Changu

Changu is a term used in various contexts in the Himalayan region and neighboring areas, referring to places, personal names, and other toponyms.

Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake, is a glacial lake in East Sikkim, India, about 40 kilometers from Gangtok. It lies at an elevation of roughly 3,780 meters (12,400 feet) and is fed by meltwater from surrounding peaks. The lake is a popular tourist destination, accessible by road year round but frequently affected by snow in winter. The surrounding area features pine forests and views of the eastern Himalayan range. Nearby attractions include ceremonial sites and the route to Nathula Pass on the China border.

Changu Narayan is a historic Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, located near the town of Bhaktapur. It is widely regarded as one of the oldest temple sites in the country, with construction dating back to the Licchavi period (roughly the 4th to 5th centuries CE). The temple is dedicated to Vishnu in his form as Narayan and is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and scenic hilltop setting. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves a concentration of ancient temples, plazas, and courtyards spanning multiple centuries.

Beyond these places, the name Changu is used as a personal name in some Himalayan communities and appears in various local toponyms and cultural references. The term does not have a single, uniform meaning across languages and contexts.