Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim is one of the most fascinating lakes in India, situated at a staggering elevation of more than 12,000 feet above sea level. The picturesque lake attracts a number of tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning to visit Tsomgo Lake and wondering what things to do at Tsomgo Lake, this is the right place for you! Let’s get started.
Tsomgo Lake Things To See: 7 Things You Simply Cannot Miss Out!
1. Take A Yak Ride
When you’re at Tsomgo Lake, there are yak ride services available on the banks of the lake. There are decorated yaks that visitors can sit on and ride. As these animals are made for high-altitude regions, one can take short rides on them. During the colder months, when snow covers parts of the landscape, the yak ride experience can feel even more surreal.
Even if you are not keen on experiencing a yak ride, we recommend interacting with the yaks and seeing these magnificent animals from up close.
2. Enjoy A Ropeway Ride
Enjoying the ropeway ride here is definitely one of the best things to do at Tsomgo Lake. The ropeway ride, one of the highest in Asia, gives a unique perspective of the landscape, letting you see how dramatic the terrain is from above. Instead of observing the lake from its banks, you get a bird’s eye view of the lake and the surrounding area.
The scenery can be beautiful throughout the year, but the view in the snow season can be particularly picturesque. The ride takes about 10 minutes only to reach the view point, from where you can observe the lake and the surrounding landscape. However, it is advised to enquire about ropeway operations, tickets, and riding hours in advance, especially during the winter months.
3. Visit The Lakeside Shiva Temple
Despite being situated at an elevation of about 12,000 feet above sea level, there is a fully functional Shiva temple along the banks of the lake. The temple is revered and locals and tourists alike visit it to offer their prayers. If you’re visiting the lake, you can visit the temple for a peaceful atmosphere. As with any place of worship, remember to be respectful of local customs and traditions while visiting.
4. Explore The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
If you’re traveling towards Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok, you can consider making a detour to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. Located along the route, the sanctuary protects the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of the region. The sanctuary is known for its alpine vegetation, colorful Himalayan flora, and unique wildlife native to the region. It is a reserved, restricted wildlife area that requires visitors to have a special permit to access.
Also Read: Best Offbeat Villages In Sikkim
5. Sip Hot Tea And Enjoy Snacks At The Local Stalls
At a bone-chilling altitude of over 12,000 feet, nothing beats a warm cup of masala chai and a comforting bowl of noodles. And luckily, there are a few stalls around the tourist area of the lake where you can sit and enjoy hot tea and snacks.
Enjoy a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or other warm beverages while taking a break from Sikkim sightseeing. You can also find a few snacks like instant noodles, momo, and a few other snacks to munch on. Just remember that options can be limited, so don’t expect a large restaurant-style menu.
6. Continue Your Journey To Baba Mandir
A trip to Tsomgo Lake is often combined with a visit to the legendary Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, popularly called Baba Mandir. The temple is dedicated to martyred Indian Army soldier Harbhajan Singh and is known to have been constructed by his team members who had a vision about him.
Located at a higher altitude, the memorial is dedicated to Indian Army soldier Harbhajan Singh and is surrounded by numerous stories and legends. The site has become an important stop for visitors traveling through this part of Sikkim. Since this is a high-altitude area, make sure you are adequately acclimatized and follow local travel and permit requirements.
Also Read: What Is the Best Time To Visit Sikkim? Month-by-Month Guide
7. Drive Through The Nathula Pass
If you have the time and the required Sikkim permits, you can extend your Tsomgo Lake Sikkim visit to drive through the Nathula Pass. As one of Sikkim’s most famous high-altitude attractions, Nathula Pass is located on the India-China border. It is higher than Tsomgo Lake, at an elevation of about 14,140 feet and was once an important part of the historic Silk Route.
The drive from Tsomgo Lake takes you through some spectacular Himalayan terrain, with winding roads, snow-covered slopes and dramatic mountain views. Once at the pass, visitors can catch a glimpse of the border area and learn more about its historical and strategic significance.
Note: Information about these activities has been taken from verified online sources. Kindly check with local authorities and local organizations for detailed information.
Summing Up
These are some of the best things to do at Tsomgo Lake. From riding a yak to sipping hot chai and even driving further away towards Nathula and Baba Mandir, one can do a lot around the lake and a little beyond it. However, we recommend planning your trip in advance, checking with local authorities, carrying comfortable winter wear, and the required permits for a hassle-free journey.
