Tourist spots in North Sikkim

Tourist Spots in North Sikkim

Various tourist spots in North Sikkim include natural, heritage, religious, man-made sites etc which cater to several types of visitors. Tourists visiting North Sikkim are more focused on snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. Tourist spots in North Sikkim is the main eye father for tourism in Sikkim. Snow is the main attraction that attracts visitors to North Sikkim.

1. Kabi Lungchok

This historical place is 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This is where the historical Treaty of Blood Brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Key-Bum-Sa was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest. This is one of the main historical places which holds a high position in the history of Sikkim.

2. Seven Sisters Waterfalls

It is located 32 km away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. To facilitate the tourist to savour the pristine beauty and be with nature, Tourism Department has set up a waiting shed and a cafeteria where visitors can take a break. The seven separate waterfalls, which are elegantly positioned horizontally on a broad, craggy cliff, seem distinct when viewed from a distance, as the name implies.

3. Phensang Monastery

The place 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 Jigmee Pawo. It was gutted by a fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month of the Lunar Calendar (Tibetan Calendar).

4. Phodong Monastery

It is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyud Order. It is located approximately 38 km from Gangtok. Four km above Phodong Monastery is Labrang Monastery, unique in its architectural design. One of the six most significant monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong Monastery is located at a height of 4500 feet and offers a picturesque view of deep valleys and towering mountains. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the then-ruler of Sikkim, established the monastery in the 18th century, roughly about 1740.

5. Sirijunga Yuma Manghim – Mangshila

Constructed in 1983, its designs are similar to that of Sirijunga Yuma Manghim – Martam, (West Sikkim). During January, Maghey Sankranti celebrated with enthusiasm among people of all communities from neighbourhood hamlets come and take part in the celebrations.

6. Rong Lungten Lee

This replica of a Lepcha traditional house at Namprikdang, 8 km away from Mangan, was inaugurated in 2003. It comprises of three rooms. The ceiling (attic) called “Phahong” is used to store valuable items. This house is open to tourists throughout the year admire the antique artifacts displayed. Namprikdang, situated at the confluence of two rivers – Kanaka and Teesta provides a picturesue view. Visitors can enjoy pristine beauty of the flora and fauna. Namsoong Festival celebrated with great fervour includes local involvement.

7. Singhik

The place offers one of the most spectacular and close views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its ranges. A well located Tourist Lodge provides accommodation for visitors. The area has a number of interesting short nature trails for one to three days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills. One can also view the most graceful peak in the world Mt. Sinolchu.

8. Chungthang

Chungthang, located near the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-divisional town of North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two historic passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley believed blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see his foot prints. It is rich in bio-diversity with a variety of orchids and plants. 95 km from Gangtok, Magnificient Bema Water Falls can be seen 15 km away, on the way to Lachung.

9. Lachung

A village situated at a height of 8000 ft provides excellent village tourism facilities. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley which is just 25 km away. The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite the highway is a focal point of all religious functions of the local inhabitants. Glimpse of the religious functions performed on auspicious occasions visit to the Monastery should be part of the tour itinerary.

10. Yumthang : Valley of flowers

Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. and 140 km from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers, with a marvelous blend of flora & fauna, hot springs and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home of Singbha Rhododendron Sanctuary having 24 species of Rhododendrons. Shivmandir and Yuma Samdong, located closeby are equally fascinating spots.

Yumthang package tours organized by the travel agents registered with Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim.

11. Lachen

Lachen situated at an altitude of 2750 mts, is about five and a half hours drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery located on top of the village commands a panoramic view of surrounding hills and country side. Resorts, Hotels and Lodges are available for accommodation to the visitors.

Tarum Hotsprings, 8 kms by road from Chungthang and 4 km of trek, on the way to Lachen.

12. Thangu

Thangu, situated at an altitude of 13,500 ft is about two hours drive from Lachen. It is a small village where the visitors usually acclimatise before they proceed to Gurudongmar Lake, Muguthang or Cho Lhamu (source of River Teesta)

13. Gurudongmar Lake

Considered as one of the sacred lakes of the State both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. The lake remains milky in colour throughout the year. Blessed by Guru Padmasambhava while returning from Tibet. A portion of the lake does not freeze even in extreme winter.

Gurudongmar Lake, one of Sikkim’s most stunning and unspoiled lakes, is located not far from the border between China and Tibet in the north. The icy alpine lake, located at 5,183 metres above sea level, is one of the main sources of the river Teesta. 

Other Tourist Spots in North Sikkim

  • Tourist Lodge & Cafeteria, Yumthang
  • Cafeteria at Bheema waterfalls, near Bichhu
  • Rock Climbing Centre at Mangan

Read more about the tourist spots of West Sikkim here.

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