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- North SikkimNorth Sikkim is unexplored with stunning landscape and at unimaginable heights. CLIMATE & VEGETATION:- The landscape is mountainous with dense vegetation all the way up to the alpine altitude before thinning out to desert scrub towards the Northern Tundra. Numerous waterfalls astride the main road make the trip to this district extremely picturesque. Temperatures range from about 25° to below -40° in the extreme high reaches where the altitude is in excess of 6,000 metres. Kanchenjanga is the highest peak at over 8,000 m, straddling its eastern border with Nepal and can be seen clearly from the town of Singhik. Towns * Mangan – the district capital is also known as the Cardamom Capital of the world. *Singiek – A small hamlet some 70 kilometers from Gangtok, the place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Kanchendzonga and its ranges. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. * Lachen – located in the Chopta Valley and the area for halt to visit Gurudongma Lake. Set at an elevation of 2750 meters (9022 feet), slightly higher than that of Lachung, Lachen too has its apple orchards and alpine views. Lachen is the starting point to some of North Sikkim’s most interesting treks. Gurudongmar and Chopta valley are must for any tourist.Lachen also serves as the base camp to some of North Sikkim’s most interesting treks. * Lachung – located in the Yumthang Valley is the major tourist destination. * Dzongu- An off-beat destination, Dzonghu ais a reserved region for the ethnic Lepcha people. A Fewhours drive from Mangan, the place has home-stays and lots of areas for hiking and treks. *Kabi Longtsok – 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 – Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest. The spot where the treaty was signed is marked by a memorial stone and is seen on the left side of the road while traveling from Gangtok to Mangan. The statue of Unity erected near the Thakurbari Temple in Gangtok is in memory of this event. Other Destinations * Yumthang Valley Yumthang, at an elevation of 3600 meters (11811 feet) & 143 kilometers. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur of the rhododendrons. The roadside is covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley colors in May. Yumthang “Tsa-Chu” or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. It is well known for its hot springs. Many varieties of rhododendrons along with alpine flowers paint and help flourish & color the entire region. The route has a very picturesque landscape. Yumesamdong and Dhonkyla are 31 Kilometers i.e. an hour drive beyond Yumthang through the rugged mountain road takes you to an elevation of 4663 meters / 14314 feet, an area where the sweet fragrance of Azalea fills the air. It’s invigorating and exhilarating, but words still to fail to explain the experience of being at Yumesamdong. 45 minutes drive i.e. approximately 25 kilometers is the paradise called Kataou, a place dazzling with ice and the serenity will please you. * Lachung Gompa * Chopta Valley * Gurudongmar Lake: Situated at a height of 5425 meters (17799 feet) and at a distance of 177 kilometers from Gangtok. It is considered one of the sacred lakes of the state both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. The Lake remains milky in color throughout the year and it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava blessed it. A portion of the lake does not freeze even in extreme winter and remains milky in color throughout the year; it is the source of river Lachen Chu. The most fascinating view from here is of Mount Siniolchu, a marvel of nature considered by many as the world’s most beautiful peak, another glorious sight of Mount Khanchendzonga, a spectacular close-up of the world’s third highest mountain. During spring time, the meadows are alive with exotic wild flowers that cover the valley in charming hues. Gurudongma Lake * Kanchendzonga National Park – This Park has an area of 850 square kilometers covering the highest elevation ranging approximately from 1800 meters / 5905 meters to 7000 meters / 22965 feet, in the country is a feast to the eyes. Spectacular wilderness and undisturbed forest wilderness attracting nature & adventure lovers from all over the world cover. There are many glaciers and Zemu Glacier is the longest and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga (8585 meters i.e. 28165 feet) which literally means ‘Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses’ i.e. the five peaks are Narshing , Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common shrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants. Animals found are Snow leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan black bear, Red panda etc. Language English is widely spoken, most of the guides and drivers understand Hindi as well although Nepali is the most widely spoken language. HOW TO VISIT Most of North Sikkim is restricted to travelers and permits are needed to visit these areas. The area shares a sensitive border with China. Entry to North Sikkim is only possible on a guided tour, and a travel permit must be organised in Gangtok 1-2 days prior to travel. You would need a copy of your photo id card and 2 photos to obtain the permits for North Sikkim. All travel is by 4-wheel-drive as the roads are subject to frequent landslides. Gurudongmar Lake Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake. Journey from Lachen starts early at 5 am. Its mostly dark at that time. As you start climbing, the sun rays hit the snow peaks creating spectacular mountains of gold. The only halt is at Thangu at 13000 ft where a single restaurant will serve you tea, bread butter (the bread has to be carried by the travellers) and maggi. You get to sit around the earthen furnace. Socks made from Yak wool and rubber boots are available on sale/rent. The journey ahead is into the land of frozen rivers and chilled waterfalls. After about 16000 ft till Gurudongmar is mostly flat land with mountains on all sides. Its a high altitude desert, hardly any vegetation and very stony and dusty. You have to make your own roads here and its very easy to get lost. Because it is a plateau, it is very cold as chilled winds come down the frozen mountain slopes. Don’t exert much as you would be gasping for breath at this altitude. Gurudongmar lake at 17100 ft is mind blowing. In winters, the entire lake is frozen except one corner which is considered to be very sacred. Army jawans are always there to offer help. One should not miss Gurudongmar Lake in the north Sikkim tour. Yumthang Valley The Yumthang Valley beyond Lachung is the major tourist attraction in the region. The colourful rhododendron bloom (May-June), soaring snow-capped peaks, and herds of wandering yaks makes this an idyllic location. The valley has a thermal spring, although the water can get quite dirty. The Lachung Gompa is the region’s largest Buddhist shrine, located on the hillside across from Lachung. Short walks in the Yumthang Valley are highly recommended. Day 1: Travel from Gangtok to Lachen Day 2: Travel to Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar early in the morning and return to Lachen, move to Lachung Day 3: Travel to Yumthang Valley and back to Gangtok. However, customized trips only to Lachen/Gurudongmar or Lachung/Yumthang Valley is also available. CUISINE Simple Nepali, Indian and Tibetan food is offered at most of the guesthouses. The Tibetan momos (dumplings) are a must. Sampling the local millet beer (known as tongba or chang) with the locals is a great way of soaking up the atmosphere in Lachung. The Sikkimese beer “HIT” is popular for its high alcohol content. PRECAUTION The journey to Gurudongmar is into very high altitude and cold zones. Many people experience headaches because of lack of oxygen. Don’t exert yourself too much and drink lots of water. If you are having kids with you, please be careful. The roads are steep and winding and nausea is very common.
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Treks & Hikes
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Sikkim has some of the most scenic trekking routes and there are numerous trails, which leads to high mountain areas as close as Kanchendzonga. Goechala Trek, Singalila Trek, Rhodendron Trek, Monastic Trek, Village Trek and Green Lake trek can be opted by any individual for the pleasure of seeing the mountain.
Trekking areas in Sikkim are mostly barren and are located in the Kanchendzonga National Park. Preparation of trekking programme mostly begins at Gangtok with lots of planning and logistics support.
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Dushyant Thapa
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email: firefoxstay@gmail.com
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