N O R T H

PLACES TO VISIT

Kabi Lungchuk
This historical place is 17 Kms. 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-Sar was signed ritually. The place where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

Chungthang
Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of River Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction of the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is said to have been blessed by Guru Guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holu Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place, rich in bio-diversity with large variety of orchids, plants & wild-life, is 95 Kms. from Lachen.




Lachung
A Bhutia village in the north at a height of 8,600 feet and at a distance of 117 Kms. from Gangtok is a stop-over place for people visiting Yumthang. The way up to the village and the village itself is adorned with gigantic and breathtakingly beautiful water-falls and scenic landscape. The people of this place are called Lachungpas.

Yumthang
The playground of the Gods as the people threre say, a valley in North Sikkim, 23 Kms. away from Lachung and at an elevation of 11,800 feet, is a paradise for Nature lovers. Besides having a fascinating blend of flora and fauna, the valley also has a very pretty and vivid range of scenic sights. In summers it is the grazing ground of the yaks and turns into a valley of flowers with Premulas, Daisies and Rhododendrons dotting the entire landscape. In the winters it is a different world altogether, with snow-capped mountains and snow covered landscape. There is a hot spring worth taking a dip in.

Lachen
A picturesque village situated at a distance of 47 Kms. from Lachung & 26 Kms. form Chungthang, at an elevation of 9200ft. The Lachen River flows through the village forming a beautiful landscape with snow capped, razor edged peaks jutting out in the far horizon. The people of this place are called lachenpas.

Thangu & Chopta
Farther ahead of Lachen at a distance of 28Kms, a continuation of the Tibetan Plateau at a height of 13,800 ft., is the Thangu Valley opening out to an arid snow desert like terrain. 4Kms. ahead is the Chopta Valley and 34Kms. from here is the famous Gurudongmar Lake surrounded by ice clad mountains raring to touch the azure blue skies. It is a holy lake, revered by both Buddhists and Sikhs. This place has a Monastery and a Gurudwara situated side by side