Phodong is a Buddhist monastery located around 38 km from Gangtok. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built this Monastery in the 18th century, and It belongs to the Kargyupa sect. It celebrates its annual ‘chaam’ or mask dance on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.
A drive of another 20 km from Yumthang takes you to Yumesamdong, at an altitude of about 16,000 feet. The rugged vegetation-free mountains, over here present a breathtaking scenario, especially in the months of November-December and February¬March.
Yumthang, popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flower’ is situated at a height of 11800 feet. From Lachen, it takes only a drive of 1 hour to reach. Yumthang is an attractive excursion for nature lovers who come to North Sikkim. For nature lovers, this valley provides a fascinating blend of flora and fauna with […]
Thangu, the last village in North Sikkim, is situated at an altitude of 13,500 ft and is one of the highest settlements in the world and the highest in Sikkim. Thangu is a village of nomadic Yak herders and is about two hours’ drive from Lachen. This small village provides a stopover for the people […]
One of the topmost attractions in North Sikkim is a visit to Gurudongmar Lake. Situated at a height of 17,800 feet, it is one the highest alpine lakes in the world and considered the most sacred lakes by the Buddhists and Sikhs. The journey to this awe-inspiring lake starts from Lachen and takes about 3hrs […]
Rabom, a small on the way to Lachen, become popular for producing Angora Rabbit Wool. The farmhouses have an in-house workshop, where the local villagers prepare warm nice looking caps and other products from Angora wool. This place gives a nice shopping break for travellers coming from Gangtok or when they leave Lachen on their […]
At a distance of one and half hour drive from Lachen, lies Chopta Valley with its virgin appeal. Located adjacent to Thangu Village, this valley at 13000 feet, is one of the few accessible places in Sikkim, where you can walk over the frozen river during winter. During spring, the valley sets ablaze with the […]
For the hikers, an easy day trek to Tinjurey in Phambong-lho Wild Life Sanctuary can be fascinating. Starting from Tashi Viewpoint, at a distance of 8kms from Gangtok, the trek has few steep climbs in some initial stages and covers 5kms in about 2.5hrs. The hike goes through the dense forests of magnolia, maple and […]
Rumtek Monastery, the seat of His Holiness, The Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is situated around 23 km from Gangtok, on the other side of the hill. With a nice, rural setting, Rumtek is a quiet getaway and an ideal half-day excursion from the town. The drive to Rumtek from Gangtok […]
Tashi Viewpoint is another hilltop from where one gets a breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. An Observatory Tower, Cafeteria and Public amenities give service to the tourists visiting here. The best time to visit is place is early in the morning to get the stunning sunrise […]
