Chungthang
Nearly 95 kilometers from Gangtok situated in the confluence of the river Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu is this peaceful town Chungthang. It is the junction for the two roads diverging to Lachen (29 kilometers) and Lachung (23 kilometers). North Sikkim tour passes through this road and a stoppage for refreshment. The valley is believed to be blessed by guru Rimpoche. The place is rich in bio-diversity with a wide variety of plants, wild life & orchids.
Lachung
Lachung is the major tourist attraction in the region situated nearly 125 kilometers from Gangtok. Colourful rhododendron blooms in the month of April to June along the way and is worth visiting. Soaring heights with snow - capped peaks, and herds of wandering yaks makes this an ideal tourist destination. The valley has a hot water spring with curative property due to the high sulphur content. The Lachung Gumpa is the Buddhist shrine, Katao, Zero Point or Yume Samdong, located on the hillside across from Lachung and is worth visiting.
Yumthang
Situated at an elevation of 11,800 feet & 135 kilometers from Gangtok. Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur of the rhododendrons. Visit Tsa-Chu or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu popular for its curative power. In May the entire valley erupts into a riot of colours with silver fir and wandering yaks. The scenic view is breathtaking. A dip into the hot spring here is soothing!
Lachen
A small settlement barren during winter and crowded during summer and tourist season. It’s a high altitude desert, hardly any vegetation, very stony and dusty. The local monastery is worth visiting. Frozen rivers and chilled waterfalls at an height of 12000 feet Lachen is mostly flat land with mountains on all sides. Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, Thangu, Chola Mu Pass are the places of interest nearby. There is the famous trek route to Green Lake. Stay at Lachung is wonderful experience.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake drive starts from Lachen starts early at nearly 5:00 A M nearly dark. As one drive along the way the sun rays hit the snow peaks creating spectacular mountains of gold and silver one can enjoy only in here, a journey difficult to forget. On the way the only halt is at Thangu nearly 13000 feet. A restaurant will serve tea and is the only eatery. Socks made from Yak wool and rubber boots are available either sale or rent. Gurudongmar Lake at 17100 feet and is spectacular. During winters, the entire lake is frozen except a corner which is considered to be very sacred.
Mangan
This is a small settlement and is close to some of the villages like Lingdong, Barfok and Hee-Gyathang falling under Dzongu area. Mangan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of Sikkim. North Sikkim is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim with its headquarters at Mangan. The landscape is mountainous with dense vegetation all the way up to the alpine altitude and ultimately ending out to a cold desert towards the Northern end. The region is famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery.
Singiek
Nearly 5 kilometers from Mangan, the capital of North district lies Singiek. Mesmerizing view of the Himalayan range can please any tourist. This is an ideal place if with spectacular and closest views of mount Khangchendzonga. The area also has number of short trek route along the ridges of the surrounding hills. As per stories Chungthang was the meeting place of Guru Rimpoche & Lepcha Chieftain Thekung Tek. From here the word Demazong originated according to the prophecy of Guru Rimpoche.
Kabi Lungtsok
Nearly 20 kilometers drive from Gangtok towards Yumthang on the North Sikkim highway is Kabi Longtsok. This is a historical place where the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftain, Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Burnsa was sworn and signed. Tall trees, cardamom fields with a memorial stone and a place of worship mark the historical spot. There is a small monastery nearby.
