A first-timer's guide to North Sikkim

You know how magical a destination Sikkim is. But, do you know that inside Sikkim, there is a region that is widely popular among travellers? Even more popular than the capital city of Gangtok. We are talking about North Sikkim.

Read more: What makes Pelling the best tourist town in Sikkim?

With stunning natural landscape and cultural beauty, North Sikkim will give you a wholesome experience.

If this is your first time exploring North Sikkim, you will love what we have hand-picked for you. Here are some of the best North Sikkim experiences you must have.

Lachen is one of the most beautiful towns in North Sikkim but it is not only about natural beauty here. Lachen’s rich cultural heritage is worth visiting the place. You will find the famous Lachung Monastery here, along with other culturally and religiously important places including the Nyingma order of Himalayan Buddhism.

Thangu village is usually a choice base for treks to Gurudongmar Lake, Muguthang or Cho Lhamu Lake. You can see the beautiful Tibetan plateau from Thangu. Best time to visit the village is in the summer months. The whole area sees spectacular blooms of high altitude flowers.

Located at the height of 17,100 ft above the sea level, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in India. The scenic beauty of Gurudongmar Lake is something you will be talking about for a long time. The lake is also religiously significant. From Gurudongmar Lake, you will get perfect views of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga.

Easily one of the most popular destinations in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley is every nature lover’s dream destination. It is blessed with a beautiful valley of wild flowers, which is why it is also called the Valley of flowers. From hot springs, stunning rivers to yaks grazing, Yumthang Valley is a photographer’s delight.

Lachung is a popular tourist town in North Sikkim. Expect to see pretty and gushing waterfalls. Visit during winter to see the town turn into a winter wonderland. Most travellers often make Lachung their base for Yumthang Valley. Fruit orchards are everywhere here and they do look spectacular.

The highest lake in India, Cho-Lamu lake (also known as Tso Lhamu), is located at an altitude of 18,000 ft above sea level. Expect to see the lake half frozen for the most part of the year. You will need a special pass from the army and Sikkim Police because of the lake’s proximity to the Tibet border.

Also known as Zero Point, Yumesamdong is one of the most visited places in North Sikkim. This popular tourist spot is located 15,300 ft above sea level. Almost an hour away from Yumthang valley, Yumesamdong is where you will find snow almost all year round.

Situated in Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a place for nature lovers. The best time to see the rhododendrons in bloom is during the spring season (April to July). The sanctuary looks spectacular with more than 40 species of rhododendrons in bloom.