Food · Tsomgo Lake
Thukpa at the stalls and the ropeway ride
The row of stalls at Tsomgo serves hot noodles, momos, thukpa and sweet tea to warm you up at 3,753 m. Above them, a ropeway climbs to a viewpoint over the whole lake. Together they make a cheerful, cold hour at the end of the shore walk.
Most of the stalls at Tsomgo are run by families from the villages along the road, and their trade is simple: hot food and drink for cold visitors. Expect instant noodles with egg, thukpa, momos, sweet milky tea and coffee, and sometimes local snacks. Prices are a little higher than in Gangtok, about ₹100–250 for a meal, which is fair given the altitude and the transport. Many also rent coats, gloves and boots.
Above the stall area, a ropeway climbs the slope to a viewpoint where you can see the whole lake below and, on a clear day, the bare ridges towards the border. The ride is short. Tickets cost a few hundred rupees, and it closes in high wind or bad weather, so do not plan the day around it. Queues build by late morning in season.
At this height go easy on heavy food and skip alcohol, which makes altitude symptoms worse. A bowl of thukpa and a hot tea are ideal. Carry small notes, as change is scarce. Use the bins or take your litter back to Gangtok: plastic at the lake is a real problem, and Sikkim takes it seriously.
Cost: ₹100–250 food · ropeway extra
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is there food available at Tsomgo Lake?
Yes. A row of stalls by the lake sells instant noodles, thukpa, momos, tea and coffee, usually for ₹100–250 a meal. Most are open in season and on many winter days. Carry small notes, eat light at this altitude and take your litter with you.
How much is the Tsomgo ropeway?
Tickets cost a few hundred rupees per person and change from year to year, so check at the counter. The ropeway climbs from near the lake to a viewpoint over the whole basin. It closes in high wind and bad weather, and queues build by late morning in season.
Are there toilets at Tsomgo Lake?
There are basic public toilets near the stall area, usually for a small fee. They can be crowded and cold. Carry tissues and hand sanitiser. The road from Kyongnosla has few other options, so use the facilities in Gangtok or at the checkpost before the climb.
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
Adventure · Full day from GangtokSnow and ice at Tsomgo in winterTsomgo Lake · ₹800–1,200 shared seat · boots ₹100–200