9 Best Places To Visit In North Sikkim For A Refreshing Tranquility

Explore the picturesque Gurudongmar Lake among the various places to visit in North Sikkim.

North Sikkim is a region with unmatched beauty, magnificent landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.There are various places to visit in North Sikkim that offer a retreat away from the tiring city life. Home to some of the most scenic and picturesque valleys, this place comes to be a great holiday destination. From snow-capped mountains, serene blue rivers and sacred monasteries, North Sikkim has something for every traveller. The region has a captivating elegance, rendering it perfect for self reflection and meditation.

9 Best Places To Visit In North Sikkim

Here is an amazing list of 9 best places to visit in North Sikkim that are a must-have on your itinerary:

1. Lachung

Lachung, a beautiful town, is home to beautiful snow capped peaks and eye-catching waterfalls.

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

Lachung is a small town in North Sikkim located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of around 8860 ft., this town is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Sikkim. The region is home to beautiful snow capped peaks and eye-catching waterfalls making it a desirable location for those who love to be in the midst of nature. The region is adept with a number of adventure sports like rock climbing, river rafting and paragliding to help keep that adrenaline rush going. Tourists can enjoy authentic Sikkimese food at small restaurants scattered across the town.

Things To Do: Shopping, walking, adventure sports and meditating
Best Time To Visit: March – May and October- February

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In East Sikkim For An Incredible Experience

2. Yumthang Valley

One of the best places to visit in North Sikkim, this valley flourishes with pine and silver fir trees.

Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons

Yumthang Valley, or the beautiful “valley of flowers” is a location famous for its hot springs and lush meadows that are capable of wowing all that come to visit them. Along with the lush green meadows, the region is also flourishing with pine and silver fir trees. The valley is well known for its majestic floral blooms, especially the Rhododendron flowers that are in full bloom here from late February to mid June. The natural hot springs in the valley are said to have mystical healing powers and are hence popular among people around the country.

Things To Do: Walk in the meadows, dip in the hot springs, and flower viewing
Best Time To Visit: Late February to middle of June

3. Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake offers gorgeous views of the Kanchenjunga and Mount Siniolchu.

Photo: Arup1981 / Wikimedia Commons

Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at the height of 17,100 feet. This destination provides access to landscapes of utmost scenic brilliance and unparalleled beauty that will be etched in your memory forever. In addition to the scenic beauty, this region also holds great religious significance. The lake is considered holy and its water is believed to have healing powers. The lake lies near to popular tourist places in North Sikkim. The marvellous picture of the mighty Kanchenjunga and Mount Siniolchu from the lake is absolutely breathtaking.

Things To Do: Meditate, Photography
Best Time To Visit: Between March and June

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In West Sikkim

4. Thangu Valley

Thangu valley, among places to visit in North Sikkim, is a perfect retreat to relax and unwind.

Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Thangu Valley in North Sikkim is a scenic destination bestowed with alpine meadows, vibrant floral blooms and mighty snow capped peaks. This destination is usually a pit stop on the way to Gurudongmar lake where the tourists can unwind and relax, nestled in the arms of nature. This is the perfect destination for those who love to be among nature. Tourists can experience the rich and welcoming culture of Sikkim and try authentic Sikkimese food from small food huts in the valley.

Things To Do: Relax and explore nature
Best Time To Visit: Between May and June

5. Chopta Valley

Chopta Valleys has rare species of animals and birds, desirable if you are fond of nature and wildlife.

Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons

Chopta Valley in North Sikkim is amongst North Sikkim tourist places list due to its lush meadows full of flowers and scenic biodiversity. The destination is habitat to some rare species of animals and birds, desirable if you are fond of nature and wildlife. It is a haven for birdwatchers who can spot beautiful species of birds flying across the serene landscapes. Chopta Valley is not bustling with a lot of people and has an environment filled with tranquillity and peace. This is the place to go for peace in the deafening noise of the fast paced world.

Things To Do: Bird-watching, nature walks and photography
Best Time To Visit: Between March and May

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Sikkim

6. Yume Samdong

Among the best places to visit in North Sikkim, Zero point offers marvellous sceneries of mountains.

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

Located at an altitude of 15,000 feet, Yume Samdong or Zero Point is the last outpost of civilization as this is where the road ends and the snow starts. The location of this place provides access to marvellous sceneries of pristine snow-capped mountains bejewelled with trees of various colours. The landscape looks like a scene from a painting and makes the place a must visit if you are willing to make the treacherous drive. There are certain permits and documentation that you must have in order before planning your visit to Yume Samdong.

Things To Do: Photography and walking
Best Time To Visit: Between March and April

7. Mount Katao

Mount Katao remains covered with snow almost throughout the year.

Photo: 123invincible / Wikimedia Commons

Mount Katao is a stunning peak in north Sikkim, perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Also known as the “Switzerland of India” , Katao is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable and is amongst the best places for North Sikkim trip. It is also a base for the jawans of the Indian Army who guard the Indo China Border. This amazing and scenic place remains covered with snow almost throughout the year making it one of the most majestic North Sikkim tourist places.

Things To Do: Adventure activities and photography
Best Time To Visit: Between March and June

Suggested Read: Incredible Places To Visit In Gangtok For A Fun Trip

8. Lachen

Lachen, one of the best places to visit in North Sikkim, is home to the Lachen Monastery.

Photo: Tushar2486 / Wikimedia Commons

Lachen, meaning “big pass”, is a scenic location in North Sikkim inhabited by the Lepcha tribe. It has beautiful wooden houses and allows the tourists to delve deep into the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. The destination is surrounded by snow covered peaks and beautiful valleys, making it an ideal destination for those who are fond of photography. It is also home to the Lachen Monastery which is the perfect place to offer prayers and meditate in the sweet ambiance of spirituality. Lachen allows you to experience and revere its local culture that welcomes you with open arms.

Things To Do: Photography and meditation
Best Time To Visit: Between March and June

9. Singhik

You can witness breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga from this village of Singhik.

Photo: Aaron Ostrovsky / Wikimedia Commons

Singhik is a quaint village in North Sikkim located at an altitude of around 5200 feet. The village offers a clear panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks: Siniolchu, Simvo and Kabru. The Singhik View Point is renowned for its panoramic view of snow capped peaks and the rivers Teesta and Kanaka. The area is surrounded by lush green forests that add to its beauty. It also has the Singhik-Labrang trail which is a famous trekking trail that attracts the attention of tourists far and wide.

Things To Do: Photography and meditation
Best Time To Visit: Between March and June

Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Sikkim For Your Next Surreal Trip

North Sikkim tourist places list has some of the most spectacular locations with views that stay with you for a lifetime. It is a serene location that is the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, spirituality and peace. Whether you are on the hunt for stunning mountain views or thrilling adventure sports, North Sikkim will have something to offer. Plan your next trip to this snow covered paradise with Trip XL.

Cover Photo: Bhaskar Barua / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

North Sikkim is accessible by road via bus and car. Usually, all these trips start from Gangtok.The nearest railway station to North Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal and the nearest airport is Bagdogra. Taxi and bus facilities are available at both the railway station and the airport that will allow you to travel to your desired location.
No, Indian citizens do not require permits to enter Sikkim. However, some specific locations may require special permits in order to attain access.
Although the area can be visited throughout the year, visit between January and March to experience snowfall. If sunny and clear skies is what you wish to go for, April to June is your desired time period.
The cost of a one week trip to Sikkim might be around 20 to 30 thousand per person depending upon the type of accommodations and activities you decide to opt for.
North Sikkim provides a bunch of adventure sports for those who love the thrill of an adrenaline rush. These include skiing, snow tube, snowboarding and paragliding.

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