Enroute to The Mystic Changu Lake in Sikkim
Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake, located in Gangtok, is one of the enchanting lakes in the picturesque landscape of Sikkim. I was on a short tour a few years back into the hills and Changu Lake was a member of my bucket list.
The Journey
My tour started with a flight to Bagdogra and then a cab to reach Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. From Gangtok, I hired a cab with a tourist guide and started off for Changu Lake. The drive to Changu Lake is almost 40 km from Gangtok. There is no accommodation in Changu hence I had to base my stay at Gangtok.
Interesting Facts about the Lake
Changu Lake is located at an altitude of 12,400 feet encapsulated within the hauling rocky mountains. The spread of the lake is almost 1 km. The place is known for many myths about the local Buddhists and Hindus. There is also a certain belief about Holy Baba Harbhajan Singh who is worshipped dedicatedly by the Indian military force guarding the mountain borders.
My ultimate destination was to reach New Baba Mandir. The first stop was at the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, almost 30 km from Gangtok. Many adventurous trekkers go for exploring the surrounding of the sanctuary. I preferred a lazy hang out in the sanctuary watching the majestic view of the scenery around. The sanctuary is located at an altitude of 4000 meters. It's astonishing to watch the snow-clad mountains. The reflection of the sunbeams on the mountain tops and the flowing white clouds create a magical effect. It was a pleasure to watch the rhododendrons with their vibrant colors. I have a special crush for orchids and the sanctuary offered me some rare species of orchids.
It is better to visit in the month of May when the weather is comfortable and soothing. Many may like to visit in the winters to watch the ecstatic snowfall and the mountains fully clad with the fluffy snow. Engulfing myself within the lap of the stunning landscape, I continued on my journey. My next stop was at the Shiv Mandir, said to be the highest Shiva temple in the world. The place looks heavenly with the huge Shiva idol placed at the top of the temple and the gushing sound of the Nammangcho waterfall behind the temple.
Reaching the Lake
My journey continued further along the Gangtok – Nathula Highway. Each and every moment, Mother Nature seemed to unfold its mystery of hidden treasures. When I reached Changu Lake, I was greeted with a vibrant landscape full of poppies, irises, and rhododendrons. The oval-shaped lake looked spectacular at the backdrop of the mountains.
There were yaks roaming around. It's funny but quite amazing to watch the yaks decked up in colorful garments. The tinkling of the bells around their necks creates a musical swaying wave in the air. Just like many tourists I also took a short yak ride. Near the lake, there is a small market selling jewelry, yak cheese, woolens made of yak wool, trinkets, local curios, and souvenirs. Tourists and the locals were in abundance enjoying the yak rides and the shops. There are few eateries and cafeterias around where you can rest your hunger and quench your thirst.
I took a slow walk along the lakeside. The beauty seemed endless. It is said that the color of the lake waters changes with the seasons. During the winter the lake is fully frozen and white. The place is also inhabited by many migratory birds. A small bridge serves as the entrance to the lake. It leads to the point where you can view the entire lake and the mountains. I felt like spreading my imaginary wings and whizz over the lake like a bird. I let my eyes close and drifted my imagination into the magical world of beauty.
Calming myself into the panoramic view of the lake, I proceeded towards my journey to New Baba Mandir.
Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
Thanks to those who liked my Travelogue on Changu lake
I want to see those yaks in person. Man, how big are they?!
Not very huge but ok to have a short ride.
These photos really make me want to go there! Those Yaks are pretty freaking amazing too! Want to pet them!
Cool you can try once
My husband and I are planning a trip to Sikkim soon. Glad I saw this post, a visit to Changu Lake is surely up! Thank you xx
I’ve heard that most lakes have a mystical nature because of how it’s structured. This one seems to be no different. I’d love to have this view on a daily basis.
I had no idea about this lake and it’s beauty. I would imagine the animals that surround it make good use of it.
Very serene and nice place
I would be MESMERIZED to see a yak. I saw a buffalo once and circled around to go back and see it up close. I loved it!
They decorate the yaks nicely
Wow.. I wanna see rhos eyaks in person.. It loks amazing. The lake is beautiful but it’s so bog and it’s kinda scary to imagine what’s beneath there… 😐
oh no dont worry Geraline. Its a lovely place. The lake is very serene
What an experience! That lake looks beautiful, I love how the mountains surround it.
You will love the place
This place looks like a true hidden gem. It looks so pretty! I hope you had a fun time.
I did especially with my kid. Thank you for liking the post
This looks like such a pretty place!
Yes indeed it is
Thank you so much
So many great things to love about this place. Looks so quiet and peaceful. I would love to go here one day.
Please plan for a visit
I never knew about this place before, and those view is just so stunning! I think I will consider this place to visit. I would love a place with very calming environment. It’s beautiful.
Very nice place. But plan during the summers
I have heard so much about Changu lake and it truly does justice to what I’ve heard. Looks amazing!
Did you visit the place?
I am going to visit Changu lake this September.
Thanks for sharing the experience and tips.
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