Tsomgo Lake freeze?
Tsomgo usually begins to freeze in December and is often fully frozen from January to March, sometimes into April. The exact weeks vary each year with the weather. If you want a frozen lake, January and February are the safest months. Check current status before you travel.
Can we walk on frozen Tsomgo Lake?
No. Do not walk on the ice, even when it looks solid. Its thickness varies and the lake is deep. Stay on the shore and the snow banks, where the stalls and yak herders are. The lake is also sacred, and locals ask visitors to treat it with respect.
Is the Tsomgo road open after snowfall?
Often not for a day or more after heavy snow, until it is cleared. On some winter days permits are issued only up to Tsomgo and not to Nathu La. Keep a spare day in your plan, ask your operator the evening before, and check current status before you travel.
Also in Tsomgo Lake
More things to do
Viewpoints · 45 minutes–1 hour at the lakeAn early walk along Tsomgo's shoreTsomgo Lake · Included in your tour or car
Wildlife and birds · 30–60 minutes of stops on the driveRhododendrons in the Kyongnosla sanctuaryTsomgo Lake · Included in a reserved car
Food · 1 hourThukpa at the stalls and the ropeway rideTsomgo Lake · ₹100–250 food · ropeway extra