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North Sikkim Places of Interest Kabi Lungtsok : 24 kms from Gangtok, where the treaty of brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha chieftain Thekong Tek and the Bhutia chief Khye Bumsa in the 13th century.Stone markers were erected to keep the promise alive.
Singhik : is another viewpoint for Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt.Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Jano and Mt. Siniolchu on a clear day. Chungthang: At an altitude of about 1585 m (5200 ft) Chungthang lies at the confluence of Lachen Chu (Teesta) and Lachung Chu. It is a quite small village surrounded by the mountains. From here also the road bifurcates for the Lachen and Lachung Village. Lachung: Situated at an altitude of 8600ft Lachung is a bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has been described as “the most picturesque village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definite, the journal (1855). Lachung has emerged a tourist destination with the base for an exploration of Yumthang, which is just 24 kms away.
Yumesamdong: Another 23kms drive beyond Yumthang takes one to Yumesamdong (15300ft).Hot spring of Yumesamdong on the river Sebu-chu at the foot of the mountain on which lies Donkiala Pass that connects the lachung valley to lachen valley. The area of Yumesamdong where the sweet fragrance of Azellia (a plant used as incense by the locals) permeates the air.
Thangu: Thangu is at an altitude of 13000ft (plus) and 3 hrs drive from Lachen.A small village where the visitors usually acclimatize before they proceed to Gurudongmar Lake or some Treks. Chopta Valley: situated at an altitude of about 13,200 ft is just a 20 minutes drive from Thangu Village where one can walk over frozen rivers in the winter.
Package Tour
(HHNS 1) Yumthang
Package: 2 Days 1 Night
(HHNS 2) Yumthang
Package: 3 Days 2 Night
(HHNS 3) Chopta Valley
Package: 3 Days 2 Night
(HHNS 4) Gurudongmar Package: 3
Days 2 Night
(HHNS 5) Chopta / Yumthang Package:
3 Days 2 Night
(HHNS 6) Gurudongmar / Yumthang Package:
4 Days 3 Night |
Phodong Monastery:
This monastery belongs to the Kargyupa Sect (Karmapa) is situated about a
kilometer uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim
Highway. It was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed namgyal somewhere in the
first quarter of the eighteenth century. The main annual puja is performed
on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the
Tibetan calendar two days before Losoong when the religious Chaams or
dances are also demonstrated.
Yumthang: Yumthang at
an elevation of 11800ft and 140kms drive from Gangtok is a paradise for
nature lovers with fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking
scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home of Singba Rhododendron
Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. The valley is frozen in the
winter and comes alive with multicolor carpet of
Rhododendrons,Primula,Primros and many otherwildflowers.Yumthang `Tsa-Chu`
or the Hot Spring of the left bank of Lachung River is immensely popular
for its curative properties and healing power. Hot water rich in sulphur,
ananates from a spring just behind the hut and is diverted into the pools.
It is difficult to imagine that water so hot in its natural form could be
found in a place so cold. It is so remote and almost untouched by the
vagaries of civilization, yumthang is that unique place where the tree
line ends, but rhododendron still bloom covering the whole area in surreal
shade
Katao Snow Point: At
an altitude of 13500ft.It is an hour drive from Lachung. People believe
that one will find snow here almost throughout the year. You require
permission from the army to visit this place.
Lachen: Lachung’s
sister village Lachen is only a recent host to tourists. Situated at an
altitude of 9000ft and about 6hrs drive from Gangtok. It stands on a grassy
and bush flat from the periphery of which rise the pine clad mountains
with their snowy peaks and black cliffs. The village comprises of barely
150houses, earlier inhabited only in winter by their owners who spend the
summer on the alpine pastures along the Tibet border tending to their
flock of yaks. Lachen is the base for exploration of Gurudongmar Lake and
Chopta Valley. It’s also the preparation point to Green Lake Trek and
Kanchendzonga Expedition.
Gurudongmar Lake:
Gurudongmar Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State
both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. It is situated at an altitude of
17200ft.The blessed water of this lake is believed to possess the
miraculous power of granting children to childless couples. The lake
remains milky in colour throughout and it is believed that Guru
Padmasambhava had touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area.
The lake freezes over during winters except at one spot, which the
devotees believe has been specially blessed. No visit to North Sikkim is
complete without a visit to this holy lake.
