About Samiti Lake
Prime Day & Hours: Open daily; Early morning
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, approximately 160 km from Yuksom
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport, about 90 km from Yuksom
Nearest Bus Stop: Gangtok Bus Stand, around 145 km from Yuksom
Samiti Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located in the high mountains of Sikkim at a height of around 4200 m above sea level. What makes this lake a wonderful escape is the view of the mountain peaks reflecting on the surface of the lake. It is an ideal spot on the route to the Goechala Trek, and trekkers and hikers take a pause here while ascending towards the summit. In addition, the lake is home to rare animals and a variety of plants, making it the ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors. Explore the neighbouring villages while you're there to get a close-up look at Sikkim's rural way of life.
Samiti Lake provides great chances to spot vibrant flora and fauna species, along with offering scenic views. Whether you are seeking to relax and reconnect or on an adventure outing, this lake provides perfect opportunities for all.
Samiti Lake Highlights
• Admire the beauty of Samiti Lake, a beautiful lake known for its crystal-clear waters that mirror perfectly the views of snow-capped peaks surrounding it.
• Camp beside the lake under a starry sky, where crisp mountain air and quietness create a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.
• Experience sunrise like never before, as the first light touches the lake’s surface and turns the surrounding snow peaks golden.
• From grazing yaks to mountain birds, spot rare Himalayan wildlife along the way, making the journey a memorable one.
How To Reach Samiti Lake
- By Road: The drive from Yuksom to Samiti Lake is approximately 22 km long and takes a picturesque but rocky path. From Yuksom, tourists can rent a taxi or a 4x4 jeep to travel through Kanchenjunga National Park.
- By Walk (Trek): The trek from Yuksom to Samiti Lake is a well-liked choice for those who feel adventurous. It takes 4 to 5 days to get there. It is recommended for experienced trekkers, as the route is challenging.
Best Time To Visit Samiti Lake
Peak Season (March to May)
- Weather: Clear skies and cool air with rhododendrons blooming. Perfect for trekking and hiking.
- Things to Do: Hiking through forests, admiring the lake's beauty, engaging in outdoor activities like paragliding, mountaineering
Moderate Season (June to August)
- Weather: Frequent rain makes the trails slippery and challenging, and mist covers the mountains. However, the landscape turns lush and green.
- Things to Do: Spot the wildlife species and diverse plants, birdwatching, and trail walking.
Low Season (September to February)
- Weather: From December onwards, there will be snowfall along with mostly clear skies and crisp air.
- Things to Do: Enjoy views of the lake's reflection of snow-capped peaks, observe sunrises, and explore nearby villages
Samiti Lake Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Due to Samiti Lake's high elevation (approximately 4,200 meters), expect colder temperatures and the potential for altitude sickness.
- Make sure you are physically fit and have had enough time to acclimatize before beginning the strenuous walk to the lake.
- Trekking and entry into Kanchenjunga National Park require permits. You can get that in advance from Yuksom.
- Many parts of the trek have limited or no mobile network coverage, so make communication plans appropriately.
Spot Rare Wildlife
The Kanchenjunga National Park is known to be the home to Samiti Lake. The place is a refuge for various rare and unique wildlife animals. You can spot animals like the Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, or red panda if you walk a bit deeper into the park. Not only this, with such playful and wild animals, you might also see vultures and golden eagles soaring high in the air, making it a perfect place for birdwatchers.
Walk through Rhododendron Forests
The route to the lake passes through thick rhododendron forests, which bloom beautifully during the spring. It is a serene experience to stroll through these vibrant groves against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks with red, pink, and white flowers making a picture-perfect scene.
Bask Under a Blanket of Stars
With almost zero pollution and clear skies, Samiti Lake is a perfect spot to enjoy stargazing. From innumerable stars to amazing constellations and sometimes a few planets, you can spot them all while you are here.
Tourism Board Alliances
Samiti Lake FAQs
Is Samiti Lake open all year round?
Yes, the lake is open all year; however, March to June and September to November are the ideal times to go. Trekking becomes dangerous during the monsoon season, and winters can be severe with a lot of snow.
Are there places to stay close to Samiti Lake?
The lake itself has no long-term lodging options. Before and after visiting the lake, trekkers typically set up camp at approved locations like Lamuney.
Is the Samiti Lake trek suitable for novices?
Beginners should prepare physically or think about hiring guides because the trek is moderately difficult due to its high altitude and steep sections.
What kinds of animals can I expect to see around Samiti Lake?
There are various animal species around the lake. You can expect encounters with Himalayan birds, musk deer, and, on rare occasions, snow leopards.
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