Kabi-Tingda to Lachen-Lachung. Nepalies are found mixed up around Phodong, Mangshila and Mangan. Since Sikkim shares a sensitive border with China, most of North Sikkim is restricted to travelers and special permits are needed to visit these areas.
The Temperatures range from maximum 25° to below -40°, and the Oxygen level is very low in this region. If you are a first timer, you should take precaution before taking trip to North Sikkim.
Places of Interests
Mangan
Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim, a little hamlet with flower patches, and the water wheels strung with bells set in exquisite miniature gardens more than compensate for the primitiveness of the region.The Mangan Bazaar (market place) is situated on the North Sikkim highway with around fifty odd shops. The district collectorate where the district collector and other government department function is situated around two kilometers uphill from market at a place called Pentok and is approached by a link road. On the sides of this link road while traveling towards Pentok lies a public ground and Mangan Senior Secondary School. Just opposite to Mangan, separated by river Teesta, is seen a sloppy villages namely Lingdong, Barfok, Hee-Gyathang falling under Dzongu area. From the Pentok area, the picturesque view of mount Siniolchu (a range of mount Khangchendzonga) is also seen.The region is famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery, the latter being considered one of the six main monasteries of Sikkim.
Kabi Lungchok
The 134 km drive from Gangtok to Yumthang on the North Sikkim highway takes you through Kabi Longtsok, where Sikkimese history began in the 13th century. It was here that the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftain, Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Burnsa was sworn and signed. Amidst the shadows of tall trees and cardamom fields, a memorial stone and a place of worship mark the historical spot for those who pass by. Slightly ahead is a small monastery.
Phensang Monastery
This place is located on the gentle slop stretching from Kabi to Phodong with Perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The Phensang Monastery under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. It was gutted by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the lamas. There are around 300 monks under the monastery. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 28th and 29th days of tenth month of Lunar Calendar (Tibetan Calendar).
Phodong Monastery
One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim , Phodong monastery is located in the North approximately 38 kms from Gangtok, 4 kms beyond Phodong is the recently renovated Labrang Monastery unique in it's architectural design. This is one of the major monasteries of Sikkim belonging to the Karmapa sub-sect of Kagyupa monastery. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built the monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century. Beautiful moral paintings adorn the walls of this monastery.
Tumlong Palace Ruins
Tumlong Palace ruins, once the third capital of Sikkim. Old capital of Sikkim was shifted from Rabdentse to Tumlong in the beginning of the nineteenth century, where it remained for almost ninety years.
Singhik
Just 4 km from Magan, This is an ideal place if you want most spectacular and closest views of Khangchendzonga. A Tourism lodge is also located, which provides accommodation for the visitors. The area also has number of short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also savior the most graceful peak in the world - Mt. Siniolchu. According to legend Chungthang was the meeting place of Guru Rimpoche & Lepcha Chieftain Thekung Tek. It was here from where the word Demazong originated according to the prophecy of Guru Rimpoche.
Chungthang
The place rich of bio diversity with a large variety of Orchids, plants and wildlife, is 95 Kms from Gangtok, 23 Kms from Lachung, 29 Kms from Lachen and is predominantly a Lepcha region. Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point for River Teesta, has emerged as major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim . It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The spot worth visiting at Chungthang is the rock on which legend has it Guru Padmasambhava rested and the imprint on it is said to be his footmark. There is a small opening in the rock which remains filled with spring water Adjacent to the rock there is a small stretch of land where paddy grows, defying the conditions which are not conducive to the growth of this crop here, It is said that while here Guru Padmasambhava had sprinkled a handful of grain on this spot and paddy has grown here ever since. Chungthang is also a good place to halt for sometime for a cup of tea before proceeding onwards to Yumthang. It is predominantly a Lepcha region.
Lachung
A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called the Zums which substitues the Panchayat. Lachung as emerged as tourist destination with a soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley which is just 25 kms from Lachung. The village, spread out on eighter side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slop opposite to the highway is a local point of all religious function of the local inhabitants.
Yumthang
Yumthang, situated at a height of 11800 feet is popularly know as " Valley of Flowers ". located at a distance of 148 kms from Gangtok, it is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty. In spring season, wild flowers such a Primulas and Rhododendrons bathe and landscape in rich colors, making it a tourist hot spot. Thin Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary over here has 24 species of Rhododendron flowers which bloom from April to May end.
Yumthang Valley
A hot spring located on the right side of Yumthang river is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to a vast green meadow, lush green forest abounding in Pine and silver fir trees throngs the place. While driving towards the valley, one can see cascading waterfalls and streams. Six kms away further North is Shiv mandir. A drive a trek to this place can be very refreshing and exhilarating. Situated further up at distance of 16 kms, at an altitude 16000 feed is Yumesamdong, The rugged vegetation – free mountains. Especially in the months of November-December and February-March over here, presents a breathtaking scenario. The approach to Yumthang valley, situated at height of 8000 feet. It is at a distance of 120 Kms from Gangtok. It has a unique self-governing body called Dzumsa, which substitutes the modern Gram Panchyat. The village, spread out on the either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition.
Yumthang Hot Springs
Photographs of the natural scenes of Switzerland and Yumthang valley look so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them. Yumthang which is at an altitude of 12,000 ft is situated about 135 kms from Gangtok in North Sikkim. But going there is like travelling 135 years back in time - it is so remote and almost untouched by the vagaries of civilisation. It is well known for its hot springs to reach which one has to walk a few hundred yards from the road and across a pedestrian bridge on the River Lachung. For the convenience of bathers a hut with two pools in which the hot spring water collects has been constructed. Hot water rich in sulphur, emanates from a spring just behind the hut and is diverted to the pools. It is difficult to imagine that water so hot in its natural form could be found in a place so cold. Yumthang is now open to foreigners and has also caught the fancy of filmmakers and a part of some movies have been shot here. Although Yumthang itself is located on a flat valley and is near the tree-line, the surrounding mountains seem to touch the heavens. The route to Yumthang from Lachung - adjoining the Singba Forest Reserve -has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with rhododendrons which bloom at their best in May. What is particularly interesting about the rhododendrons of the Yumthang valley is that they bloom in different colours unlike those in other parts of Sikkim which are usually red. Tourists require an Inner Line permit which can be obtained with the help of the travel agent to visit this place. During the tourist season, the Tourism Department organizes package tours to Yumthang. Tours to Yumthang are also organized by some local travel agents. Visitors are not permitted to take their private vehicles to Yumthang. Yumthang has a Forest Department Rest House but tourists are normally accommodated at the Tourist Lodge named Yaksey 6 kms from Lachung towards Yumthang. Yumthang itself has no population and the few yak herders around are nomadic. Another 23 kms ahead of Yumthang are the hot springs of Yumey- Sarndong on the river Sebu-chu at the foot of the mountain on which lies the Donkiala pass that connects the Lachung valley to the Lachen valley. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs
These hot springs are located about 25 kms from Gyalshing near Reshi on the River Rangit. One has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the River Rangit by a pedestrian bridge to reach the hot springs. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it contains sulphur and can cure some skin diseases. People from all over the state and neighboring Darjeeling come here during the winter months and spend days together lying submerged in the soothing water of the hot spring. There are a couple of trekkers' huts for the convenience of the tourists. These springs also considered very holy as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the Kadosang phu or cave of the occult fairies and lies on the south of the four cardinal points. Kechopari Lake
Kechopari Lake at an altitude of about 6,000 ft is located on a bifurcation on the road between Gyalshing and Yoksum. Kechopari means the Wishing Lake. The water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface although there is a beautiful dense forest above the lake. It is said that if a leaf drops on the surface of the water it is picked by a bird. A trekkers' hut has been built near the lake for the convenience of the tourists.
Lachen
Lachen is situated at an altitude 2750 mtrs. And about 6 hrs drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery located on top of the village, from where one can see the panoramic view of the surrounding hills and country side.
Thangu
Thangu is at an altitude of 14000ft. which is 3 hours of drive from Lachen. A small village, where visitors usually acclimatize before they proceed to Guru-Dongmar Lake and Muguthang.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is located at an altitude of 17,800 ft and about 190 km from Gangtok is considered one of the most sacred lakes by the Bhuddhist and Hindus, and remains milky throughout the year. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava - is said to have brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century). The stream emerging from the lake is one of the source-streams of the Tista River.