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A lake is a large, naturally occurring or human-made body of water that is surrounded by land. It is typically found in a basin and might be filled with freshwater or saltwater. Lakes are usually larger and deeper than ponds, and they are distinct from rivers or streams because they are not directly connected to the ocean and have relatively calm waters.
Unlike rivers, lakes are enclosed by land on all sides, though they may have inlets or outlets where rivers or streams flow in or out. The water in a lake is typically more stagnant with gentle ripples compared to rivers or streams. Lakes vary widely in size and depth, but they are generally larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes generally are created by the action of various geological processes such as glaciation, tectonic movements, volcanic activity or river blockages. Lakes play an important role in ecosystems, providing habitats for wildlife, freshwater for human use and regulating local climates.
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A glacier is a large, continuous mass of ice that is formed over many years due to the accumulation and compaction of snow. It moves gradually on land due to its own weight and the force of gravity. Glaciers typically form in areas where snow accumulates over time, such as in polar regions or high mountain ranges, and where the rate of snowfall exceeds the rate of melting.
Glaciers are created when layers of snow accumulate and compress over many years, turning into a dense mass of compact ice. Unlike static ice fields, glaciers flow slowly downhill or outward, like slow-moving rivers of ice. This movement is driven by the pull of gravity and internal deformation of the ice. The alpine or mountain glaciers are usually found in high mountain ranges. These glaciers flow down valleys. Continental glaciers or ice sheets cover large areas of land, like those found in Antarctica and Greenland. Glaciers shape the land through processes like erosion and deposition, creating valleys, moraines and fjords. Glaciers are important for regulating Earth’s freshwater supply and climate, and they serve as indicators of climate change due to their sensitivity to temperature shifts.
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Sikkim, known for its stunning natural landscapes, is home to several beautiful and sacred lakes. Many of these lakes are nestled in the high-altitude regions of the state, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, adding to their charm and cultural significance.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 3,753 meters or 12,313 feet. Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim. The lake remains frozen during the winter months and is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain. It holds sacred significance for the locals and is associated with religious rituals. Tourists can enjoy yak rides around the lake, and there is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva nearby. The lake’s water comes from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 5,430 meters or 17,800 feet. This is one of the highest lakes in the world. Gurudongmar Lake is respected by both Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is famous for its clear blue water, though part of it remains frozen most of the year. It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and has spiritual importance in local folklore. The pristine beauty and spiritual ambience of Gurudongmar make it a must-visit for adventurers and pilgrims. Due to the high altitude, visitors are advised to be cautious of altitude sickness.
This lake is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters or 5,600 feet. Khecheopalri Lake is considered a sacred lake by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is believed that the lake fulfils all wishes. Incredibly, no leaves or debris are seen floating on its surface, as birds are said to pick them off immediately from its surface. The peaceful surroundings of the lake make it a popular pilgrimage site. The Khecheopalri Monastery nearby also attracts tourists and spiritual seekers.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 5,000 meters or 16,404 feet. Green Lake is a remote, high-altitude lake known for its stunning location at the foot of the Kanchenjunga massif. The lake itself is less visited due to the challenging trek required to reach it, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This is a favourite spot for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts looking to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Sikkim’s high-altitude wilderness.
This lake is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters or 13,780 feet. Samiti Lake is a tranquil lake on the Goecha La Trek, surrounded by towering peaks and offering picturesque reflections of Mt. Pandim on its surface. The lake is a perfect resting spot for trekkers on their way to Goecha La. The lake is a stunning location for photography and provides a serene, calm atmosphere for trekkers taking a break on the challenging Goecha La trek.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 3,740 meters or 12,270 feet. Menmecho Lake is a beautiful and less-visited lake located about 20 km from Tsomgo Lake. The lake is fed by snowmelt from the mountains and is surrounded by pine forests. It is famous for trout fishing and remains relatively undisturbed. The serene, isolated location of Menmecho Lake makes it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude. The area around the lake is rich in biodiversity, and visitors can often spot various species of birds.
This lake is located at an altitude of 4,300 meters or 14,100 feet. Laxmi Pokhari is a high-altitude lake surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows. It is part of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and is known for its stunning surroundings, especially during the flowering season. The lake is a great destination for trekkers and nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of rich flora and fauna.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 4,500 meters or 14,764 feet. Bidang Cho is a glacial lake that can be accessed during the Dzongri Trek in West Sikkim. It is known for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake remains frozen for most of the year and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
This lake is located at an altitude of 1,460 meters or 4,790 feet. Lampokhari Lake, also known as Aritar Lake, is one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim. It is a man-made lake surrounded by forests and a popular destination for boating and sightseeing. Boating on the lake, the nearby Aritar Monastery, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Himalayas make Lampokhari a favourite spot for tourists.
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This lake is located at an altitude of 5,100 meters or 16,732 feet. Tso Lhamo is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated near the Indo-Tibetan border. It remains largely unexplored due to its remote location and harsh climate. The lake is fed by the snow from the surrounding mountains. Due to its remoteness, Tso Lhamo is primarily visited by adventure enthusiasts and is regarded as a challenging destination for high-altitude trekkers.
The lakes of Sikkim are a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, drawing both tourists and pilgrims alike. Whether for trekking, sightseeing, or spiritual reflection, these lakes offer a unique glimpse into the serene, untouched landscapes of the Himalayas.
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Sikkim is home to several majestic glaciers, located primarily in the northern and western parts of the state. These glaciers are vital to the region’s ecosystem as they act as a source of freshwater and contribute to the rivers that flow through the state. Glaciers in Sikkim are nestled within the high-altitude regions of the Eastern Himalayas, particularly around Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
This is the wondrous approximately 26 kilometres long glacier, which is the largest glacier in Sikkim. Zemu Glacier is the most well-known glacier in Sikkim and one of the longest glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas. It lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Kanchenjunga and plays a critical role in feeding the Teesta River, which is the lifeline of Sikkim. The glacier is surrounded by towering peaks and lush alpine forests, making it a significant trekking destination for adventurers. The Zemu Glacier Trek offers incredible views of the Kanchenjunga range, with the route passing through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
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Rathong Glacier is located in the western part of Sikkim, near the popular trekking destination of Dzongri. This glacier feeds the Rathong River, a tributary of the Rangeet River. It is a significant glacier in the region, and its ice melt contributes to the hydrology of the area. The Dzongri and Goecha La treks pass close to Rathong Glacier, offering trekkers breathtaking views of the glacier, along with views of peaks like Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and Kabru.
Talung Glacier is a major glacier situated close to the Rathong Glacier. It lies to the east of Talung Peak and the southeast of the Kabru massif. The glacier, though lesser-known compared to Zemu and Rathong, is significant for the region’s water supply and ecological balance. Talung Glacier can be seen during high-altitude treks like Goecha La, offering panoramic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks.
Lhonak Glacier is located in a remote part of North Sikkim, near the Lhonak Valley. It lies close to the Tibetan border and is one of the major glaciers feeding the Teesta River. The region is known for its isolation, high-altitude terrain, and rugged beauty. The glacier’s ice melt contributes to both the Teesta and the Lhonak Rivers. The Lhonak Valley Trek offers a glimpse of the glacier, but the region remains less explored due to its remoteness.
Changsang Glacier is located near Mount Changsang in the northern part of Sikkim. This glacier lies in the remote and high-altitude areas bordering Tibet and Nepal. It is relatively less accessible but forms an important part of the glacier system that feeds the Teesta River.
Jemu Glacier is located near the larger Zemu Glacier in North Sikkim. Though smaller in size, it shares similar topographical features and is surrounded by towering mountain ranges. The glacier feeds into the Zemu and Teesta Rivers. It offers stunning views for trekkers who explore the Zemu Glacier region.
Yalung Glacier is located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Kanchenjunga, near the Nepal-Sikkim border. This glacier feeds into the Yalung River and is part of the Goecha La trek route. The glacier is known for its scenic views and proximity to some of the world’s highest peaks. The Goecha La trek offers a view of the Yalung Glacier along with stunning vistas of the Kanchenjunga range.
Nepali Glacier is a smaller glacier located near the Lhonak Glacier in North Sikkim. This glacier contributes to the glacial meltwater that feeds the Teesta River. The surrounding region is characterized by high-altitude terrain and remote wilderness, making it a pristine and less explored part of the state.
Boktok Glacier is located near Lhonak Glacier and is part of the glacial system that contributes to the Teesta River basin. It is one of the numerous glaciers that dot the high-altitude areas of North Sikkim. This glacier, like many others in the region, is remote and offers rugged natural beauty.
Sikkim’s glaciers are the primary source of freshwater for the state. They feed the Teesta and Rangeet rivers, which are vital for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation. The glaciers contribute to the region’s biodiversity by supporting alpine and subalpine ecosystems. The meltwater sustains high-altitude flora and fauna. Glaciers in Sikkim are sensitive to the impacts of global warming. There has been significant concern over the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas due to rising temperatures. This poses a threat to freshwater availability and could lead to long-term environmental changes in the region.
The glaciers of Sikkim, though remote and less explored, are integral to the state’s natural beauty, water resources, and ecological balance. These glaciers, surrounded by the towering Himalayan peaks, not only attract trekkers and adventurers but also play a critical role in sustaining the rivers and ecosystems of the region. However, they are also vulnerable to climate change, and efforts to monitor and conserve these glaciers are essential for the future of Sikkim’s environment.
