General Description:

North Sikkim is the northern district of Sikkim. Mangan, at an altitude of 3950 ft and located at a distance of 65 km from Gangtok, is the district headquarter of North Sikkim. The place is sheer paradise, with her flowery valleys, more than 500 waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and the Himalayan spectacle, stretched over an area of 850 sq km. All tourists need special permits to visit North Sikkim beyond Mangan. North Sikkim is accessed through Gangtok and only as part of an organized tour, for which one may contact the local tour operators providing vehicle and necessary permit wherever needed.

The road from Mangan goes straight to Chungthang (at 5,600 ft), the second major town of North Sikkim. Chungthang is 95 km from Gangtok. From here the road bifurcates; the left-side road goes to Lachen and the right-side to Lachung. Lachen is the base from where tours to Gurudongmar lake and Chopta valley is commenced. Lachung on the other hand is the base for the tours to Yumthang valley.

The journey to North Sikkim, a land of unfamiliar experiences, starts from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Landscape changes rapidly on every curve, as your road winds upwards. With thick smell of wild flowers, mossy trees, streams rushing down, mists coiling up from the deep gorges, sudden flashy flight of colourful birds, huge snow range embossed in the horizon, wide spread valley, deep blue sky, lonely prayer flag waving leisurely at the distant top.

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.

Places of interest in North Sikkim:

The dense forest of North Sikkim – known as Kanchenjunga National Park, as a huge asset to the ecological conserve of India, embraces the gigantic Zemu glacier in its periphery. Spreaded across an area of 850 sq km, the park is known to be the largest wildlife reserve in Sikkim and most of its part is yet to be explored. The visitors are required to obtain permit and fulfill other formalities of the government of Sikkim. Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP) touches the feet of Mt Kanchendzonga on its western border.
The fauna of this park includes animals like Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Antelope, Wild Ass, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Flying Squirrel , Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, Lesser Cats, , Serow, Great Tibetan Sheep, and many more. The avifauna of the park comprises almost 550 species of birds viz. Himalayan griffon, Snow Pigeon, Blood Pheasants, Impeyan Phesants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Lammergeier, Sunbirds and Eagles, etc.

The forested area of the park is adorned by Qurcus Spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi, etc. The park has enormous stock of many medicinal plants along-with the shrubs of Mecohopsis, Primula, Rhododendron, etc.

The trekking route to the Park is commenced from Dzongri, Thangshing, Gochala, Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp) to Green Lake, Jakthang and eventually to Yabuk. The tourists may also hire vehicle from Mangan and visit Park from the North district.

Kabi Lungchok (5400 ft) 17 km from Gangtok is the place famous for the peace treaty that was signed between the Lepcha and the Bhutiyas in the 15 th century to permanent right to settle in Sikkim.

Phensang Monastery located on the slope widening from Kabi to Phodong, is another eminent religious place in North Sikkim. The Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigmee Pawo. It was gutted by fire in 1947 but rebuilt within a year. From Mangan, the tourists can reach the Monastery easily by taking regular buses, jeeps or by hiring taxi. The surroundings of the Monastery are most picturesque. Phensong Monastery is famous for its annual festival held every year on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month (i.e. December) of the Tibetan Calendar. The Chaam (Mask dance) is performed by the monks in the monastery compound. Every year, tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come to pay their homage at the monastery and also to view this fascinating dance of Lamas.

Phodong (Altitude 5,700 ft) is situated at 40 km north of Gangtok. Phodong Gumpha, built by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal in 1740, but renovated to retain it's original condition. Tumlong ruins are sited just below the road connecting Phodong and Labrang Monastery. The Labrang monastery, one of the leading monasteries of Sikkim belonging to the Nyingma-pa sect of Buddhists, is more than 100 years old and situated 2 km from Phodong. In 1814, Labrang Monastery was built in 1814 AD with the initiative of Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa to commemorate Latsun Chembo of Kongpu (Tibet). Latsun Chembo was the one, who started and propagated Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism. The literal meaning of 'Labrang' is 'the Lamas dwelling'. The antique structure of the Monastery looks imposing in the very first sight.

After crossing the second highest hanging bridge at Rong- Rong 27 km from Phodong, is Mangan (3,950 ft), the HQ of the North Sikkim . The road from Mangam to Chungthang shadows the Teesta going through dense forest. The tourists without a Protected Area permit are stopped at Toong Bridge 12 km short of Chungthang and 5km from Mangan.

Singhik: A small quaint hamlet at an altitude of 4000 ft in North Sikkim and about 4 KM away from Mangan on the highway is a relaxing stoppage for the travelers to Lachen or Lachung.. Singhik Gumpha with its immense treasure of ornate decorations, frescoes, images, etc. and Chorten on the top a hill is an important place for Buddhists as well as tourists from all over the world. Singhik is a lovely town surrounded by the natural beauty with soothing scenery of forested hills and alluring mountain streams. The spectacular range of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt Siniolchu looks stunning from a viewpoint on the wayside of Singhik. Below this View Point, one can trace the converging point of River Teesta and River Kanaka. The accommodations for the tourists are available with basic amenities.

Chungthang: (Elevation of 1790 meters or 5,873 feet) It is situated at the confluence of two rivers i.e. tributaries of the River Teesta: River Lachen and Lachung Chu – originated from the Jemi glacier that flows down from Siniolchu. Chungthang is at a distance of 98 km north of Gangtok and 26km from Singhik. Distang or Teesta is born from the Tsolhamu Lake at Tibet border in North Sikkim. A second opinion is that Teesta is the confluence of Atreyee. According to a legend, first sikh Guru Nanak dev-ji visited the town and left his footprint on a rock where he once rested. Around the rock some paddy is grown, which is supposed to be a miracle as paddy does not grow in these arid conditions.

Lachen (9,500 ft) literally meaning the big (Chen) gorge (La) is at 20 km north of Chungthang. Lachen monastery with a golden image of Buddha is amazing. The inhabitants are mostly Bhutiyas, surrounded by apple orchards and open scrub land inlaid with bunches of wildflowers. The locals are mostly living on yak and sheep grazing. Tarum hot springs is 8km by road from Chungthang & 4 km of trek, on the way to Lachen.

Gurudongmar Lake (17,400 ft) is considered as one of the sacred lakes of the state both by Buddhists and the Hindus. It is 47km north of Lachen. The lakes with the waters believed to contain curative properties remains milky in colour through out the year and a portion of lake does not freeze even in extreme winter. Chlambo is another lake at 12 KM towards India-China international border, surrounded by snowy mountains. The lake is bigger than Gurudongmar and also the source of Teesta, right beyond Cholombo is Chumbi Valley or Tibet. It lies on the North side of the Khangchengyao Range in a high plateau area contiguous to the Tibetan Plateau . The stream emerging from the lake is one of the source-streams of the Teesta River . The lake is named after Guru Nanak , who is also known as Guru Dongmar. The Indian Army got into a conflict with the Sikkim Government when they erected a gurdwara (a Sikh temple) near the lake in the 1990s : the gurdwara has now become a 'Sarva Dharma Sthal' (House of worship for All Religions), and ruffled feathers have been smoothened.

Due to the altitude, extremely inhospitable terrain and the difficulties associated with reaching the place, only a small number of visitors each year visit the lake. Moreover, it's access is strictly controlled by the Indian army from the check post at Giagong. Due to scarcity of atmospheric oxygen at such altitude, the visitors need to be acclimatised by spending overnight at Lachen. However, the tourist may carry appropriate medicines in consultation with doctors. The affected person should descend quickly in case of acute or persistent discomfort. Strenuous exercise, over-excitement, loud and stressful talking need to be avoided.

Thangu (13,000 ft), is the last human habitat in North Sikkim. The region is surrounded by imposing snow-capped peaks. The Tibetan plateau starts from other side of the ranges. Yum Chu, a thin strip of water flows from the lake and meets Teesta river. Foreigner's visit beyond Thangu is prohibited.

Chopta (13200 ft), a snow covered valley, is 6km from Thangu, 30km from Lachen and 148 km from Gangtok. From Thangu, it is just a 45 minutes drive to Chopta Valley. One can easily reach Chopta Valley from Mangan via Thangu. The valley is a wonderful place to experience. One can even walk on the river which is frozen in winter. During spring, Chopta Valley actually enjoys a colorful turbulence of flowers. The road beyond Chopta leads to another place of paradise - Maguthang. From Chopta Valley, one can trek to Maguthang Valley which lies at an altitude of 15,500 ft.

Lachung (9000 ft.) at a distance of 119 KM from Gangtok, 21 KM from Chungthang is inhabitated by about 1000 people, mostly Bhutiyas. The people are fond of chhampa (maize), shaffeli (made of meat), Chhurpi (from yak's milk) and butter tea as common beverage. Lachung becomes colourful with about 24 species of multi-coloured rhododendrons during April - May. The tourists spend one night on their way to Yumthang. The festival of Chham- Lo-Tsung is held at the Lachung Monastery (est. 1800 AD) in December of every year.

Yumthang (3575M) is a grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayan mountains and also a valley of Alpine flowers. It is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron , the state flower. Yumthang is 148km from Gangtok and 18km from Lachung. A tributary of the river Teesta flows past the valley and the town of Lachung , the nearest one. The glacial region starts from Yakse i.e. 18km from Lachung. For many years, Yumthang Valley had been debarred from visitors due to its proximity with the border of Tibet. Spring season is the perfect time when flowers blossom at their best. During summers, this valley acts as a pasture land for the yaks. Yumthang is also famous for Hot Springs and spectacular view of snow-peaks. Yumthang is closed between December and March due to heavy snowfall.

Katao (12666 ft) is across the Lachung River and 24km east of Lachung. The landscape alike Yumthang but snow and flowers – poppies, primula and rhododendrons are much more dense. The grazing land surrounded by peaks – Sargila, Katao, Great Alpine, Domong, Zema, is free areas of yaks and snow all over..

Where to stay:

WeatherDue to its altitude and sheltered environment, the town remains a mild, temperate climatic zone all year round. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 22 °C (72 °F) in summer to an average minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) in winter. Summers (lasting from late April to June) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing 25 °C (77 °F). The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains often causing landslides that block the roads and thereby access to rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-monsoon in May, and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of 649.6 mm (25.6 in). In winter temperature remains between 4 °C (39 °F) and 7 °C (45 °F). Snowfall is in the very high altitude villages or places but foggy weather is very often.

Transport:

North Sikkim towns are accessible through Gangtok. Therefore, the the North-Sikkim bound tourists are to stay for a night in Gangtok.

Generally, taxis are the most commonly available as principal mode of transport within the town. The most of the local people have their own vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars. The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities. City buses comprise less than one percent of vehicles. Those traveling longer distances generally make use of vehicle on sharing basis i.e. shared taxi. Many 4 wheel drive vehicles are also available to navigate the steep slopes of the roads easily.

Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, National Highway 31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri at 114 km (71 mi) away in the neighboring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighboring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van, and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a linear city that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic. Sikkim Nationalised Transport (A Govt. undertaking) has a large number of buses which runs between Gangtok and various places in Sikkim and also to Siliguri. The tourists arriving at New Jalpaiguri Rail Station (NJP) may avail of the shared taxi service from the rail station car parking. Otherwise, the buses including North Bengal State Transport buses and many private services are available from the Main bus stand at Siliguri. The main bus stand is situated close to Siliguri Jn. Rail station. Now, in order to avoid traffic congestion in the town, the taxi/ bus services from different directions are terminated at a point away from the town center. The tourists may get local vehicles (3 wheeler) to reach their destinations in Gangtok from the respective transport terminus

The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of Siliguri Jn. and New Jalpaiguri. The most convenient trains to NJP station from Kolkata is Darjeeling Mail, Kanchan-Kanya Express which reaches in the morning. There are 3-wheeler service besides taxis to travel to and fro main bus stand at Siliguri. The car takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok from Gangtok.

The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 16 km (10 mi) from Siliguri. Although, the state capital Gangtok does not have an airport, it is linked to Bagdogra airport via a daily helicopter service. Air service connects Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati airport with Bagdogra. There are some hotels at bagdogra also. Due to frequent traffic dislocation caused by agitations or political problems in the hill areas or delayed arrival of flights, the stranded air-passengers may avail of these hotel accommodations instead of proceeding to wards Siliguri. There are plenty of taxis available for Gangtok from Bagdogra town / Airport.

Travelers Entry permit: The Indian tourists need not to take permit to visit the principal tourist destinations viz. Gangtok, Pelling, Rumtek, etc. Carrying of a photo ID card is advisable while traveling. However, the permit is required to obtain locally for traveling to interior places beyond Mangan, even for Indians. The foreigners are required to obtain necessary permit,; however, they are also not permitted beyond Thangu.
Travel Agents in Sikkim:

The tourists may require the assistance of the travel agents to visit the places outside the town due it's timings, obtaining of traveling permit, where ever required, arrangements of vehicles, etc.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 01:02