North Sikkim

The North district has often been called the ‘Switzerland of the East’. Visitors to the area find it an apt description. This is a land of high passes, glaciers and remote snowbound terrain. The valleys of Lachen and Lachung with their picture postcard beauty and the spectacular Yumthang valley with its scenic splendour and profusion of alpine flora are known to cast mesmerizing spells on the visitor.

North Sikkim

Kabi Longstok

20 kms from Gangtok, on way to North Sikkim is the sacred spot of Kabi where the pact of blood brotherhood was sworn between the Lepchas and the Bhutias in the 15th century. Nine stones were erected facing Mount Khangchendzonga to witness the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepchas and the Bhutias. To this day the stones stand as testimony to the treaty. 
The area is a sacred grove rich with medicinal plants and is the venue for the annual Siqueok Puja, a thanksgiving for a good harvest to the Gods and prayers for continued benevolence. Lamas and Bongthings perform the puja with age old rituals which is participated by large number of people.

The Puja falls every year on the 15th day of the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar, normally corresponding to October.

Phodong, Phensang and Labrang

Around 30 kms from Gangtok are the monasteries of Phodong, Phensang and Labrang. All three are close to each other on the North Sikkim Highway.

Phensang Monastery was built in 1721 by Lama Jigme Pawo, who was the third incarnation of Lhatsun Chenpo. In 1947 it was completely destroyed by a devastating fire but rebuilt again the following year. The annual ‘Chaam’ is held on the 28th and the 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.

Phodang Monasterywas built in the 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. It belongs to the Kargyupa sect. The original monastery has been rebuilt although the old mural paintings and frescoes were preserved. It celebrates its annual ‘chaam’ on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.

Labrang Monasteryis famous for its architectural style with rich frescoes detailing the interiors of the monastery. Between Phodong and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim, Tumlong.

Mangan

67 kilometres from Gangtok, this small town is the district headquarters of the spectacular North district. It is an attractive place with good views and is a transit point to other destinations of the region. A three day music festival is held at Mangan in December every year. Bands from the region as well as from the other Northeast states entertain the huge gathering and compete for the main prize. Mountains, music and the cold weather create an enthralling event. Other attractions include an exhibition cum sale of local handicrafts, a presentation of traditional cultural songs and dances and a food festival.

Singhik

A small hamlet around four kms away from Mangan is the Singhik View Point offering the most magnificent view of the Khangchendzonga range and surrounding hills. For those who want to linger, a tourist lodge is available close by for night halts.

Chungthang

A small town on way to Yumthang, it stands at the confluence of the rivers Lachen chu and Lachung chu. The North Sikkim highway bifurcates from here with one road leading to Lachen and the other to Lachung. Chungthang valley is considered to be a holy place which has been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. There is a rock here which to this day bears the hand and footprints of Padmasambhava. From a small opening in the rock there is continuous flow of mineral water. There is a small patch of land here from which grows paddy every year. The nature defying miracle is believed to be the blessing of Guru Padmasambhava who sprinkled a handful of grain on the spot which has sprouted paddy ever since.

Chungthang is a good place to halt before one takes off for the more alpine regions of Lachen, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley. Chungthang is mired in myths and legends, one such being that this is the place from where the word ‘Demazong’ [the hidden valley of rice, as Sikkim is known] first originated.

Lachung

The picturesque mountain village of Lachung, at a height of 8610 ft, embraced by snow capped mountain peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams and apple orchards is the perfect holiday destination. Sprawled across the banks of the Lachung Chu [river] which slices the village in two, Lachung is famous for its apples, peaches and apricots. At Lachung you can visit the Lachung Gompa, built around 1880, the monastery is situated amidst apple orchards across the river from the town centre. Also go see the handicraft centre which has exquisitely woven rugs and blankets. Accomodation is no problem in Lachung which has many hotels and lodges including a Dak Bungalow. But despite throwing its doors open to tourists Lachung still retains its distinctive culture and tradition, including the unique system of self governance called the Zumsa where all local disputes are settled by a totally representative body of the village which is headed by an elected Pipon. 
You can also visit the Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary through which flows the Yumthang Chu. The sanctuary is known for its abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs. Lachung is perfect for an overnight halt before you visit the spectacular Yumthang valley.

Lachen 
At an altitude of 8500 ft Lachen is alluring in its simplicity. Not yet as big a tourist destination as Lachung, it retains a freshness which is very appealing. The village comprises of less than 200 houses, earlier inhabited only during winters by their owners who spend their summers on the alpine pastyres bordering Tibet tending to their yaks. Lachen is the starting point for some of the most interesting treks in North Sikkim as well as the gateway to the holy Guru Dongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes.

You can visit the Lachen Gompa here and sample the simple village life of the ‘Lachenpas’. 
The area is restricted for foreigners, but special passes can be procured in advance. A few lodges are available here for stay as well as Forest Department and a PWD Bungalows.

Yumthang

24 kms from Lachung and at an altitude of 12,000 ft Yumthang Valley is stunning in its natural beauty. Snow capped mountains reaching up into the sky, a landscape painted in varied colours by flowers in bloom and crystal clear springs meld together to create a strong impression on the senses. Yumthang is also called the valley of flowers. In the summer Primulas carpet the valley with a lavender hue while Rhododendron trees and shrubs create a palette of red, pink, yellow, purple and white. In winter Yumthamg’s natural scenic splendour mesmerizes with its desolate beauty.

The Yumthang hot spring, located some distance away from Yumthang village is well known for its therapeutic value while a 23 kilometre drive up from Yumthang takes you to the Yume Samdong hot spring at the base of the Donkia-la Pass which connects the Lachung and Lachen valleys.

8 kms from Yumthang near the Indo-China border is a temple of Lord Shiva.
A Forest Department Log Hut is available at Yumthang.

Tourists require an inner line permit which can be obtained via travel agents.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Spread over 43 sq kms through which flows the Yumthang river, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary adjoins Lachung and Yumthang. The Sanctuary which is known for its abundance of Rhododendron shrubs and trees is rich in ground flora and other vegetation as well. The Yumthang River is rich in Brown Trout and good for angling. There is a forest rest house here as well as one in Yumthang.

Gurudongmar Lake

At 17,100 ft, Gurudongmar is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus as a sacred lake. 
Encircled all around by snow-covered mountains the lake freezes during the winter, except at one spot said to be blessed by Guru Rimpoche.

The water of the lake is believed to have the miraculous power of granting children to issueless couples. Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit the lake.