Rivers in Sikkim | Lakes in Sikkim | Sikkim Tourism

One of the rivers that almost flow right across the length of Sikkim is the Teesta. It's major tributary is the Rangeet which originates from the Rathong Glacier, meets it at the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. Teesta originates from the Cholamu lake where it is hardly a stream. No one can imagine that this innocuous looking stream would transform into a thundering mighty river less than a hundred kilometers downstream.

During monsoons the otherwise innocuous looking rivers of Sikkim become swollen, swift, muddy and dangerous. The rivers are narrow, serpentine and full of rocks and hence are not navigable. Because of swift currents hitting rocks, the rivers are very noisy and can be heard for miles together. The Teesta finally joins the Bhramaputra in Bangladesh.

The rivers are fed by snow melting on the mountains as well as rain that accumulates in the catchment areas during the monsoons. Human settlements usually must exist above the level of rivers and hence even if flooding takes place life and property remain safe.

CHOLAMU LAKE - SOURCE OF RIVER TEESTA

RIVER TEESTA

CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS TEESTA & RANGEET

Lakes in Sikkim:

On the face of it, on would not expect to find lakes on such a rugged terrain. But surprisingly, Sikkim does have lakes though not very large in size. These lakes are both spring fed as well as river fed. On the highway between Gangtok and Nathu La, 34 kms. from Gangtok lies the serene Tsomgo Lake at an altitude of about 11,000 ft. . Khecheopalri lake is another well known lake that lies on a bifurcation of the route between Gyalshing and Yuksum . Menmecho lake, Green lake and Samiti lake are some other beautiful lakes.

VISIT THE LAKES:

Tsomgo Lake:

It is literally known as "source of the lake" in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside . This placid 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 thered panda and various species of birds.

Menmecho Lake :

It is a beautiful lake located 20 KMs. ahead of Changu Lake. It lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla Pass and is source of river Rangpo-chu. It derives its water from melting snows around. The lake is famous for its Trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also exist nearby.

Khecheoprai Lake :

Khecheopalri lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this state both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that the birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.

For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers hut has been provided by the tourism office. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay providing a taste of local cuisine which may include 'chang' brew made of fermented millet. There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed by the tourism department, which is meant to provide accommodation to the people who come on pilgrim tours.

Green Lake :

The Green Lake is fast developing into a take-off point for mountaineering expeditions to the peaks of this area. The Green Lake may in the minds of many conjure up an image of beautiful, exotic waterbody, but sadly it is not true. Infact in 1899 the lake had disappeared according to D. W. Freshfield who writes, the hollow enclosed between the covering moraines of Zemu and Green Lake Glaciers has been lately a lake, and was now a lake basin.

Samiti Lake :

As you climb towards Gochala Pass and pause to take a deep breadth, you can enjoy the colour of transparent torquise of Lake Samiti- A glacial lake in the Onglathang valley. (a view from west sikkim)

The sacred Samiti Lake at an altitude of 4250 m trail is the ideal spot for camping and you can lose yourself in the romantic solitude of this lake as it reflects snow capped mounatins. (A view from West Sikkim)

Cholamu Lake :

Chola Mu is a lake which lies on the plateau that juts into Sikkim into Tibet. From this moderately sized lake, the Teesta River takes birth as a trickle hardly a foot wide. The water in the lake flirts with ice before getting frozen in winter. The reflection of the surrounding mountains doubles the beauty. Everything looks so prehistoric that you almost expect to see a Dinosaur amble by. A flock of birds, the cranes swims on the placid ice water of Chola Mu. These birds are migratory from Russia, China and other parts of India.

Lakshmi Pokhari:

It is a big natural lake cupped in deep crater. The rim of the crater is so hard above the lake level that it is easy t o photograph the complete lake without using a wide angle lens. As you invoke the blessing on the bank of this Pristine Lake, you cannot help thinking that it is here that God really resides.

Bidan Chu Lake :

Yumthang Valley :

It is situated at an altitude of about 11,800 ft. And is 149 Kms. from Gangtok. It is covered with rhododendronshrubs and trees of various species. The valley is well known for its hot springs, which is slightly saline in taste, it is colorless, emits bubbles of sulphurated hydrogen gas and the temperature of 106 degree. It is surrounded by mountains and seems to touch the heaven as one has to face vertically upwards to see the mountain top. The scenic view is breathtaking.

YUMTHANG VALLEY TOUR:

Day

Njp/Bagdora to Gangtok.
Gangtok sight seeing - Rumtek & back.
Gangtok to Changu & back.
Gangtok to Lachung.
Lachung to Yumthang & back.
Lachung to Gangtok.
Gangtok a day rest/shopping.
Gangtok to NJP/Bagdora or Darjeeling/Kalimpong.