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NORTH SIKKIM - THE LAST GREAT ADVENTURE |
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This is the largest and remotest district
in Sikkim with spectacular scenic views. Our high altitude
Jeep Safaris in these rugged Lachenpa/Lachungpa tribe Land
of the North will take you to :
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YUMTHANG VALLEY
Yumthang, which is at an altitude of
3782 m/ 11,800 ft. is, situated about 149 kms from Gangtok
in North Sikkim. But going there is like travelling 149
years back in time – it is so remote & almost untouched by
the vagaries of civilization. Termed as the valley of
flowers & Sikkim’s Switzerland, Yumthang tour takes you to
the heart of North Sikkim. The route to Yumthang from
Lachung - adjoining the Singba Forest Reserve- has a very
picturesque landscape. This tour is a singular experience of
the unique place & culture of the highland Sikkimese people.
Flora, Fauna & Rhododendrons are found in abundance during
springtime in the month of April & May. Yumthang is the
summer grazing grounds of the Yaks & winter playground of
the Yetis. This Paradise for nature lovers has spectacular
snow peaked mountains with Hot Springs & Alpine environment.
It is well known for its Sulphur Hot Springs, which is
immensely popular for its curative properties & healing
power. It is difficult to imagine that water so hot in its
natural form could be found in a place so cold.
For both foreign & domestic tourists, we organize Yumthang
package tours. Depending upon one’s convenience one can
either opt for 4 days / 3 nights package or 3 days / 2
nights package:
04 Days/ 03 Nights:
Day 01: Gangtok – Lachen
Day 02: Lachen – Chopta Valley/ Gurudongmar Lake – Lachung
Day 03: Lachung – Yumthang Valley/ Hot Springs – Lachung
Day 04: Lachung – Gangtok
03 Days/ 02 Nights:
Day 01: Gangtok – Lachung
Day 02: Lachung – Yumthang Valley/ Hot Springs/ Sightseeing
– Lachung
Day 03: Lachung - Gangtok |
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LACHUNG
Lachung (2,684 m/ 8,610 ft.) is a beautiful
remote Bhutia Village with a unique self - governing body
called the Dzumsa, which substitutes the modern Gram
Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with
the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley, which is just 24
kms away from Lachung. The village spread out on either side
of Lachung river has managed to retain its unique culture &
tradition. An idyllic valley surrounded by mist-shrouded
mountains & great waterfalls is Lachung. Lachung Village is
a remote area & also serves as an overnight stay place
before proceeding towards Yumthang Valley.
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LACHUNG MONASTERY
The Lachung Monastery on the slope
opposite to the highway is the focal point of all religious
function of the local inhabitants. This monastery in Lachung
was built in 1880 & follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. |
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GURUDONGMAR LAKE
Gurudongmar Lake
is a high altitude sacred Lake with an exotic view
surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Gurudongmar Lake – the
desert mountains – is another 40 km / 2 hrs drive ahead of
Thangu Valley/Chopta Valley. The drive towards Gurudongmar
Lake is spectacular & the view is panoramic. Gurudongmar
Lake at an altitude of 17,100 ft. is one of the highest
motorable road in Sikkim. Infact this is the only place
where you will find snow throughout the year & it is also
believed that Guru Padmasambhava had touched the Lake whilst
he visited Tibet from this area. No visit to North Sikkim is
complete without visit to Gurudongmar Lake. The sight here
is breathtaking & worth relating back home. Recently opened
for Indian Tourists only. However, Visitors prone to heart
problems & high altitude sickness are advised to avoid this
trip. |
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CHOPTA VALLEY |
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Chopta valley, which is at an altitude of 14,500 ft. is
situated about 154 kms from Gangtok in North Sikkim. The
entire valley of Chopta erupts into riot of colours in
spring. Chopta Valley is also a remote & enqually a
beautiful scenic place.
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LACHEN
Lachung’s sister village, Lachen
is a high altitude beautiful valley situated at an altitude
of 2,728 m/ 9000 ft. Lachen village also serves as an
overnight stay place before proceeding towards Thangu /
Chopta Valley & Gurudongmar Lake. |
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LACHEN MONASTERY
This monastery
in Lachen was built in 1806 & also follows the Nyingmapa
sect of Buddhism. The Lachen Monastery is located on top of
the village & commands a panoramic view of the surrounding
hills & countryside. |
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PHODONG MONASTERY
Phodong
monastery, which belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan
Buddhism is situated about a km uphill by a jeepable road
that bifurcates from the North Sikkim Highway. The Chogyal
Gyurmed Namgyal built this monastery somewhere in the first
quarter of the eighteenth century & is one of the six major
monasteries in Sikkim. The main annual prayer is performed
on the 28th & 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan
calendar when the religious chaams or dances are also
demonstrated. |
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LABRANG MONASTERY |
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Another one km uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same
jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery, which was built
about one hundred years later & belongs to the Nyingmapa
sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Labrang means the "dwelling place
of Lamas" |
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TUMLONG PLACE |
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Between the two monasteries- Phodong Monastery & Labrong
Monastery are the ruins of the third captial of Sikkim-
Tumlong. In the beginning of the nineteen century, the
capital of Sikkim was shifted from Rabdentse to Tumlong,
which then remained the capital for almost ninety years. |
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KABI LUNGCHOK
17 kms away from
Gangtok on the way to North Sikkim, before reaching Phodong,
is Kabi Lungchok where the treaty of blood brotherhood
between the Lepcha chieftan, Tekong Tek & the Tibetan chief
Khye Bhumsa was signed ritually in the 13th century. This
spot where the treaty was signed is marked by a memorial
stone & lies amidst the shadows of tall trees & cardamom
fields. This place is of historical importance. |
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