Mesmerizing Treasures of India's Sikkim State

[Sandip Raha]

The tiny state of Sikkim is full of treasures and one of the Himalayas best travel place full with its beautiful snow-clad peaks, natures beauty, and quaint villages which are decorated with prayer flags and this traveler’s paradise has many hidden destinations waiting. North Sikkim is one of the places on earth that defines beauty in many ways. A majority of us love lush green hills, mesmerizing flowers blooming in the wild, and snow-covered chilly hills. I’d share every detail about the North Sikkim Package Tour here and my wonderful experiences, with the hope it will help you guys when you plan your North Sikkim Tour.

Surrounded by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, this North-Eastern state holds its own on account of its distinct personality. From dramatic valleys and picturesque lakes to snow-capped mountains, Sikkim will wrap your soul and leave you wanting for more. North Sikkim is a kind of place that connects with the soul of a traveler lover. You take through an unforgettable journey filled with mesmerizing avenues. North Sikkim tour is full of amazing places that must be on your bucket list.

How to reach North Sikkim

You can take a train from Kolkata to NJP or else you can fly to Bagdogra as well from any major city in India. Though train journey will be enjoyable as these are the small joys of life which are memorable in trips.

Places to explore in North Sikkim

Maximum people always head over to Gangtok first, to enjoy a relaxing evening and the real beauty hidden is away in the Northern part of Sikkim only. Gangtok is where everyone starts their North Sikkim trip as it is important to take a night halt at Gangtok and then continue. Even during coming back from Lachen, it is important to halt and stay at Gangtok. This Part of Sikkim has a lot of amazing and breathtaking cities which are a treat for the eyes. It is the perfect place to just head over and have a pleasurable holiday. North Sikkim tour package mainly has places like Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Zero Point.

Gangtok to Lachung is usually a 4-hour drive and from there you can see bridges, rivers, and prayer flags and even you could witness many waterfalls as well and some jaw-dropping views of the mountains that surround this place. You can stop for a while, clicked pictures, enjoy nature and beauty.

Lachung

Lachung is at 700ft and at a hill-top over the river Teesta. From Lachung go to Yumthang Valley which is about 30 km away from Lachung. This route to have some mesmerizing waterfalls where you can stop and take photos.

Yumthang Valley is a pristine and peaceful valley that is blessed with natural treasures, including the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Yumthang Valley is nature’s paradise. In every season it is completely different but stunningly beautiful and also called the Valley of Flowers. The glowing wildflowers across the spectacular valley offer a stunning view of the towering peaks of Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. It is home to over 25 species of Rhododendron. To experience and witness the valley of flowers in all glory visit in summer. The valley gains a whole fresh look during spring, as they cover all the mountains with colorful flowers which make it look like a rainbow has formed on the hilltops.

From the Yumthang Valley, you can go to the Yumesamdong that is The Zero Point. It is about an hour's drive from Yumthang Valley and at 15300 ft. It covers the Yumesamdong in snow throughout the year, even during off-seasons. Zero Point is basically a point where the road’s end. This place has nothing special but the vibe of the place and the view of Teesta River flowing between the mountain ranges is enough to leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. As you walk around there, you could see the stunning Himalayas all around you. The place truly gives the best and memorable view of the Himalayas.

Lachen

On the way, from Lachung to Lachen you can stop at the Teesta River and just laze around. At the height of 9000 ft, Lachen is a quaint village, secluded on a mountaintop. You could trek up to Lachen Monastery also, which is the oldest monastery of Sikkim. The best way to explore this village is to go on foot and expect nothing.

Here is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world–the Gurudongmar Lake. At an altitude of 18,000 feet, Gurudongmar is amongst the highest lakes in the world and is the major highlight of Lachen Lachung Package Tour. The road to Gurudongmar Lake is very tough, and it is advisable to stop at Thangu and have the breakfast there. Once you stepped down at the lake and take a walk on the frozen water of the lake. Due to low temperature, the water froze and turned into solid crystal clear ice. Once you reach it, you will find nothing like anything I’ve seen before. No picture does justice to actually being there, the blue color of the sky and snow-capped mountains, the crystal clear icy water of the lake, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The scenery is just breathtaking and captivating.

Tips for North Sikkim Tour

• North Sikkim doesn’t have hotels per se. It has homestays. All the homestays are very neat and well maintained and have good basic amenities.
  
• Gurudongmar Lake and the Zero Point are at high range with huge altitude, so take for breathing difficulties and people who have any difficulty with breathing should avoid visiting this place as there you can face oxygen issues which will create difficult to breathe.
  
• Carry sufficient warm clothes and shoes.
  

Best Time to visit North Sikkim

The best time to make plan for North Sikkim Package Tour  is in April, May, and October, November and December is too cold, and from June to September the rains force the roads to be closed.