Caution
Tsomgo Lake in July
Sikkim, India
July Tsomgo is a ghost lake â if you can even reach it through the landslides. Most days the road is closed before you leave Gangtok.
The July story
Check road status at 6am with the Gangtok taxi stand. If they say no, believe them.
Why July scores 2/5
Weather
Peak monsoon
Roads & Access
note: From Gangtok â 40km, 2 hrs on good road. Permit required (arranged by tour operators).. from nearest city: Gangtok 40km, 2 hrs
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. note: No facility at lake. Army camp nearby. Gangtok 40km has STNM Hospital (excellent).. rescue: Army + BRO. ambulance: 108 from Gangtok. nearest hospital: STNM Hospital Gangtok (40km)
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. No signal at lake. All networks in Gangtok.
Kids
Kid-friendly (3/5) â Scenic lake experience, Yak rides available, Snow play in winter
Elevation
3,753m â High altitude, acclimatisation needed
Who should go
- âTravelers with basic fitness
- âmonsoon adventurers with backup plans
Who should think twice
- âThose with mobility issues
- âeveryone else
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | January Tsomgo is a frozen mirror at 3753m â the lake is solid ice framed by snow-dusted slopes. |
| February | 3/5 | February Tsomgo stays frozen and adds occasional fresh snow for drama. |
| March | 4/5 | March Tsomgo is a split personality â half the lake frozen, half liquid, with the line moving daily. |
| April | 4/5 | April Tsomgo wakes up green. The lake reflects blue sky instead of grey and the surrounding slopes light up with wildflowers. |
| May | 4/5 | May Tsomgo is the postcard version â deep blue water, green slopes, snow peaks behind. |
| June | 2/5 | Monsoon starts |
| Julyviewing | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| September | 2/5 | Late monsoon |
| October | 4/5 | Post-monsoon clarity |
| November | 4/5 | November Tsomgo gets its first ice crystals at the edges while the center stays liquid. |
| December | 3/5 | December Tsomgo begins its annual freeze. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Gangtok 40km, 2 hrs
Elevation
3,753m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
mid-range
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