Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometers from Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season.
The lake surface reflects different colors with changes of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colors of the lake. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains which are covered with snow during winter. During summer the snow cover melts and forms the source for the lake.
Tsomgo Lake is related to many myths and stories. The Sikkimese regard the lake as holy. In ancient times, Buddhists would study the colour of the lake ‘s water to predict the future. The lake is also of huge importance to the Jhakris (faith healers) of Sikkim. They gather here on Guru Purnima every year to offer their prayers.
