Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is also popular as Changu Lake. This placid lake is a freezing lake located in the Eastern part of Sikkim, India. It is nearly 40 kms away from the Gangtok city. It is at an elevation of about 12400 ft. The route to the Nathula pass crosses the Tsomgo Lake on the northern side. The average deepness of this lake is 50 ft. According to Bhutia language ‘Tsomgo’ is literally called as the ‘fount of lake’. This lake is only a kilometer in length and its shape is oval. It is believed to be a holy lake by the locales and it is considered as Sikkim’s most high elevation lake. This place is a home of red panda, brahminy ducks and various bird species. The cool, calm water of this lake enhances the beauty of the landscapes around. Surrounded by magnificent snow covered mountains, the view of the lake is breathtaking. A temple of deity Shiva is built on the side of the lake. Various species of flower including primula, the rhododendron, yellow and blue poppy and iris etc. bloom around the lake. The source of water of Tsomgo Lake is from the snow that melts from the mountains around. From the Tsomgo Lake, the Lungtze Chu River originates and further meets Rangpo-chu down its way. During the earlier days, the lamas by studying the tinge of lake’s water, used to predict the future. If the water had a dark colour, it indicated a phase of hard time and turbulence in the terrain.

This lake is a famous tourist spot in Sikkim. The best time to visit Tsomgo Lake is from March to May and Cabs are available from the Gangtok city to get to this Tsomgo Lake.

Nathula Pass

One of the rocky mountain pass of the Himalayas, the Nathula pass connects Sikkim which is an Indian state with Tibet self-governing region in China. This pass is located at an elevation of 14140 ft. It appears as a part of the branch of the archaic Silk Road. The word ‘Nathu’ means “hearing ears” and the meaning of ‘La’ is “pass” according to Tibetan language. Nathula pass is positioned about 56 kms from the Gangtok city, on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Only the Indian citizens can visit this pass after getting an Inner Line Permit from Gangtok. This pass is one of the 3 open border trading posts between India and China. The other 2 are in Uttarakhand and in Himachal Pradesh. This pass was sealed after Indo-Chinese war in 1962 and in 2006 it was re-opened following two-sided trade agreements. This opening lessens the travelling distance of the important Buddhist and Hindu shrines in this terrain.

 

The road to Nathula pass is one of the motorable roads at maximum height. This area is covered richly with a variety of alpine ecology except the snow. On Tibet side, there are two highways, one is Kangmar-Yadong and the other one is Yadong-Nathu La highways and these are included in the construction plans of 2006. The closest railway station in India is New Jalpaiguri railway station. A serene spot to visit, Nathula pass is open 5 days only in the whole week. The best time to visit Nathula pass is from March to June. This is a must visit tourist spot in Sikkim and cabs are available from the Gangtok city to get to the Nathula pass.