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Sikkim
SIKKIM- Places of Tourist Interest - Gangtok -
Excursions around Gangtok
Excursions around Gangtok
TSOMGO (alt. 3,780m, 38 km from Gangtok) :
The literal meaning of Tsomgo is the source of the lake in Bhutia language
(TSO means lake and MGO means head). This 1 km long lake is about 15 m
deep and in shape of oval. It is considered extremely sacred by the local
people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months.
It is a home of Brahminy ducks besides being a stopover for various
migratory birds. En route to Tsomgo, numerous waterfalls, fast rushing
mountain streams and the rhododendron rich Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
make this excursion all the more thrilling.
Sikkimese folk-lore tells the story of how Tsomgo initially at Laten,
several km away from the present Tsomgo (lake) came to take present
position : An old woman, one night dreamt that the lake at Laten was to
shift to Tsomgo and she and her two other herder friends were warned, to
leave the place as soon as possible. The old lady hastened to inform her
friends but they paid no heed. In turn, she hurriedly milked her dri
(female yak) and poured the milk on the ground, as an auspicious sign and
left the place for Lhachungkar near Thegu. Just before leaving, she
happened to see an old lady with srikinly white hair and of fair
complexion who was carding yarn, entered Tsomgo where immediately the
earth turned into water and formed this Tsomgo (lake). The two yak herders
are believed to be sub-merged in the lake along with their herd of yaks.
FAMBONG LA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY : This
sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area
of 51.76 sq km. The main vegetation here is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champa with
thick bamboo forests and ferns. The sanctuary is also home to large number
of wild orchids, rhododendron etc. This area, being close to Gangtok is
developed as a short trekking trial.
NATHULA : 56 km from Gangtok is the
Nathula pass at an alt. of 14,200 feet, bordering between India and China
in the Tibetan plateau. It is one of the highest motorable roads and
richly covered by various species of Alpine Flora and Fauna.
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