Top Lake & Backwater Places in Sikkim

At a distance of 14 km from Nathula Pass, 22 km from Tsongmo Lake and 60 km from Gangtok, Menmecho Lake is a mountain lake situated at Kupup in East Sikkim district. Lies on the way to Jelep La Pass and ahead of the Tsomgo Lake, Menmecho Lake is considered as one of the most famous lakes of Sikkim and among the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India.

Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, Menmecho Lake is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The lake is fed by the waters of the surrounding mountains of Jelep La Pass and it is the source of the River Rangpo Chu, a tributary of Teesta River. Known for its scenic beauty, the lake is said to be change colors every minute and stays frozen during the winter months. There is a viewpoint on the banks of the lake for the trekkers to rest and watch the beauty of the lake unfold before them.

Apart from its mystic beauty, Menmecho Lake is also famous for its trout fishing. The lake is one of the best trout cultivation centers of Sikkim and the Fisheries Department even maintains a cottage here. Anglers from various corners of the country as well from other parts of the world throng to lake and satisfy their love for adventure or game fishing. Special permits are required to reach this cottage and the lake because the road leading to this lake is guarded by the Indian Army. The permit can be obtained from the Police through a Sikkim Government authorized Tour Operator.

One can reach by hiring a cab or renting ...

At a distance of 66 km from Lachen, Gurudongmar or Guru Dongmar Lake is a sacred lake situated on the northern part of Kanchenjunga Range in Sikkim. It is considered as the biggest and one of the highest lakes in Sikkim and among the top places to visit in Lachen.

Lies at an altitude of 17,100 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is a natural high altitude lake located just 5 km south of the Indo-China border in North Sikkim. The lake has a massive shore length of about 5.34 km and a surface area of about 118 hectares. Considered as one of the highest lake in the world, the lake also provides a beautiful view of Mount Siniolchu and Mount Kanchenjunga. The stream originating from the lake is one of the major sources of River Teesta.

The lake has a religious significance for both Sikhs and Buddhists. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism who visited the lake in the 8th century. According to the legend, the water of the lake was not possible to use as the lake remains frozen most of the year. When Guru passed by, while returning from Tibet, the local residents were approached him for providing source of water. Then the guru agreed to help them and placed his hands on a small part of the lake area which stopped freezing during winter thus facilitating the source of drinking water to the people. Since then the lake has been considered sacred and devotees carry this sacred water in bottles. The lake also claimed to ...

At a distance of 10 km from Gurudongmar Lake, 40 km from Thangu and 74 km from Lachen, Tso Lhamo Lake is a glacial lake situated beyond Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 17,490 feet, the Tso Lhamo is the highest lake in India and 14th high altitude lake in the world.

The lake is known by several names such as Cho Lhamo, Cholamu Lake or Cholamoo Lake. It is situated 4 km southwest of the international border with China. Fed by the surrounding snowcapped glaciers, the lake is one of the sources of the Teesta River. The landscape of Cholamu Lake is simply breathtaking and is an ideal place for nature lovers. It is one of most astoundingly beautiful lake that tops the list of Sikkim's must visited lakes. The landscape of Cholamu Lake is simple in its elements, stern and solemn.

Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, the crystal blue waters of the lake provide an enchanting view. As it is situated a few km away from the Tibet border visitors need an Army permit before taking the normal tourist permit. It is difficult to get permission to visit this lake and it is advisable not to visit this place in monsoons or winters. However, if weather permits visitors can get permits easily. Mostly no travel agencies risk their vehicles and driver in this risky terrain, so one can trek up to the Cholamu Lake from Lachen or can opt to rent a private taxi till Chopta valley from where the trekking is not that long.

The ideal time to visit Cholamu Lake is ...

At a distance of 25 km from Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake situated at Khecheopalri near Pelling town of Sikkim. Also known as Wishing Lake, it is one of the beautiful lakes in Sikkim and among the must visit tourist places in Pelling.

Situated at an altitude of 6000 feet, the Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred place of worship for Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of 'Demazong' meaning valley of rice. The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery.

The lake is originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri which means the heaven of Lord Padmasambhava. As per Nesol text, the lake was recognized as the abode of Tshomen Gyalmo, the chief protecting nymph of dharma as blessed by goddess Tara. Native people believe that the shape of the lake resembles the footprint of goddess Tara and is also considered as the wish fulfilling lake by locals.

The fascinating fact about the lake is that despite so much of greenery encircling it, not even a single leaf can be spotted on its surface. It is believed that birds in this region keep the lake clean all the time. The lake premises can be reached by walking for a short distance from the entrance. A small Buddhist shrine and a stupa with numerous prayer flags can be seen in the lake premises. ...

At a distance of 17 km from Nathula Pass and 38 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake or Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake located in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim. Also known as Changu Lake, it is one of the top places to visit in Gangtok and among the beautiful lakes in Himalayas.

Located at an altitude of 3,753 m, Tsongmo Lake is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India. In Bhutia language Tsomgo means 'Source of the Lake'. The lake gets its water from the melting snow on the surrounding mountains. The lake is formed in an oval shape and has a surface area of 60 acres. The maximum length of the lake is 1 km and an average depth of the lake is 15 m. The River Lungtze Chu originates from this lake and further falls into Rangpo-chu.

Highly revered by the Buddhists and Hindus, the lake surface reflects different colors with change of seasons. According to the history, the colour of water of this lake was studied by Lamas so as to forecast about the future. They believed, if the water had a dark tinge, it indicated a year full of trouble and unrest in the state. The lake is also of special significance for the Jhakris (faith healers) of Sikkim who congregate here annually on Guru Purnima to offer prayers.

Surrounded by steep mountains covered with snow, this azure blue lake remains completely frozen during winter. In late spring the abundance of flowers in bloom adds colors around the lake. One can see a small Shiva temple and some food stalls near the ...