~:NORTH SIKKIM SIGHTSEEING:~
Places of interest in North Sikkim
GURU-DONGMAR LAKE
This lake lies at an altitude of 17800 ft and is about 150 kms from Gangtok. This lake is probably the highest and largest lake in Sikkim. The Gurudongmar Lake is considered very sacred by people and annually many pilgrims visit this place. The calm and clear waters of the lake has swiped the hearts of many tourists.
Yumthang Valley
 lying at about 145 kms from Gangtok and 24 kms from Lachung and perched at an altitude of 12000ft, the Yumthang valley is a nature’s paradise. rightfully called as the valley of flowers, Yumthang is full of different varieties of rhododendrons, chimals and blue poppies. What is particularly interesting about the rhododendrons of the Yumthang valley is that they bloom in different colours unlike those in other parts of Sikkim which are usually red.. Also more than 108 varieties of orchids are also found here in abundance. The Yumthang valley has a very picturesque landscape with the snow clad nearby mountains increasing its beauty. Another interesting feature of this valley is that at different times of the year it presents a different picture to the eyes. Usually the summer months of April and May promises colourful flowers and the entire valley comes to life with vibrant colours, where as November end to March usually lies covered in snow making it look like the Indian version of Switzerland. There is also A natural hotspring which is said to have great medicinal values and relives the skin of ailment after having bath in it. It also provides breathtaking views of the neighbouring snow clad mountains. Tourists require an Inner Line permit which DNE can arrange for to visit this place A must visit for the tourists..
LACHUNG
Lachung is a very small town with scattered settlements, dominated mostly by Bhutias. It lies 116 kms from Gangtok and at an altitude of 8800 fts. As it lies close to the border there is also an army cantonment. The Lachung monastery is another place of interest for the tourists.
CHUNGTHANG
It is a small town situated on the way to Yumthang. It lies at an altitude of 5600 ft and is about 95 kms away from Gangtok. It is a small town situated at the confluence of Lachen & Lachung River. Chungthang is surrounded by high mountains and is predominantly a lepcha region. The most visited spot in Chungthang is the Rock, which according to legend says that it has the imprint of the footmark of Guru Padmasambhava. In the rock there is also a small opening which remains filled with spring water. Adjacent to the rock there is a small stretch of land where paddy grows. The growing of paddy in these harsh conditions is truly unbelievable. Legend says that while Guru Padmasambhava was here he sprinkled a handful of grain in this area. paddy has grown here ever since.
SEVEN SISTER FALLS
MANGAN
It is the district head quarters of North Sikkim and lies at an altitude of 3950 ft and about 65 kms from Gangtok. From a place called Pentok one can get a picturesque view of mount Siniolchu (a range of mount Khangchendzonga). This area is famous for the presence of Phensong and Phodong Monastery. The Phodong monastery is considered as one the six main Monasteries of Sikkim.
PHODONG MONASTERY
This monastery lies just 28km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. Phodong Monastery belongs to the Kargyupa Sect (Karmapa), and is situated about a kilometre uphill by a jeepable road that bifurcates from the North Sikkim Highway. It was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal sometime in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today considered one of the most beautiful Monasteries in Sikkim. The Monastery is said to house around 250 monks and still preserves antique old Mural paintings. Labrang Monastery- about a kilometre uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same jeepable road that leads to Phodong Monastery, lies the Labrang Monastery which was built about one hundred years later. The Labrang Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect.
TUMLONG PALACE RUINS
Just below the road between Phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim, Tumlong. the capital of Sikkim was shifted from Rabdanste to Tumlong in the beginning of the nineteenth century. It then remained the capital for almost ninety years. It now lies in complete ruins covered with a thick canopy of bushese.
PHENSANG MONASTERY
This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1721 and is said to house around 280 monks. In the year 1947 it was completely destroyed by fire but was restored fully in the year 1948. here annually functions are held which fall roughly in the month of December and January.
KABI LONGTSOK
The 134 km drive from Gangtok to Yumthang takes you through Kabi Longtsok, where Sikkimese history began in the 13th century. It lies at an altitude of 4800 ft. It was here that the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftain, Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Burnsa was sworn and signed. there are many cardamom fields present here and a memorial stone and a place of worship which mark the historical spot for those who pass by.
SHINGBA RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY
The sanctuary houses the over forty species/ varieties of rhododendron trees and shrubs which are found in this area. It also showcases a rich collection of Ground flora and other vegetation.
YUMTHANG HOT SPRINGS
 These hot springs are an important tourist attraction in the Yumthang valley. The Hot water rich in sulphur, which emanates from a spring. To reach the hot springs which one has to walk a few hundred yards from the road and across a pedestrian bridge on the River Lachung. For the convenience of tourists and others a hut with two pools in which the hot spring water collects has been constructed. It is a truly amazing sight to see hot water being found naturally in such a cold place. This place is open to foreigners and has even caught the attention of many filmmakers who have shot some parts of their films here.
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