Caution
Tsomgo Lake in September
Sikkim, India
September Tsomgo is the monsoon's slow retreat. Late month gives you 50/50 odds of seeing the lake without cloud cover.
The September story
Last week of September is your earliest post-monsoon gamble. Not reliable, but when it works, the lake is empty and stunning.
Why September scores 2/5
Weather
Late monsoon
Roads & Access
note: From Gangtok — 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) — Scenic lake experience, Yak rides available, Snow play in winter
Elevation
3,753m — High altitude, acclimatisation needed
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓flexible travelers
- ✓gamblers on weather
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗families needing certainty
- ✗photographers needing clear shots
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | January Tsomgo is a frozen mirror at 3753m — 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 — 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 — deep blue water, green slopes, snow peaks behind. |
| June | 2/5 | Monsoon starts |
| July | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| Septemberviewing | 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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