NORTH SIKKIM

NORTH SIKKIM



The road from Gangtok to the most serene and beautiful district of Sikkim is an adventure in itself. The road cuts through vertical hills, passes through dense alpine forests, moves past gushing streams and waterfalls and crosses cavernous gorges, making one sit on the edge of one’s excitements. The region falls in the Indo-Tibetan border and is harnessed by the spectacular majesty of nature. The plight of the terrain, married with the stupendous beauty of virgin nature, has turned the region into a veritable paradise. Over 500 waterfalls, deep gorges, steep forested hills, wide valleys covered in rich natural mosaic of rhododendrons and primulas, the aroma of natural incense herbs, hot springs and eternally snow clad peaks of the eastern Himalayas ensemble to welcome the visitors with one of the most romantic adventure of their life. All accolades fall short of any literary praise of the spectacular romance of the region. It can only be conceived through one’s senses by visiting the place.

The road divides at Chungthang. From here, one road goes northeast to Yumthang valley via Lachung. The other road leads north-west via Lachen to the legendary Gurudongmar Lake. From Lachung to Yumthang, the road is tough and the nature more spectacular. Yumthang is a valley of alpine flowers, mainly Rhododendrons and Primulas, along with a mosaic of incense herbs and grass complimented by the majestic snow capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas hooded by the azure sky at an altitude of 12,500feet. On the road to Gurudongmar Lake at an altitude of 17,000feet via Lachen, as one goes higher, the alpine flora gives way to a vast, barren and rocky high-altitude desert. Amidst the surrounding snow capped peaks, harsh chilly winds pierce the travellers. Not only vegetation, after Thangu, even human civilization bids adieu. One drives through a rocky uneven terrain, spellbound by its divine beauty.

Accessibility: Yumthang is 141kms from Gangtok, while Gurudongmar Lake is 137kms. Gangtok is well connected by road to Siliguri in the neighbouring state of West Bengal, which in turn, has excellent air, rail and road connections.

Accommodation: There are standard Hotels at Lachen and Lachung.

Season: October to May.

N.B.:- It is best to travel here through a registered travel agent from Gangtok who conducts tour packages inclusive of transport, fooding and lodging along with sightseeing.

Location: Sikkim, India

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