North Sikkim is the most picturesque and thriving destination in India. Located in the Indo China border in the state of Sikkim it is known for its astonishing natural beauty. Heavenly hills touching the sky, snow covered mountains and picture perfect landscape in every corner make it a treat for the eyes. Tourist visiting Sikkim longing to visit North Sikkim to connect with nature closely.
Known as the home of holy lake Gurudongmar it is a dream of every traveler to visit this lake once in a lifetime. Lachung and Lachen, two serene hamlet of North Sikkim are the connecting point of Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar lake and other attractions in North Sikkim. Astounding view of snow-secured Himalayan mountain ranges, exhilarating waterfall and snow covered valleys are the features of North Sikkim.
Top 10 attractions in North Sikkim
Following are the list of most attractive tourist places in North Sikkim.
- Lachung
- Lachen
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Yumthang Valley
- Ziro Point
- Kala Pathar
1. Lachung
Lachung is the nearest point which accessible from Zero point and Yumthang Valley two heavenly destination in North Sikkim. It is located 110 km (around 6 hrs. drive) from Gangtok. Bestowed by the stunning Lachung river you can hear the guessing sound of the river from everywhere in Lachung.
It takes around 1.5 hrs (25 km) to reach Yumthang valley from Lachung. You can visit Lachung at any time of the year. During winter it is affected by heavy snowfall and temperature drop up to -5 °C. In summer, temperate rise up to 10°C.
2. Mount Katao
Pristine vistas of Mount Katao are just 28 km away from Lachung. It is a great place to enjoy snow and glance the spectacular view of snow-clad peaks. A picturesque road passing through forests of Rhododendrons, Poppies and Primulas tress lead to Mount Katao which is a pleasant journey itself. If you like to do adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding it is a great place for you.
3. Lachen
Pictures perfect Lachen town is the base point to visit Gurudongmar Lake. If you want to see the heavenly lake, you need to stay at Lachen for the night and start in the wee ours of the morning next day to see the lake and the valleys. It takes around 4 -5 hrs. (65 km) to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen via Chopta valley. Chopta valley is a heavenly valley sited near Thangu village at a distance of 31 km from Gurudongmar Lake.
4. Gurudongmar Lake
It is one of the high altitude alpine lake in the world situated at 17,000 ft. above sea level. It sits in close proximity to the Tibetan border. Blessed with the presence of Buddhist guru Padmasambhava, it is believed that a part of the lakes water never froze in the coldest months of winter. Sikh also believe this lake as a holy place which is blessed by the presence of Sikh guru Guru Nanak Ji. The name of the lake is derived from the name of guru Padmasambhava.
Due to high altitude, tourists fall seek most frequently and suffer from breaking problem. It is best to keep the necessary medicines handy. Bring along enough woolen clothes because temperature is extremely cold.
The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from March until June as the weather is pleasant and one can see clear crystal blue skies,
5. Yumthang Valley
It’s a breathing valley located in the bank of river Teesta situated at an elevation of 3564 m in the North of Sikkim. You can enjoy enchanted view of nearby hills, rivers, hot springs, yaks and grazing pastures on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains from the valley. This valley is also acknowledged as the Valley of Flowers due to the unique flora of the reason and Himalayan flowering shrubs growing across the valley in spring. Check Picture Picture journey through Yumthang valley.
The Shingba rhododendron sanctuary which is well known for its variety of rhododendron is a part of the Yumthang valley. It looks pulchritudinous with colourful Rhododendrons flowers in full bloom during spring. The valley is also renowned for sulfurous hot springs.
Zero Point is 28 km away form Yumthang Valley. There is a small market in the starting of the valley where you can enjoy tea and Maggi and buy woolen garments or rent woolen clothes and boots from various shops before proceeding to Zero point.
6. Zero Point
Located at an altitudes of 15,300 feet, it is the last point of India before the China border. Locally known as Yume Samdong, it is the last point of India up to which civilian can visit. Covered with snow most of the time it is heavenly place in North Sikkim. Tourists frequent to this place to enjoy playing with snow.
After crossing Lachung, you have to pass through amazing Rhododendron Sanctuary and wondrous mountain trail to reach Zero Point. Both side of the road is covered with Rhododendron and pine tress with a dreamy mountain view in the backdrop. Road to Zero Point passed through windy road with narrow cuts and bends. You can enjoy a astonishing road journey to reach the point.
Temperature:
Zero Point Sikkim is extreme cold in all the time. In Summer temperature ranges from 4 Degree Celsius to 18 Degree Celsius. During winter months of December to February temperature falls to –17 Degree Celsius.
Hope you are tempted enough to visit North Sikkim and enjoy these beautiful places once in your life. time.
7. Kala Patthar
If you really fond of misty weather and snow and want to enjoy your winter vacation playing with snow then Kala Patthar is the right place for you. You can find snow there till the summer months of May – June. At an altitude of 14,850 ft. this uninhabited place is surrounded by Blackstone mountains covered in a white blanket of snow.
Covered with snow most of the times, this is one of the scenic and amazing viewpoints in the Khumbu valley. This is a must visit place in North Sikkim. The mountains here are pitch black and the snow makes it look like a black jewel.
Though road is not good in shape but you can have most amazing views of Himalayas from here. Generally car drivers charges extra to visit this place.
8. Thangu Valley:
Located on the way to Gurudongmar Lake. This high-altitude valley is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for trekking and camping. The valley is home to the Thangu Village, which is a small settlement of Tibetan and Lepcha communities and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region. Due to its high altitude, the weather in Thangu Valley can be unpredictable.
9. Singhik:
Singhik is a small village located on the way to Lachung. Singhik is famous for its scenic views of Mount Khangchendzonga and the Teesta River. The village is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Singhik is a popular stopover for travelers en route to Lachung. The village is also known for its beautiful orange orchards, which are a major source of income for the local community.
10. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:
Nestled in the stunning Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim district of India, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. The sanctuary covers an area of around 43 sq.kms, and boasts an impressive collection of forty different species of rhododendron each more vibrant and colorful than the last. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species in the sanctuary, including the Wood snipe and the Hoary-throated barwing. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Sikkim.
You can easily visit the sanctuary on your way to Yumthang valley. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from April to July, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the sanctuary awash with a plethora of colors.
North Sikkim Tour Packages
Gangtok the capital of Sikkim is the base point of North Sikkim tour. You can consider staying 1 night at Gangtok for acclamation before starting your tour. You can consider 3 days 2 nights or 2 days 1 night North Sikkim tour. Check our Sikkim tour packages to find most suitable tour for you.
Lots of budget tours are available for North Sikkim but contact a trusted agent to make your tour comfortable and enjoyable. For a comfortable family vacation you can request Innova/ Xylo from your travel agent. Try to book your tour package at least 3 months advance to avoid rush and get your preferred stay easily. Since tourism is booming rapidly in Northeast reason book your package from a govt. registered agency to avoid any problem.
We at Nexplore provide custom tour in entire Sikkim. Check our tour package or contact us to find your preferred North Sikkim package.
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Weather of North Sikkim
April to June is the best season to visit North Sikkim. Weather remains pleasant during this time. Temperatures ranges from -7°C to 10°C during this time. Rhododendron flower and valley of flowers are in full bloom during this time. You can enjoy snow-covered Himalayan peaks and play with snow as your hearts content during spring months of April to June. Generally all tourists spots are open after winter in April and you can enjoy the beauty of all the places fully during spring season.
Generally Sikkim is accessible all year round . You can also plan during winter or autumn to visit this catchy place.
Except monsoon month during July to August you can visit North Sikkim all year round.
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Causation
North Sikkim is situated at a high attitude so be careful before visiting these places. Keep an oxygen cylinder handy for any problem caused by high altitude such as breathing problem and headache. Try to bring chocolate and camphor with you to relieve from problems caused by low oxygen.
2. Be careful if you are with kids.
3. There are very limited food options on the road side eateries as well as hotels.
4. Follow rules to avoid mishap.
Already dreaming about your North Sikkim Tour ? We at Nexplore will guide you with best travel packages, top suggestions and hand-curated itineraries. Check out some of the top-selling Sikkim itineraries here.
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