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Tsomgo
literally means "Source of the Lake " in Bhutia language. ' TSO'
means lake and ' MGO' means head. At about 40-km away from
Gangtok, this serene and holy lake is
situated at an altitude of 12,400 ft on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. It
is about 1-km. long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep. It is also a home of
Brahminy Ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory birds.
Visiting Season
The lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May. Between
May and August it is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms,
including the Rhododendrons, various species of Primulas, blue and yellow
Poppies, Irises, etc. It is also an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and
various species of birds.
HOW
TO GET THERE Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is
124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air with
all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please contact any
one of the Sikkim tourism offices.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km
(about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is
well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway bookings
can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalised transport
terminus.
Road: Gangtok is connected with
Darjeeling
, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. the Sikkim
nationalised transport plies regular bus services between
Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim.
Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also available from Siliguri and
Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT terminus, Siliguri.
PLACES TO STAYGangtok has quite good hotels for a comfortable stay. There
are youth hostels and various lodges, which give tourists a comfortable
stay in Gangtok.