Snigdha TiwariPart of the Himalayas, the area of Sikkim has a dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga.
Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal which is home to glaciers, alpine meadows, and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. It has several high altitude beautiful lakes that make Sikkim an unquestionable destination to visit.
And if you wish to be hypnotized by the wonders of nature, then a tour across the lakes here is a must. Plenty of lakes can likewise be navigated in the varying landscape.
With the state offering bounty of spots to visit, a pitstop at a portion of the delightful lakes in Sikkim will surely overpower you.
Sikkim’s lake offers unwinding and quieting environs that make tourism in Sikkim dynamic and noteworthy.
Here is the list of 7 Charming Lakes That You Must Visit In Sikkim.
1. Lake Tsomgo
Located some 40 km from the capital Gangtok, Lake Tsomgo, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 3,753 m, the lake remains frozen during the winter season.
A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs take you to Tsomgo Lake which is a must for every visitor traveling to Sikkim.
The lake becomes doubly attractive with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water as you see in the above picture.
The best time to visit this incredible lake is between April and May when the lake is covered in a breathtaking blanket of rhododendrons and orchids.
So, don’t forget to spend some time here and soak in the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
2. Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world which is located at an altitude of 5,183 m, in the Indian state of Sikkim, encircled by snow-capped mountains and crystal clear icy water.
This lake is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus.
The splendid and scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking and attracts tourists from all across the world which has also a great religious significance attached to it, and the beautiful view of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga from the lake is a sight to behold and cherish.
The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is between November and June as the weather is quite pleasant at that time of the year.
3. Tso Lhamo Lake
Situated in North Sikkim about 4 km southwest of the international border with China, Tso Lhamo Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 5,098 m which is fed by waters from Zemu glacier, Kangtse glacier, or Pauhunri glacier, and is the source of the Teesta river.
This gorgeous lake is popular with many names; Tso Lhamo Lake, Chho Lhamo, Cholamu Lake, or Cholamoo Lake.
Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, the crystal blue waters of the lake provide an enchanting view that is blessed with delightful views that creates an enchanting environment and fills the rare visitors with a sense of peace.
As it is situated a few km away from the Tibet border visitors need an Army permit before taking the normal tourist permit.
The ideal time to visit Tso Lhamo Lake is the months of October and November as one can witness a clear sky during this time of the year.
4. Elephant Lake
Locally called Bitan Cho, Elephant Lake is one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim, with high mountains and valleys bordering it. Owing to its resemblance to an elephant, this lake is known as Elephant Lake but the real name of this lake is “Kupup Lake”.
The amazing view of the lake will make you feel that nothing could be more peaceful and serene on earth that nestles at an altitude of 13,066 feet, on the way to Jelepla Pass, bordering area with China and India.
The Elephant Lake is beyond beautiful; it is a heaven in itself that has always offered nature lovers and adventure fanatics the much-desired joy of a thrilling tour.
If you are passing through the Old Silk Route to Dzuluk and Jelep La Pass, this beautiful lake is a must-have on your itinerary because you just can’t stop yourself from admiring this wonderful lake.
This lake is completely frozen from January to mid-May. From October to December, the lake is partly covered in sheet ice. From April to July, you can witness a good bloom of flowers around the lake.
July to September is not a recommended time because of the monsoons. So, except for the rainy season, it is always a good time to visit the sparkling Kupup Lake.
5. Lake Menmecho
Situated at a distance of 20 km ahead of Lake Tsomgo, Menmecho Lake is a mountain lake located in the East Sikkim district that lies on the way to the Jelepla Pass.
Surrounded by untouched pine forests and deep slopes, Menmecho Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of Sikkim at an altitude of 12,500 feet.
Fed by melted waters of the icy mountains – Menmecho Lake acts as the source of river Rangpo-chu and stays frozen from January to August.
Did you know? Menmecho Lake is said to change colors every minute.
The best time to visit this mystic beauty is during the months of June to December.
6. Kathok Lake
Located in Yuksom of West Sikkim, Kathok Lake is a beautiful and serene lake where you can spend endless hours in the quiet of nature.
Kathok Lake gets its name from Lama Kathok Kuntu Zangpo who introduced Buddhism here and is also known as “Kathok Tsho”.
The crystal clear water of this serene lake displays the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains and the clouds looming over them where the prayer flags around the lake add color to the large lush green environs around the lake that looks so mesmerizing.
Kathok Lake is considered the most loved hotspot for travelers to invest some quiet energy in isolation, while the enthusiastic picture takers can click some alluring pictures with no additional endeavors.
The best time to visit this lake is from March to May which is considered to be the first-class time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings around the lake amidst the pleasant climate.
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