North Sikkim - guidance required?

Question

Thanks to all those who have taken out their precious time and pain in replying to my earlier query regarding Sikkim-Darjeeling.

I shall feel grateful, if anyone could give practical insights of
North Sikkim Tour?

The best cost
Hotels/resorts
name of tour operators
how to explore it at its best
Normal difficulties faced
pros and cons



Best Regards

Answer 1

North Sikkim is the most beautiful district in India. This is a MUST visit place. The tour of North Sikkim can be done in three days-
Day 1- - Book a jeep at the taxi stand the day befor you start your journey, he will get permits for you for North Sikkim trip.
Leave very early in the morning for Lachung . If you need help, contact Karma Sherpa, 09434408859. He and in his brother operate taxis on this route, and I say this from experience that they are extremely helpful and capable. Stay at Blue Sky Group & Resorts hotel. There are two other decent places at Lachung. Food will be provided at the hotel.
Day2- Visit Yumthang (valley of flowers) and Yumesamdong hot spring and Zero Point.( Donkya La Pass). Yumthang also has a hot spring across the Lachung river, although it is mainly used for bathing purposes by the army personnel! You will be travelling across the Singba Forest Reserve which has more than 120 species of Rhododendron trees. For Yumesamdong hotspring, you will have to trek 2 kms . Further on the road is Zero Point, or Donkya La, the point where the road ends. You will find snow here and it is extremely cold . This place is about 18000ft high. The driver will charge you extra for Zero Point.
Suggestion- For this trip start by 9 am so that you can return by 2 pm. It gets cloudy after 12 pm.
Day 3 - Katao is 24 kms from Lachung at a height of 15,000 ft.(approximately) and can be visited the next day . Katao is a very beautiful place with the panoromic view of snow capped peaks of Himalaya. This place is very close to China border. On return the same taxi will take you to Lachen. Hotels are available, dont need to book in advance, the taxi fellows have their network.
Day 4- Visit Gurudongmar Lake. This place is mind blowing and perhaps better than Switzerland. This lake is situated at a height of 17,156 ft. with a exotic view of lake surrounded with mountains, snow-peaks. 4 kms from Gurudongmar Lake Chho-Lha-mo is another high altitude lake with the landscapic view of China occupied Tibet. On return you can visit Chopta Valley situated at a height of 14,500 ft. , also known for its flowers. This is the second valley of flowers in North Sikkim. The entire valley erupts into riot of colors in Spring.
Suggestion- Leave early by 8 am. The weather get murky in the afternoon. DO NOT CARRY VIDEOCAM OR DIGITAL CAMERA with you. The army check post can be strict. Carry only manual/ film camera to Gurudongmar.
Day 5- Return to Gangtok. On way back you can stop at ---
1. Chuma Thang, the tiny hamlet at the confluence of the two rivers,the Lachen Chhu (Which later evolves into Teesta) and Lachung Chhu. This is also a sacred place blessed by Guru Rimpoche.
2. You can also stop at a small village with a majestic view of Himalaya called Singhik. One can enjoy the amazing surrounding view of Mount Khangchendzonga from Singhik View Point.
3. In the slope of the Phodong is the Phensong Monastery set amidst beautiful landscapes.
4. A kilometer further from Phodong, the Labrang Monastery was built about a 100 years later.Labrang means "the dwelling place of lamas".
5. Between the two monasteries are the Tumlong Palace which was the third capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim.
The journey from Lachen/ Lachung to Gangtok takes nearly 7 hours depending on road conditions. So better to start in the morning so that you can stop for breaks and get to Gangtok by sun- down.
Remember to inform the taxi driver your itenarary before hand so that he can carry extra fuel cans. No pumps in the northern most corners! Pay the fare as per official rate chart/ card. Carry woollens in plenty. You may feel high altitude sickness at Gurudongmar if you do not acclimatise well at Lachung or Lachen.

Answer 2

Visit the following link. I hope you will get all the all information that you are looking for.

http://www.sikkim.ch/north_sikkim_tour.html

Wish you a memorable holiday.