North Sikkim is a district of the Sikkim and its capital is Mangan. A majority of population of North comprises of Bhutias, Lepchas and less number of Nepalis. The Lepchas are predominantly concentrated in the Dzongu Areas, Bhutias are seen from Kabi-Tingda to Lachen-Lachung. Nepalies are found mixed up around Phodong, Mangshila and Mangan. Bhutias and Lepchas are usually Bhuddist and Nepalis are Hindus, whereas around 1 % of populations from all tribes have lately converted to Christians.

Most of North Sikkim is restricted to travelers and permits are needed to visit these areas. The area, which shares a sensitive border with the People's Republic of China is heavily patrolled by the Indian army.

Most of the people of the state reside near Mangan, the district headquarters which is about 2,000 feet above sea level. Further north the elevation increases with the vegetation turning from temperate to alpine to tundra. Temperatures range from about 25° to below -40° in the extreme high reaches where the altitude is in excess of 6,000 meters. Kanchenjunga is the highest peak at over 8,000 m, straddling its eastern border with Nepal.

Contents 1 Places of Interests 1.1 Kabi Lungchok 1.2 Phensang Monastery 1.3 Phodong Monastery 1.4 Singhik 1.5 Chungthang 1.6 Lachung 1.7 Yumthang 1.8 Yumthang Valley 1.9 Lachen 1.10 Thangu 1.11 Guru-Dung-mar Lake 1.12 Gurudongmar Lake 2 References

Places of Interests

Kabi Lungchok

This historical place is 17 kilometers from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway . This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sa was signed ritually. The Spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

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 Buddhis 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.

Singhik

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guru-Dung-mar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is located at an altitude of 17,800 feet and 190 Kms from Gangtok. It is on the Northern 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 Tista River.

Gurudongmar Lake

The lake 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). According to a legend, since the lake used to remain frozen most of the year, it was not possible to use it's water for drinking purposes, When the Guru Padmasambhava passed by, while returning from Tibet, the local residents are reported to have approached him for providing source of water. The Guru obliged, a portion of the lake touched by him does not freeze in the extreme winter. Since water of the lake is considered sacred, visitors carry the "holy" water in the bottles. Due to the extremely inhospitable surrounding terrain and the difficulties associated with reaching the place, the lake sees only a handful of visitors each year.

References

• Northsikkim.nic.in : Retrieved information on people.
• Wikipedia : Retrieved few Starting summery.