North Sikkim

North Sikkim is the least populated district of the state with very few settlements but more tourist spot. The roads are steep and winding but the region is worth visiting. North Sikkim has colourful rhododendron bloom in spring along with the view of soaring snow  capped peaks and herds of wandering yaks makes this an idyllic location for tourist anytime of the year except monsoon. Chungthang in the confluence of the river Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu is close to Lachen (29 kilometers) and Lachung (23 kilometers). The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place is rich in bio-diversity with a wide variety of plants, wild life & orchids.

Yumthang at an elevation of 11800 feet is covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley colors in May. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Singhik has a number of interesting short nature trails for one to three days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. Kabi Lungtsok is 17 kilometers from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, Cholhamu Lake are few other places to visit from Lachen similarly Katao, Yumeysomdong is close to Lachung. Mangan also needs a visit for its beauty. North Sikkim is known for its rhododendron forest and the snowfall. There are few trek routes also to Green Lake. North Sikkim Tour or North Sikkim Packages comes with vehicle, food, stay and sightseeing.

Mangan is the district capital and Gurudongmar Lake at 17100 feet is mind blowing with Chopta Valley and on the way Thangu at 13000 feet is the only restaurant for Tea and refreshment. Chilling cold in winters with chilled winds blows in this region. Guest should not exert much as one is gasping for breath at this altitude. Dzongu is a triangular region bounded by the Teesta River in the south-east, Tholung Chu River in the north-east and by mountains in the west. It borders the Kangchenjunga Biosphere Reserve and is reserved for the Lepcha People. Places of Tourist Interest / sight seeing places in and around Chungthang / North Sikkim are given below

Places of Interest

• Kabi Lungstok or Lungcho
• Seven Sisters Waterfalls
• Phensang Monastery
• Phodong Monastery
• Sirijunga Yuma Mangheem - Mangshila
• Rong Lungten Lee
• Singhik
• Chungthang
• Lachung
• Yumthang, Valley of Flowers
• Lachen
• Thangu
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Mangan

Communication / Connectivity

Airways : Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 130 kilometers and is 3 to 4 hours drive by national highway 10. Pelling , Mangan, Jorethang, Rhenock, Ravangla, Namchi are well connected with Bagdogra Airport. The drive is all 3 – 4 hours drive. Helicopter Service from Gangtok takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Bagdogra. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates chopper service daily at 11:00 AM from Gangtok to Bagdogra and at 2:00 PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok.  It is a five seated chopper with limited baggage. Chopper can be chartered in Sikkim if booked well in advance.

Railways : Nearest major Railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Sikkim has no railway system but planning for a transit system is on the card. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri Junction and Siliguri Town Station and is assessable from all the major town / cities of Sikkim. NJP is well linked up with the rest of the country with frequent trains.  There are three railway stations nearer to Sikkim Bengal borders but the frequency of trains are less. Chungthang to the nearest Railway station is 230 kilometers

Roadways : The network of roads in Sikkim are good compared to its difficult terrain. Gangtok is approximately 130 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chungthang is 95 kilometers, Lachen and Lachung is nearly 120 kilometers from Gangtok and requires special permit. One has to stay in Gangtok one day before and one day after visiting North Sikkim. Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Dooars, (Phuentsholling) Bhutan, (Kakarvitta) Nepal is connected by road.