Tsango Lake, Sikkim, India
It was June 2007. Gangtok, Sikkim, India. We woke up early morning to start our journey to the Indo China border at Nathula Pass. We had booked jeeps to drive us on the Gangtok – Nathula Highway, the trade route between India and China. The border with Tibet was closed in 1962 as a result of the chinese aggression. Nathula pass was repoened in 2006.
Getting away from the city, into the unexploited ranges of the Himalayas took us close to 30 minutes. The excitement increased as we start ascending on the narrow curvy mountain roads. The road, more famously known as the Silk Route, went through the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.
The sanctuary prides on rich flora and fauna. The Tall junipers and silver firs lace the mountains with its alluring presence. Forming a bed to the tall alpines are the ground orchids and rhododendrons. All of us kept silent in admiration to the enchanting setting of nature.
We passed through several Indian Army camps and check posts on route. After a 37 Km drive (which took us close to 2.5 Hours), we reached the Tsango Lake (pronounced as Chango and also known as Tsomgo). The lake stood serene between snow-clad mountains at 3752 metres above sea level.
We got off the car, all our eyes unable to waver away from the beauty of the backdrop that beheld us. The water was blue and the reflection of the sun on the water shined the snow clad peaks into radiances unimaginable.
After talking to a few locals, we learned that the average depth of the water in the lake was 50 – 60 ft.
The lake is known to freeze during winter. Although it wasnt frozen during our visit, the water kept very still. The water was ice-cold to touch.
A few shops were setup which sold traditional goods of the mountain range. The only food available was Maggie noodles and Momos. However, we were delighted with the hot meal served which helped us in keeping warm against the cold.
Also a fun thing to do at Tsango lake was the Yak ride on one-side lenght of the lake. The yaks were huge and furry, dressed with colourful belts and bells.
The lake is considered to be very holy by the locals of the region and they protect the serenity with immense dedication.
Holy or not, it felt like heaven to stand there by the lake and cherish the comfort it bestowed. Like a blessing of nature.
