Lake Tsomgo day trip from Gangtok: glacial lake at high altitude

A steep 25-mile drive to a frozen glacial lake, then time at the water's edge

This day trip from Gangtok takes you by car to Lake Tsomgo, a glacial lake situated 25 miles away at 10,000 feet elevation. The drive climbs steeply from 5,410 feet, passing through mountain terrain as the altitude rises. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with an English-speaking guide and entrance fees. A Sikkim Inner Line permit and a Restricted Area permit are required to visit the lake; the operator will email the application form after you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Excursion to Lake Tsomgo from Gangtok

• Pick up from hotel in morning
• Drive to Lake Tsomgo
• Enjoy views of glacial lake
• Spend time at lake edge
• Drive back to Gangtok
• Drop off at hotel

The Experience

The drive itself is the main event here. You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and head toward Lake Tsomgo on a road that gains 4,590 feet of elevation in 25 miles—steep enough that the gradient becomes noticeable with each turn. The landscape shifts as you climb, and the journey takes up most of the day. Bring water: two bottles per person are included, though the altitude and the winding road make hydration worth planning for.

Lake Tsomgo is a glacial lake that freezes solid during winter months, sometimes into May. When the snow cover melts in summer, it becomes the lake's water source, and the clear water reflects the colors of the surrounding landscape—the main reason people make the drive. You'll spend time at the edge of the lake before heading back down to Gangtok, where you'll be dropped at your hotel. The whole outing runs about seven hours from pickup to drop-off.

Two permits are required to visit: a Sikkim Inner Line permit (obtained when you apply for your Indian visa, or at checkpoints in India, though that can be slow) and a Restricted Area permit specific to Lake Tsomgo. The operator will email you the application form after booking. You'll need to send scanned copies of your passport, visa, a passport photo and the Inner Line permit at least ten working days before your travel date, and carry all original documents on the day. A minimum of two people is required to obtain the travel permit.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Gangtok.
• entrance fees to Lake Tsomgo.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.
• two bottles of mineral water per person.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SITA World Tours

Is this one for you?The English-speaking guide means you'll understand the landscape and the climb as it unfolds, which matters on a drive this steep and long. Book this if you're comfortable with seven hours in a car on winding mountain roads and want someone explaining what you're seeing along the way.

Top questions

How high is Lake Tsomgo and what is the drive like from Gangtok?

Lake Tsomgo sits at 10,000 feet elevation, and the drive from Gangtok climbs from 5,410 feet to that altitude over 25 miles, making it a steep, winding route through mountain terrain. The ascent is the defining part of the journey.

What permits do I need to visit Lake Tsomgo from Gangtok?

You need two permits: a Sikkim Inner Line permit (obtained with your Indian visa or at checkpoints in India) and a Restricted Area permit specific to Lake Tsomgo. The operator provides the application form after booking, and you must submit scanned documents at least ten working days before your travel date.

What is Lake Tsomgo like in winter versus summer?

Lake Tsomgo freezes solid during winter months, sometimes through May. In summer, the snow melts and becomes the water source for the lake, and the clear water reflects the surrounding landscape, which is when the scenic beauty is most visible.

What is included in this day trip from Gangtok?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to Lake Tsomgo, an English-speaking guide, and two bottles of mineral water per person. The full outing takes about seven hours.

What is the minimum group size for this tour?

A minimum of two people is required to obtain the travel permit to Lake Tsomgo, so solo travelers cannot book this tour.

Is food provided on the drive to Lake Tsomgo?

Food and drinks are not included in this tour, so plan to bring snacks or eat before departure if you prefer to have meals during the day.