North Sikkim Snuggled right up against the sheer face of Kanchenjunga, North Sikkim has the largest land area but the smallest population of Sikkim's four districts. Home to the indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha populations, the rugged terrain offers snow-capped peaks laced with plunging waterfalls, fir forests dimpled with alpine pastures and medicinal hot springs bubbling out of rhododendron groves. |
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Lachung (2,684 m/ 8,610 ft.) is a beautiful
remote Bhutia Village with a unique self - governing body
called the Dzumsa, which substitutes the modern Gram
Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with
the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley, which is just 24
kms away from Lachung. The village spread out on either side
of Lachung river has managed to retain its unique culture &
tradition. An idyllic valley surrounded by mist-shrouded
mountains & great waterfalls is Lachung. Lachung Village is
a remote area & also serves as an overnight stay place
before proceeding towards Yumthang Valley. Yumthang, which is at an altitude of
3782 m/ 11,800 ft. is, situated about 149 kms from Gangtok
in North Sikkim. But going there is like travelling 149
years back in time – it is so remote & almost untouched by
the vagaries of civilization. Termed as the valley of
flowers & Sikkim’s Switzerland, Yumthang tour takes you to
the heart of North Sikkim. The route to Yumthang from
Lachung - adjoining the Singba Forest Reserve- has a very
picturesque landscape. This tour is a singular experience of
the unique place & culture of the highland Sikkimese people.
Flora, Fauna & Rhododendrons are found in abundance during
springtime in the month of April & May. Yumthang is the
summer grazing grounds of the Yaks & winter playground of
the Yetis. This Paradise for nature lovers has spectacular
snow peaked mountains with Hot Springs & Alpine environment. Gurudongmar Lake is a high altitude sacred Lake with an exotic view surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Gurudongmar Lake – the desert mountains – is another 40 km / 2 hrs drive ahead of Thangu Valley/Chopta Valley. The drive towards Gurudongmar Lake is spectacular & the view is panoramic. Gurudongmar Lake at an altitude of 17,100 ft. is one of the highest motorable road in Sikkim. Infact this is the only place where you will find snow throughout the year & it is also believed that Guru Padmasambhava had touched the Lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area. No visit to North Sikkim is complete without visit to Gurudongmar Lake. The sight here is breathtaking & worth relating back home. Recently opened for Indian Tourists only. However, Visitors prone to heart problems & high altitude sickness are advised to avoid this trip. Phodong monastery, which belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism is situated about a km uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim Highway. The Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built this monastery somewhere in the first quarter of the eighteenth century & is one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim. The main annual prayer is performed on the 28th & 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar when the religious chaams or dances are also demonstrated. This monastery in Lachen was built in 1806 & also follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Lachen Monastery is located on top of the village & commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills & countryside. 17 kms away from Gangtok on the way to North Sikkim, before reaching Phodong, is Kabi Lungchok where the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftan, Tekong Tek & the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed ritually in the 13th century. This spot where the treaty was signed is marked by a memorial stone & lies amidst the shadows of tall trees & cardamom fields. This place is of historical importance. Another one km uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery, which was built about one hundred years later & belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Labrang means the "dwelling place of Lamas" Lachung’s sister village, Lachen is a high altitude beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 2,728 m/ 9000 ft. Lachen village also serves as an overnight stay place before proceeding towards Thangu / Chopta Valley & Gurudongmar Lake. Chopta valley, which is at an altitude of 14,500 ft. is situated about 154 kms from Gangtok in North Sikkim. The entire valley of Chopta erupts into riot of colours in spring. Chopta Valley is also a remote & enqually a beautiful scenic place. |
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