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Meadows And Wildflowers Galore
The district headquarters are at Mangan, which has now become somewhat of
a gateway to the unexplored north. The northernmost edges of this district
merge into the Tibetan plateau, which lends its uniqueness to this
sparsely populated region. The Tibetan Wild Ass, known locally as the
'Kyang', has been spotted in this region. Like the rest of
Sikkim, this district too has its share of
monasteries and legends but the most famous spot is Yumthang.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Yumthang
Yumthang is located in a flat valley whose sides reach up to the towering
mountains. About 149-km from Gangtok,
Yumthang is also referred to as the valley of flowers, and is also
referred to as the valley of flowers, and is a naturalist's paradise in
spring. Wildflowers, Primulae and Rhododendron bathe the landscape in rich
colours. A must see here are the hot springs at Yume Samdong.
Kabi Longtsok
About 17-km away from Gangtok is Kabi Longtsok where the Tibetan
chieftain, Khey-Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha shaman
Te-Kung-Tek, the spot is marked by a stone amidst the shadows of a dense
wooded area. The statue of unity erected near the Thakurbari temple in
Gangtok is in memory of this event.
Chungthang
About 95-km away from Gangtok en route to
Yumthang lies the tiny hamlet of Chungthang at the confluence of the two
rivers, the Lachen Chhu (which later evolves into the Teesta) and the
Lachung Chhu. A notable feature is a footprint atop a rock, which is said
to be that of Guru Padmasambhava.
Lachen And Lacung
Visit these two places where the exotic view and way of life is highly
fascinating.
TREKKING
Several interesting high altitude treks are now open to group tours in
this isolated region including the popular Green-Lachen Lake trek, which
takes approximately three days (one-way) and other great views of Mount
Siniolchu (6,687m) across the Zemu Glacier.
Green Lake is the base for climbing expeditions attempting the many 6,000
- 7,000m peaks in the region. One such route from Green Lake crosses The
Zemu and Taling Glaciers, and reaches Golcha La (4,940m) and Dzongri La
before it finally descends into Western Sikkim, but this is only for
experienced mountaineers. Another extremely challenging route to Green
Lake begins at Thanggu, 28-km beyond Lachen.
HOW
TO GET THERE Air: The closest airport is at Bagdogra, which is
124-km from Gangtok (about 4 hours drive) and connected by air with
all-important Indian Metros. For all further details please contact any
one of the Sikkim tourism offices.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, which is 125-km
(about 4 hours drive) from Gangtok. NJP is
well connected with all major cities of India. Gangtok, railway bookings
can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim nationalised transport
terminus.
Road: Gangtok is connected with
Darjeeling
, Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. the Sikkim
nationalised transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok and
Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private buses, jeeps and taxis are also
available from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Bookings can be made at the SNT
terminus, Siliguri.
PLACES TO STAYGangtok has quite good hotels for a comfortable stay. There
are youth hostels and various lodges, which give tourists a comfortable
stay in Gangtok.