About North Sikkim

North Sikkim is the north district of Sikkim. It has an area of 4226 square kilometres. Mangan is the district headquarter of North Sikkim. This place is worth mentionable for Himalayan mountain ranges, scenic valleys, numerous waterfalls, beautiful orchards, ancient Monasteries. The most popular places in North Sikkim are Lachen, Lachung, Dzongu, Yumthang valley, Gurdongmar lake, Chopta valley. One needs to stay for two nights at North Sikkim to visit Lachen and Lachung. You Sikkim trip is incomplete without your visit to North Sikkim. And for Sikkim taxi services you can contact Sikkim Taxis. Consider coming here in April, May, September, October to explore the region. And if you want to experience snow you can visit this places in winter. Be careful about kids and elders with health issues as these places are at high altitudes.

North Sikkim Major Place to Visit

Phodong Monastery

This monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal in the first quarter of the 18th century in Phodong of North Sikkim. It belongs to the Kagyupa Sect and it is said to be the first Kagyupa monastery to be set up in Sikkim. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek monastery the main annual Puja is performed on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar when the religious dances are performed.

Chungthang

Chungthang is a subdivision of North Sikkim district. It is situated on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers. This place has a religious importance among the people of Sikkim. The statue of Guru Padmasambhava on the hills of Chungthang is believed to be formed naturally.

Lachung

Lachung is one of the two most popular destinations of North Sikkim. It is 8610ft above sea level. Basically tourist stays at this place to visit Yumthang valley, Yumesamdong (zero point). It is small hill station connected by road with Gangtok. Tibetan culture is practiced due to its proximity with Tibet.

Yumthang

Yumthang is a picturesque valley in the north of Sikkim. In March-April and September-October tourists visit this valley to see the rhododendron blooming. December to March is the snowing period and nature lovers, specially newly married couples visits here. This place is also know for the natural hot springs with medicinal prosperities. Small shops are operated temporarily in Yumthang valley to help tourists providing necessary tools to visit snow caped mountains. One can even try Yak milk and other Yak milk products in the shops here.

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar lake is connected to the world though Lachen, a small village in North Sikkim. It is accessible only by road. This lake is situated at the highest altitude in this region. It provides one of the source streams which joins the Tso Lahmu and then form the source of the Teesta River. The area surrounding the lake, also known as Gurudongmar, is inhabited by Yaks, blue sheep and other wildlife of high altitude. Indian tourists are allowed to visit the lake, foreigners need to get a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.

Chopta Valley

Chopta valley is situated in North Sikkim and accessible by road through Lachen. It is located at 13000 feet above sea level. One can visit this place while visiting Gurudongmar lake and should make a stay at Lachen for at least one night. People interested to see snow should visit this place is winter (December – February) but sometimes due to heavy snowfall road to Chopta valley is covered with large amount of snow disconnecting this place with Lachen. Therefore, one must consider this aspect while visiting here in winter. It is worth to be visited in Spring and Atumn as well. Bike riders from India always consider visiting this place once in their lifetime.