India has earned itself a slice of heaven in the form of Sikkim. Snuggling the Himalayas, this beautiful part of a Northeastern Indian state is a place unlike any other in the country. The breathtaking view of Mount Kanchendzonga, the fragrance of variety of flowers, the quietness of sparkling lakes and the gurgling of rivers like Tista make Sikkim a destination that no nature lover should miss. So, whether you are looking for some adventure or peace of mind, solace or romance, North Sikkim is a destination that you must plan to visit. Here is a list of top 10 places in Sikkim that every nature lover should visit.
Thangu
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| Thangu |
A peaceful village, Thangu is in a way Indian Military base, where they stay for sometime get acclimatized. Thangu is also a base for those who wish to trek to Chopta Valley and Muguthang. A picturesque hamlet, it has a scanty population and that is why it seems a perfect place for the nature lovers.
Gurudongmar Lake
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| Gurudongmar Lake |
Amongst the most famous destinations in Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is a high altitude lake situated at an altitude of 5430m. The lake is one of the source streams of River Teesta and it holds immense religious importance. It remains completely frozen in the winter time, whereas in the summer it offers a sparkling look. The simplicity of the place is what makes it even more gorgeous and in indeed the best place in North Sikkim to visit.
Green lake
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| Green Lake |
The base camp of Mount Kanchendzonga, Green Lake is an alpine lake situated at an altitude of 5000m. The lake is located near the Zemu glacier and makes for an adventurous trek. The trekking trail of Green Lake passes through thick Rhododendron, primulas and blue poppy forests. The breathtaking view of the Kanchendzonga further enhances the beauty of this place.
Singhik
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| Singhik |
A small village in the lap of nature, Singhik is looks like a slice fallen from paradise on the earth. Offering impeccable view of the Khanchndzonga range including Mount Siniolchu, Singhik is perfect for a getaway in North Sikkim. One can also go trekking and hiking as there are several short and long nature trails available here.
Phodong Monastery
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| Phodong Monastery |
About 38kms from Gangtok on North Sikkim Highway is the Phodong Monastery. It is called the Karma Kargyu Monastery of Phodong and is the home to some extremely friendly monks. Nestled amidst gorgeous landscape that further enhances its beauty, the monastery is known for the intricate murals that adorn its walls. Like Phensang, the best time to visit Phodong would be the month of December, when the annual festival is celebrated with religious dances.
Tosar Lake
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| Tosar Lake |
The beautiful Tosar Lake is located at an elevation of 4,000m between the Mangan and the Chola Range. The lake has a giant cliff that is considered sacred and is worshiped by the local people. This region provides some of most splendid views of mount Khanchendzonga. In order to enjoy the beauty of Tosar Lake, one has to trek all the way up to it. The trail to Tosar Lake starts from the road head at Naksuk, above Naga village and traverses through a dense conifer, bamboo, rhododendron and pine forests.
Seven Sisters Waterfall
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| Seven sisters waterfall |
Situated about 32kms from Gangtok on the way to Mangan, Seven Sisters is a beautiful waterfall. The water is seen cascading down in distinct three steps. A small footbridge is constructed above the waterfall, so that the visitors get the best view. If one is willing to trek a bit more than he can be rewarded with the view of the fourth drop of the fall. An incredible place for some adventure, visitors will love Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Chopta Valley
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| Chopta Valley |
Chopta Valley out do the other destinations in Sikkim. One should get here during the spring time when the entire valley becomes a riot of colors. Chopta Valley is very likely to be the place from where the impression of green Sikkim starts to vanish. A base for high altitude lake Gurudongmar, the valley beckons a different landscape with barren mountains and less vegetative pasture lands.
Yumthang Valley
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| Yumthang Valley |
Another picturesque place in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley boasts of its thick rhododendron forests and hot sulphur springs. The valley is the home to 24 species of Rhododendrons, thus it rightly earns its name as ‘Valley of Flowers’. The vasts meadows and the passing of River Teesta through it, makes Yumthang Valley a nature lovers’ paradise.
Lachung
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| Lachung |
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