East Sikkim · Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Tsomgo Lake
The sacred glacial lake 38 km from Gangtok — yak rides, a ropeway and a frozen surface in winter.
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- Altitude 12,400 ft
- From Gangtok 38 km · 1.5–2 hrs
- Best months January–May and October–December
- Stay Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
1. Why visit Tsomgo Lake and what to expect
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake sits at 12,400 ft in a bowl of snow peaks, a 1.5 to 2 hour drive above Gangtok. It is a permit day-trip, usually combined with Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass, with yak rides, a cable car to a 14,500 ft viewpoint and primula blooms in late spring. There is no accommodation at the lake; you sleep in Gangtok.
Top sights
- Tsomgo (Changu) glacial lake
- Yak rides on the shore
- Tsomgo ropeway to a 14,500 ft viewpoint
- Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
- Lakeside Shiva temple
- Primula flower trail (April–May)
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 12,400 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 38 km · 1.5–2 hrs |
| Stay | Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok — Gangtok guide |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Cross 3rd Mile checkpost before 10:00 AM (depart Gangtok 7:00–8:00 AM). |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Possible, cloudy |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open; lake freezes in January–February |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay (base: Gangtok)
10 properties from ₹748 to ₹11,015 per night for two.
Great Eastern Valley Residency (JN Road Route)
2-Star Transit Hotel · JN Rd, above Enchey School, Upper Chandmari, Gangtok (Tsomgo Route), Sikkim 737103
- Direct JN Road access to Tsomgo Lake
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Hot Water
₹1,026 / night ≈ ₹513 per person, twin share
Tsomgo Alpine Homestay (Kyongnosla / 15th Mile)
High-Altitude Homestay · JN Road, Near Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim 737103
- Heated Blankets
- Home-Cooked Meals
- Hot Water
- Mountain View
₹1,500 / night ≈ ₹750 per person, twin share
Udaan Alpine Resort (Upper Gangtok - Tsomgo Approach)
4-Star Resort · Chongeytar, GRBA Road, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Permit Assistance
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Valley View
₹2,305 / night ≈ ₹1,153 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Magellan's Hotel Renam
Budget Hotel · Mahatma Gandhi Marg, near West Point, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Walking distance to MG Marg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹748 / night ≈ ₹374 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Narayani Continental Hotel
3-Star Hotel · Upper Sichey Rd, opposite Tamang Gumpa, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹778 / night ≈ ₹389 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Golden Crest Hotel
4-Star Hotel · NH10, Amdo Golai, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Room Service
₹1,059 / night ≈ ₹530 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Zostel Gangtok
Backpacker Hostel & Private Rooms · Upper Sichey Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Rooftop Cafe & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Laundry
₹1,429 / night ≈ ₹715 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa
4-Star Hotel · Near Swastik Gate, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
₹2,043 / night ≈ ₹1,022 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Alpine Resort, Gangtok
4-Star Hotel · Chongeytar, GRBA Road, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
₹2,305 / night ≈ ₹1,153 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
5-Star Luxury Resort · Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
- Free Breakfast
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Casino
- Fitness Center
₹11,015 / night ≈ ₹5,508 per person, twin share
Tsomgo Lake FAQs
Is a permit needed for Tsomgo Lake?
Yes. Indian citizens need a Protected Area Permit arranged 24 hours ahead through a registered operator, with an original Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence plus 2 passport photos. Aadhaar and PAN are not accepted.
Can foreigners visit Tsomgo Lake?
Yes, with an RAP/ILP for Sikkim plus a PAP issued to a group of at least 2 foreign nationals through a registered agency. Foreigners cannot continue to Nathula Pass.
When is Tsomgo Lake frozen?
Usually in January and February, with fresh snow around the banks from late December to March.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Baba Mandir
The army shrine to Baba Harbhajan Singh at 13,200 ft, between Tsomgo and Kupup.
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Nathula Pass
The Indo-China border pass at 14,140 ft on the Old Silk Route — closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
