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SIKKIM LAKES |
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On the face
of it, one would not expect to find lakes on such
a rugged terrain. But surprisingly, Sikkim does
have lakes though not very large in size. These
lakes are both spring fed as well as river fed.
On the highway between Gangtok and Nathu La, 34
kms. from Gangtok lies the serene Tsomgo(Changu)
Lake at an altitude of about 11,000 feet. Khecheopalri
lake is another well known lake that lies on a
bifurcation of the route between Gyalshing and
Yuksom . Menmecho lake, Green lake and Samiti
lake are some other beautiful lakes. |
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Tsomgo(Changu) Lake
Tsomgo literally means "source of the lake
" in Bhutia language. ' TSO' means lake and
' MGO' means head. At about 40 kms. away from
Gangtok , this serene and holy lake is situated
at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok - Nathu
La highway. It is about 1 km. long, oval in shape,
15 meters deep. It is also a home of brahmini
ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory
birds. |
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Many tributary glaciers feed
the trunk glacier. The side valleys in which these
glaciers lie open into the main Zemu Valley from
different directions. Icefalls and waterfalls
have formed at the junction of the tributary glaciers
with the Zemu glacier.
The lake remains frozen during the winter months
up to mid-May. Between May and August it is possible
to see a variety of flowers in blooms, including
the rhododendrons, various species of primulas,
blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. It is also
an ideal habitat for the red panda and various
species of birds. |
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Menmecho Lake
20 Kms. further away from Tsomgo(Changu) Lake
is this beautiful lake which lies cradled between
the mountains below the Jelep La Pass and is the
source of river Rangpo-chu. It derives its water
from melting snows around. The lake is famous
for its Trout and a farm to cultivate these fish
also exist nearby. |
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Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri lake is considered as one of the
sacred lakes of this state both by the Buddhist
and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the
rich forest cover. It is believed that the birds
do not permit even a single leaf to float on the
lake surface. There is a motor able road from
Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.For those
interested in spending a nightCourtesy & ©
Siniolchu Tours & Travelsor two in the peaceful
environment a trekkers hut has been provided by
the tourism office. The hut is presently managed
by a local person and provides comfortable stay
providing a taste of local cuisine which may include
'chang' brew made of fermented millet. There is
also a pilgrim's hut, managed by the tourism department
, which is meant to provide accommodation to the
people who come on pilgrim tours. |
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Karthok Lake
Kathok and Khecheopalri are two important lakes
of this area. Khecheopalri, known as the "Wishing
Lake", is one of Sikkim's most sacred lakes.
A festival held every year at Khecheopalri Lake
during February-March draws people from all over
Sikkim. Another is held at Yuksam during Decembe-January
in connection with Kathok Lake. |
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Green Lake
The Green Lake is fast developing into a take-off
point for mountaineering expeditions to the peaks
of this area. The Green Lake may in the minds
of many conjure up an image of beautiful, exotic
waterbody, but sadly it is not true. Infact in
1899 the lake had disappeared according to D.
W. Freshfield who writes, the hollow enclosed
between the covering moraines of Zemu and Green
Lake Glaciers has been lately a lake, and was
now a lake basin. |
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Samiti Lake
As you climb towards Gochala Pass and pause to
take a deep breadth, you can enjoy the colour
of transparent torquise of Lake Samiti- A glacial
lake in the Onglathang valley. (a view from west
sikkim) |
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Tso Lhamu Lake
Tso Lhamu is a lake which lies on the plateau
that juts into Sikkim into Tibet. From this moderately
sized lake, the Teesta River takes birth as a
trickle hardly a foot wide. The water in the lake
flirts with ice before getting frozen in winter.
The reflection of the surrounding mountains doubles
the beauty. Everything looks so prehistoric that
you almost expect to see a Dinosaur amble by.
A flock of birds, the cranes swims on the placid
ice water of Chola Mu. These birds are migratory
from Russia, China and other parts of India. |
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Lakshmi Pokhari
It is a big natural lake cupped in deep crater.
The rim of the crater is so hard above the lake
level that it is easy t o photograph the complete
lake without using a wide angle lens. As you invoke
the blessing on the bank of this Pristine Lake,
you cannot help thinking that it is here that
God really resides.
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