Quick Facts :

Location : Land Locked state on Himalayas

Established : 16th May, 1975

Capital : Gangtok

Annual Rainfall : 820 500mm

Languages Spoken : Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Mangar, Sherpa, Rai, Gurung, Sunwar and Tamang.

One will not find lakes on any rugged terrain, but surprisingly Sikkim is the state which has a large number of lakes. Sikkim is a state on the tiny mountain located in the Himalayas. On the borders of the west is Nepal, to north-east is Tibet and on southeast is Bhutan. West Bengal is bordered on the south of Sikkim. Sikkim is not only the least populous state but also after Goa is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim boasts for its laden filled with varied rivers and lakes stretched on the mountains. The greatest incitement of the state is the mountains. Dominating all these, Sikkim boasts the immense dignity with Khangchendzonga high about 8585m. The unrecompensed natural and splendor tranquility of the state is perfect for trekking.

The lakes, rivulets, waterfalls and embellish gory of Sikkim is enclosed with snow capped mountains of the state that are worth to watch. The Sikkim Himalayas are rich in soaring, flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls, lust valleys and many more that unfolds and lift your spirit. Teests River is the only one that flows entirely in all parts of Sikkim. This river is originated from Cholamu lake. The rivers of Sikkim are fed with a snowy blanket on the mountains and thus visiting during Monsoons is quite risky. During rainy season, the state becomes swift, swollen, dangerous and muddy. As the rivers are serpentine, full of rocks and narrow, it becomes difficult to navigate. The noise of the rivers can be heard from distance when it hit the rocks.

Khecheopalri Lake :

Location : The lake is located on the west of Sikkim, exactly northwest of Pelling about 34km.

The Khecheopalri is popular as “Wishing Lake”, as Lepchas and the Hindu religion called this as sacred place. The lake is clean and clear, which is surrounded by heavy dense forests. The Sikkim people claim that, the birds over there do not allow any leaf to float on the surface. There is a myth associated with the Khecheopalri Lake. If a single leaf floats on the surface, the birds which are called as guardian birds pick it up which allows the water to be pure. If you love trekking, then you can trail from Pelling to Khecheopalri to Yuksom. The lake is surrounded by forested hills and prayer flags. There is restricted accodomation for the tourist people, so make sure before visiting advanced booking is done.

Tsomgo Lake :

Location : Situated about 40 Km from Gangtok

The Tsomgo Lake is situated on the highway of Gangtok- Nathula that forms an old trade route part from haIndia to China. It’s a glacial lake located in the eastern part of Sikkim, India with a high altitude of 12, 400 ft. This place is one of the best tourist destinations. The Tsomgo Lake is in oval shape and about 50 ft deep. It is also considered as the holy lake by the local people. Brahmini Ducks are abundantly found over here in addition to numerous migratory ducks. The best view of the lake can be seen during the months of May to August, as it is filled with rare flowers, yellow poppies, rhododendrons, iris and primulas. It is the ideal habitat for Red Panda as well as for several number of other aquatic and bird species.

Other Lakes :

Chola Mu Lake :

Loaction : On the Tibet border about 5-6 km

Chola Mu Lake is India’s highest and world’s 14th highest lake. It is located on the plateau of Tibet region and very close to the Lake Guridongmar (takes about 45 mins). The maximum depth of the lake is about 18.3 ft or 5.5 m. It is believed that this lake originated from the Teesta River, still there are no such true stories behind the fact. During winter, the lake gets frozen with snow enclosed blanket on it. The reflection of the mountains on the surface is truly exquisite and thus becomes one of the favorite tourist destinations. You will see various birds swimming including the migratory birds from China, Russia and from various parts of India.

Menmecho Lake :

Location : Situated in eastern part of Sikkim.

Menmecho Lake is actually a mountain lake situated on the eastern district of Sikkim, India. It is close to Tsongmo lake, which is 20 km away from the Jelepla Pass. Menmecho Lake is the tributary of the Teesta River and a source of Rangpo Chu River. During the summers, the water of the lake melt, whereas in the rainy season it flows immensely and in the winter it gets frozen. This lake is popular for trout and hence huge fishfarm is introduced by the Sikkim people.

Samiti Lake :

Loaction : Situated at the base of Mt. Pandim

One can see scenic beauty of the lake while passing or trekking near by the Gochala. It originated from the Onglathang valley and hence is a glacial lake.

Green Lake :

Location : Situated near the mountainous area

The Green Lake quickly changed its point during excursions of the peaks. It is not so attractive or exotic as well one can imagine.

Laxmi Pokri Lake :

Laxmi Pokri Lake is one of the biggest natural lakes which are cupped in enormous depression. The edge of the depression is so tough, that the level of the lake can be easily seen that allows exceptional photography without using wider lens. It is also believed that has received blessings from God and one can truly feel the existence of HIM.