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Changu Lake is literally known as the ' source of the lake' in Bhutia language. Situated around 35 kms away from Gangtok Tours, the capital of Sikkim, this calm lake is located at an altitude of 12,310 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It's cool, placid water smoothly merges with the scenic beauty around. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May. The lake has charming Alpine forests, which is home to some rare animals like the Red Panda, Brahminy ducks and variety of birds. Between the month of May and August one can see a variety of flowers blooming like the Rhododendrous, various species of Primulas, Blue and Yellow Poppies, Iries etc. You can find more details of Tour Packages Gangtok in www.holidaymasti.com.
Lakes in Gangtok :
Changu Lake :
Cradled by pristine alpine forests, the Changu Lake is bordered with primula, poppies and other wildflowers and grasses, and a little temple of Shiva (Destroyer of the Universe according to Hindu mythology) dots one side of the placid waterbody. The lake formed by the melting snow of mountains, stands at an altitude of 12,400ft, and has an average depth of 50ft. There is a footpath that runs from the lake to a peaceful resting shed. It’s a great place to just lie down for a lazy while and take in the smells and sounds of Mother Nature.
The lake freezes during the winter months, and it is believed that in ancient times monks could predict the future by looking at the hues of the lake water! You could try fishing here, as the lake has some rainbow trout. Foreigners are now allowed to visit the lake as well. The Changu Lake is at a distance of 35km from Tour to Gangtok.
It is best to visit the lake from March to May, and from September to December. This might mean though that during the peak season, the lake tends to get a trifle overcrowded with tourists.
Menmecho Lake :
Perched between the mountains below the Jelepla Pass, the Menmecho Lake lies 20km ahead of the Changu Lake. The lake is formed by the melting snow of mountains and is the source of the Rangpochu River. Well, if you haven’t had much luck with your hook ’n’ line at Changu, try again at Menmecho Lake as it is known for its trout and also has a fish-farm close by. But you might have to check with a local travel agent if the lake is open to tourists - Gangtok Tour Package.
Khecheopari Lake:
Have you ever dreamt of a heavenly lake in the middle of green tranquil woods from which you look up to see prayer flags swishing in the wind, and there in the distance a little monastery perched on top of a remote hill? Look down, and you see not a leaf disturbing the peaceful waters, but a reflection of a wild untouched garden.
Very slowly a leaf glides and settles on the tarn’s still waters, sending a few corrugated shivers into the reflection, and the forest gets into a little topsy-turvy.
Just then, a little bright bird hovers over the pool and in one manoeuvered swoop, the pretty creature scoops up the leaf off the surface of the loch, as if it has done so a thousand times before.
The lake is again a perfect undisturbed mirror. 27km from Pelling, the Khecheopari Lake seems just straight out of this dream. The Lepchas attach a great deal of religious significance to the waterbody and believe that each leaf that drops in this wishing pool, is swept up by a bird. The Khecheopari Lake is popular with trekkers, and if you happen to be here at dusk, you might be lucky enough to see some locals offering prayers and floating leaf-lamps on the lake waters. Out of sheer respect for the sentiments of the locals, it is advisable neither to swim in the water nor litter the lake area - Tour Packages Gangtok India.
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