North Sikkim
SWITZERLAND OF THE EAST North Sikkim a land – where haven touches the earth, the ambience creates mystery, landscape dominated by elements, silence can be heard, vision tends to travel beyond the horizon, soul starts meditating- unknowingly, mind gets rejuvenated; and a land that makes you bow.North Sikkim is the northern district of Sikkim. Mangan is the district headquarter of North Sikkim. At an altitude of 3950 ft the town is located at a distance of 65 km from Gangtok, the state capital. Tourists need special permits to visit North Sikkim beyond Mangan. North Sikkim can be visited only as part of an organized tour. Yumthang Valley – North Sikkim The road from Mangan goes straight to Chungthang, another major town of North Sikkim. At 5,600 ft. Chungthang is 95 km from Gangtok. From here the road bifurcates. The road to the left goes to Lachen and the road to the right reaches Lachung. Lachen is the base from where tours to Gurudongmar lake and Chopta valley is organised. Lachung on the other hand is the base for your tours to Yumthang valley. Note: Almost the entire zone of North Sikkim comes under the restricted territory, foreigner’s visit beyond Thangu is prohibited. Tourism in the region is at a nascent stage and guests may not get the same level of service in north-sikkim as they would in other parts of the region.
Kabi Lungchuk
This historical place is 17 kms from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This is where the historical Treaty of Blood Brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te Kung Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey- Bum-sa was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.
Seven sister waterfalls
It is located 32 kms away from Gangtok on the National Highway leading to North Sikkim. To facilitate thye tourists to savour the pristine beauty and to be with nature. Tourism Department has set up a waiting shed and cafeteria where they can take a break and shoot pictures. A must see picturesque beauty of nature.
Phensang Monastery
The place is situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The Phensang Monaster, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigmee Pawo. It was gutted by a fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month of Lunar Calendar (Tibetan Calendar).
Phodang Monastery
It is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyut Order. It sis located approximately 38 kms from Gangotk. Four kms beyond Phodong is recently renovated Labrang Monastery, Unique in its Architectural design.
Singhik
This place offers one of the most spectacular and closest view of Mt.Kanchendzonga and its ranges. A well located Tourist Lodge Provides accommodation for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for one to three days the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also savour the most graceful peak in the world. Mt.Siniolchu.
Chungthang
Chungthang , located near the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the started point of river Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-divisional town of North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two historic passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see his foot prints. It is rich in bio-diversity with a variety of orchids & plants. It is 95 kms from Gangtok, 23 kms from Lachung and 28kms from Lachen. Magnificent Beema Waterfalls can be seen 15 kms away, on way to Lachung..
Lachung
It is a village situated at a height of 8000 ft. It provides excellent village tourism facilities with a unique local self-governing body called the DZUMSA which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valleywhich is just 25 kms from here.The village , spread out on either side of Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite the highway is a focal point of all religious functions of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed of auspicious occasions a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.
Yumthang , Valley of Flowers
Yumthang, at an elelvation of 11,800 ft. and 140 kms from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers, with a marvelous blend of flora and fauna, hotsprings and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home of Shighbha Rhododendron Sanctuary having 24 species of Rhododendrons. Shivmandir and Yume Samdong, located close by are equally fascinating spots. We also organize Yumthang Package tours.
Lachen
Lachen also having a Dzumsa is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. It is about 5 and a half hours drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery located on a top of the village commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and country side. Resorts, Hotels and Lodges are available for accommodation. With UNDP support, it is emerging as an important village tourism centre. Tarum Hotsprings, 8 kms by road from Chungthang and 4 kms of trek, on way to Lachen is recommended for visit .
Thangu
Thangu, situated at an altitude of 13,500 ft. is about two hours drive from Lachen. It is a small vellage where the visitors usually acclimatize before they proceed to Guru Dongmar Lake, Muguthang or Cho Lhamu (source of River Teesta). A tourist Guest House at Chopta Valley, has been recently constructed over looking Thangu.
Guru Dongmar Lake ( 17,800 ft.)
It is considered as one of the sacred lakes of the State both by the Buddhism and the Hindus. The lake remains milky in colour throughout the year and it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava blessed. It is while returning from Tibet. A portion of lake does not freeze even in extreme winter.