Sikkim is a magical land. It is filled with picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, spiritually calming monasteries, hills, valleys, mountains and much more.
However, north Sikkim offers a more serene and secluded experience. Unlike other hill stations, north Sikkim has not yet been completely commercialized which makes it a rare and untouched beauty. Due to this, north Sikkim still retains its rawness and unique characteristics. North Sikkim best time to visit is during the Spring or Winter season.
The snow capped peaks, blooming fauna and flora, rich culture and tradition, crystal clear cold streams of water, all these make north Sikkim the perfect place for a quiet getaway from all the hustle and bustle of city life.
In this blog we will explore some north Sikkim famous places that are a must to have on your travel bucket list.
-
Phensang Monastery
Out of all the north Sikkim best places to visit, Phensang monastery holds spiritual significance for buddhists in north Sikkim. It is located at a distance of 9 kms from Gangtok and it is one of the best places if you are seeking peace on your vacation. The monastery was once destroyed completely in a fire, although it was restored to its original beauty in 1958. In the month of December, an annual buddhist festival is celebrated in north Sikkim and this is the best time to visit Phensang as it is adorned with colorful flags and the atmosphere is quite cheerful.
How to reach Phensang:
You can hire a Sikkim taxi service or hail a bus to drive you to Phensang from Gangtok. It will take around 20 minutes to reach.
Distance:
From Gangtok to Phensang, the approximate distance is around 9 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus, Taxi, Jeep.
-
Mangan
Mangan is the point of entry to Lachung Lachen. It is a small and calm town that is settled in the less popular parts of north Sikkim. Although it is not booming with tourists, it makes it a peaceful and pleasant place to visit on your vacation. For people that reside in north Sikkim, Mangan is the place where the main market is situated. You can find farm picked oranges, peaches, apples, etc in the markets. This town offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchendzonga ranges which makes it an amazing place to visit with your friends and family. You can make memories of a lifetime.
How to reach Mangan:
You can hire a Sikkim taxi service to drive you to Mangan from Gangtok. It will take around 2 hours to reach.
Distance:
From Gangtok to Mangan, the approximate distance is around 54 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus, Taxi, Jeep.
-
Tosar Lake Trek
The Tosar Lake is an absolute gem of nature, located at an amazing elevation of approximately 4 kms. It is situated between the Chola Range and Magan. The locals from north Sikkim believe that the lake is sacred and worship the cliff located above it. To reach the lake you will have to trek for around 25 hours. Although the trek is somewhat difficult for some, it is an experience of a lifetime. The trek starts from Naksuk and takes you through a dense forest area filled with bamboo, conifer, pine and other trees. The flora and fauna around Tosar Lake is exotic and beautiful. It gives you a taste of nature’s rawness.
How to reach Tosar Lake:
You should hire the best cab service in Sikkim from Gangtok which will drive you to Tom Naga to the trekking point. From the trekking point you will have to trek to Tosar Lake. It will take around 2 hours to reach the trekking point.
Distance:
From Gangtok to Tom Naga, the approximate distance is around 54 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus/ Taxi/ Jeep and then trekking.
-
Rong Lungten Lee
Rong Lungten Lee is a heritage house. It is situated 8 kms away from Mangan and approximately 66 kms away from Gangtok. In ancient times, a tribe named Lepcha used to live here. Today their remaining artifacts and relics can be found here. It gives you a sense of the past and makes you appreciate the life you have. Both foreign as well as Indian tourists are given a warm welcome.
How to reach Rong Lungten Lee:
You should use the best cab service in Sikkim to drive you from Gangtok to Rong Lungten Lee. If you choose to drive from Mangan, it will take you around 2.5 hours to reach Lungten Lee.
Distance:
The approximate distance from Gangtok to Rong Lungten Lee is around 66 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus, Taxi, Jeep.
-
Seven Sisters Waterfall
The Seven Sister waterfall is located at a distance of 32 kms from Gangtok. When you are travelling to Magan, the waterfall will fall on your route. It is a serene and peaceful waterfall that offers a sense of peacefulness to the visitors. There is a footbridge constructed over it so that visitors can take a coser look. The surroundings are filled with lush greenery and nature and the crystal clear water glistens in the sunlight. It is a beautiful sight to behold.
How to reach the Seven Sister waterfall:
You should use the best cab service in Sikkim to travel from Gangtok to Magan via road. Then there is a short hike that will take you to the waterfalls. The drive takes around 45 mins.
Distance:
The approximate distance is around 32 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus, Taxi, Jeep.
-
Phodong Monastery
The Phodong Monastery is located at a distance of 38 kms from Gangtok. It falls on the North Sikkim Highway. It is also referred to as the Karma Kargyu Monastery. The monastery is surrounded by nature and lush greenery from all 4 directions. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals. In the Month of December, a Buddhist religious festival is celebrated in North Sikkim. This is the best time to visit the monastery as the celebrations make the environment more vibrant and cheerful. The monks that reside here are extremely welcoming and friendly towards visitors.
How to reach the Phodong Monastery:
Many tour packages for Sikkim offer taxi services for travelling to the Phodong Monastery. You can also hire a private cab from Gangtok to Phodong Monastery. The drive will take around 1 hour.
Distance:
The approximate distance is around 28 kms.
Mode of transport:
Bus, Taxi, Jeep.
-
Chopta Valley
Chopta valley is the end point of lush greenery in Sikkim. It is a place that is loved by tourists for its dry and rocky terrains. It is the land of barren mountains. During the springtime however, the valley can be seen blooming with vibrant flowers. It is a rough terrain and international visitors are not allowed unless they have obtained a permit in advance. It is the perfect place for off road drivers and nature lovers.
How to reach Chopta Valley:
To reach Chopta, you will need to drive to Lachen from Gangtok and then from there, passing through Thangu, you will reach Chopta Valley. The journey takes an approximate 8 hours.
Distance:
The distance is around 160 kms.
Mode of transport:
Jeep
-
Naga Falls
The Naga falls is a blissfully scenic place to visit. It is located in North Sikkim at a distance of 21 kms from Bhim Nala falls. Many tour packages for Sikkim offer a visit to Naga falls as it is the second tallest falls in Sikkim. For people who are on a vacation with family and friends, Naga falls gives the perfect opportunity to soak in the calm and serene beauty of nature. You can take a dip in the cool and crystal clear water, click amazing pictures and create memories of a lifetime.
How to reach Naga falls:
To reach the Naga falls, you will need to hire a Sikkim taxi service from Gangtok and then from there go towards North Sikkim. The falls are located on the Gangtok – Chungthang Road. It will take around 1 hour to reach.
Distance:
The distance is around 35 kms from Lachung.
Mode of transport:
Taxi
-
Yume Samdong (Zero Point)
Yume Samdong, situated nearby Yamthung, is an amazing place to explore. It offers you an insight into nature and greenery like never before. Yume Samdong, popularly referred to as Zero Point, is surrounded by snow capped mountains, gorgeous forests filled with all kinds of exotic flora and fauna and much more, You can even visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where you will witness raw wilderness and nature at its best. This place is heaven for photographers and wildlife lovers. The best time to visit Yume Samdong is during the months of March and April.
How to reach Zero Point:
To reach Yume Samdong, you will need to hire a Sikkim taxi service. It will take you an hour and a half to reach.
Distance:
The distance is around 23 kms from the city.
Mode of transport:
Taxi
-
Singhik
Singhik is a small village located in North Sikkim. It is a calm, peaceful yet vibrant area to visit and offers a sense of tranquility. It offers you an exotic and mesmerizing look of various mountain ranges such as Mt. Siniolchu and the complete Kanchendzonga range. It is the perfect getaway from the pollution and noisy city life right into the lap of mother nature. There are various adventure sports and activities that you can enjoy such as hiking and trekking. The trails for trekking around this village are filled with lush greenery and untouched nature.
How to reach Singhik:
To reach Singhik, you will need to hire a Sikkim taxi service which will take you from Gangtok to Singhik. It is a 2 hour drive.
Distance:
The distance is around 58 kms from Gangtok.
Mode of transport:
Taxi, bus, jeep
