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Chola
Mu
Is a lake w hich
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.
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.
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.
Laxmipokhari Lake
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.
Memencho 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.
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)
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.
Yumathang 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.
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