Detailed places to visit in North Sikkim. Review on North Sikkim

North Sikkim is ultimate beauty of Himalayan grandeur. Those who have been to Switzerland shall contend that North Sikkim is as beautiful as Switzerland. North Sikkim is where you are one-step closer to heaven. Within few hours, you ascend from 500 ft to 14, 000 ft with fascinating landscape creating mystical ambience. Hills rise to give mountains creating a valley all along its traverse. Teesta River runs along the valley pronouncing a roar that hums the eardrum day and night. In monsoon, cascading waterfalls and numerous streams from steep mountains makes nature demonstrate her breath-gasping attribute.

As one reach pinnacle of mountain range, rivulets of Teesta River flanked by vertical cliffs soars through azure sky. On one side is valley and the other side is steep mountain with her peaks lined with pine tress all along her contour. Waterfalls creating mist with massive cloudbanks providing a blanket of fur. Moreover, if sunrays were to pierce, mystic Sikkim turns into sparkling Sikkim creating a perfect harmony of nature. From Monsoon to spring, make few replacements – waterfalls give away to spring flowers, cloud cover banished with sunshine. Valley in summer adorn her green carpet with emergence of spectacular colorful pattern of rhododendron and primula flowers and naked eyes gets transfixed on Kanjanjunga peaks.

Places To see:

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 architectural design. Phensang Monastery: This monastery is situated on the gentle slope 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. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 29th and 29th days of the tenth month of the Lunar calendar(Tibetan Calendar).

Singhik: The place offers one of the most spectacular and closest views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well located Tourist Lodge provides accommodation for visitors.

The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also savour the most graceful peak in the world, Mt. Siniolchu.

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 for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place is rich in 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.

Lachung: A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley which is just 25 kms from Lachung. The village, spreads out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition.

The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious function of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious occasion a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.

Yumthang: Yumthang, at an elevation of 11, 800 ft and 140 kms from gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home of Singbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons.

Yumthang'Tsa-Chu' or the hot spring of the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative properties and healing power. Lachen: Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. and about 6 hrs. drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery Located on top of the village commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and country side. Resorts, hotels and lodges are available for accommodation.

Guru-Dongmar Lake: Guru-dongmar lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus.

The lake remains milky in color throughout and it is believed the Guru Padmasambhava had touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area.

Thank you for stopping by. will be writing next on west Sikkim then South and then East Sikkim in detail. Do leave your precious comments behind.