Changu Lake / Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Changu Lake was one of the places that I was eager to see during my recent trip to Sikkim. But when I got there, somehow I wasn’t charmed by it as I hoped for. It could be all the touristy construction and army bunkers around it or it could just be me. Indian Army has a considerable presence near Changu Lake, thanks to our friendly neighbours across the border who love our land so much that they get possessive about it.
My attempt to get good pictures of the lake failed miserably, but I did not give up completely on it. It did not help that I spent very little time next to the lake. What did help a bit is a magic formula that the mountain people in the Himalayas use for making anything and everything pretty. The fluttering prayer flags along the shore brought alive the lake that otherwise lacked luster.
A few pictures here, they definitely could’ve been better.
About Changu Lake
Changu Lake is located on the Gangtok-Nathula road at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Although it is only 40km from Gangtok, the mountain roads ensure that it is a whole day’s trip to visit the lake and get back to the town. Visit to the lake requires an inner line permit, which has to be obtained at Gangtok at least a day earlier. Most people normally combine the visit to Changu with Nathula, about 10km ahead on the same road.
There are basic tourist facilities next to the lake, where you can savour some momos and shop for souvenirs from Sikkim.
