Viewpoints · Tsomgo Lake
An early walk along Tsomgo's shore
Reach Tsomgo early, before the crowds and the cloud, and walk slowly along part of the shore. On a calm morning the water reflects the slopes and the far-shore prayer flags. It is short, cold and the best hour of a Tsomgo day.
Most shared jeeps reach Tsomgo between about 9 and 10 am. If you hire a car, ask the operator to leave Gangtok by 7 am so you arrive before the main wave. At that hour the stalls are still opening, the yaks are being led down, and if there is no wind the lake is flat enough to hold the reflection of the bare slopes and snow ridges above it. By noon cloud often fills the basin and the wind rises.
A path runs along part of the shore from the stall area. Walk it slowly: at 3,753 m every step feels harder than it should, and walking fast is the quickest way to a headache. Stop at the prayer flags, look back across the water, and keep to the path, since the edges are soft in summer and icy in winter. Do not throw coins or anything else into the water. The lake is sacred, and this is a request locals make often.
Forty-five minutes to an hour at the shore is enough for most people. Have a hot tea at a stall afterwards, then continue to Baba Mandir or back to Gangtok. If anyone in your group feels dizzy, has a bad headache or feels sick, go down at once; symptoms usually ease as you descend.
Cost: Included in your tour or car
Questions people ask
Good to know
What is the best time of day to visit Tsomgo Lake?
Early morning, roughly 8–10 am, is best. The lake is calmer, the light is clear and there are fewer people. Cloud often rises by noon and the afternoon wind is cold. Ask your operator for an early start, as permits allow travel from the morning only.
Can we walk around Tsomgo Lake?
You can walk along part of the shore on the path from the stall area, which takes 30–45 minutes at an easy pace. A full circuit is not usual for visitors. Walk slowly because of the altitude, keep to the path and avoid the edges, which are soft in summer and icy in winter.
Is boating allowed at Tsomgo Lake?
No. Boating and swimming are not allowed, and the lake is sacred to the Sikkimese. Visitors are asked not to throw coins or other objects into the water or to wash in it. Enjoy it from the shore path, the yak area and the ropeway viewpoint.
Also in Tsomgo Lake
More things to do
Wildlife and birds · 30–60 minutes of stops on the driveRhododendrons in the Kyongnosla sanctuaryTsomgo Lake · Included in a reserved car
Adventure · Full day from GangtokSnow and ice at Tsomgo in winterTsomgo Lake · ₹800–1,200 shared seat · boots ₹100–200
Food · 1 hourThukpa at the stalls and the ropeway rideTsomgo Lake · ₹100–250 food · ropeway extra