adventure · Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok
A short yak ride by the lake
Yaks are the working animals of the high country, and at Tsomgo a few handlers keep them saddled with bright rugs and tassels for visitors. A ride is a slow walk along the shore, the handler leading the animal on a rope. It lasts 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the price you agree. Most rides go to a fixed point and back, so you see the lake from the water's edge without walking on uneven ground.
Prices change with season and crowds, so settle three things before you mount: how far, how long, and whether a photo while sitting on the yak costs extra. Expect ₹300–600 for a ride, indicative 2026. Some handlers charge ₹50–100 just for a photo beside the animal. Pay after the ride, in cash, and in small notes, because change is scarce at 3,753 m and mobile signal for UPI comes and goes by the lake.
Yaks are calm but large, with sharp horns. Mount from the side the handler shows you, hold the saddle and not the horns, and keep children in front of an adult. Do not feed the animals or stand behind them. If you feel dizzy from the altitude, skip it. Sitting high on a swaying animal is not the moment to discover you are short of breath. Ten quiet minutes in the car first is a better start.
Good for
Questions people ask
Good to know
How much is a yak ride at Tsomgo Lake
Expect about ₹300–600 per ride, indicative 2026, for 10 to 20 minutes along a fixed stretch of shore. Prices rise on busy weekends and in May and June. A photo while sitting on the yak, without a ride, is often ₹50–100. Agree the full amount and what it includes before you get on, and pay the handler in cash after the ride.
Can small children ride a yak at Tsomgo
Yes, most handlers will take children of about five and above, usually with an adult riding behind or walking alongside. Younger children are better kept on the ground: the saddle is wide, the animal sways, and the altitude affects small children quickly. Keep them warm, keep the ride short, and get down at once if they cry or complain of a headache.
Is the yak ride worth it
For families with children, usually yes. It is short, cheap by tourist standards and gives a good photo by the water. If you are travelling as adults on a tight budget, the lake shore walk gives you the same views for free. Either way, settle the price first and do not let a handler talk you into a longer ride than you asked for.
