NORTH SIKKIM TRIP PLAN

Visit to North Sikkim

My third visit to Sikkim , previous times i had visited Tsomgo lake and Nathula pass in east Sikkim.

This time i wanted to visit north Sikkim for Rhododendrons, Primula and many other Alpine flowers. The three day and two night trip was pretty hectic, but i felt it was better to come back to Gangtok rather than stay one more night at Lachen/Lachung. That would increase my cost by another Rs4000/ which is the per day vehicle charges. 

Itinerary:
Day-1	Arrival Bagdogra /NJP - Gangtok (O/N)
Day-2	Gangtok - Lachen (O/N)
Day-3	Lachen - Thangu - Chopta Valley - Gurudongmar Lake - Lachen - Lachung (O/N)
Day-4	Lachung - Valley of flowers ( YUMTHANG) /Katao - Lachung - Gangtok (O/N)
Day-5	After breakfast  left for Bagdogra /NJ

Day 01.:

 Pick- up from hotel at Gangtok at about 10a.m.Proceed to Lachen (120k.m.) at an altitude of 9,800 ft. On the way stop for sightseeing at Tsahi Viewpoint, Kabi Lungstok, Naga Waterfalls, the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu at Chungthang. Lunch will be served at Namok. You are likely to reach Lachen at late afternoon/in the evening. Night halt at Lachen surrounded by fir – clad mountain peaks, overwhelming peace and solitude.

Day 02:

 After breakfast left for Gurudongmar Lake(17000ft.) via Thangu (13,000 ft.) and Chopta Valley (13,200 ft.). Thangu Valley is a broad valley at the junction of Thangu Chu, Chopta , Chu and Lassur Chu. In the spring end / summer months one is fascinated by many hues all around as Rhododendrons, Primula and many other Alpine flowers are in full bloom. In the winter months one can play in the snow or even walk over frozen rivers. The Unspoilt beauty of the area will take ones breath away. We went back to Lachen for Lunch and a nap as the trip was very tiring. Low oxygen and low temperatures can cause some problems to individuals with low blood count and heart problems. Small children and old people are advised not to overdo any thing, even running can cause you to pass out, though mountain illness room ( MI room at the military outpost is equipped with oxygen cylinder for such eventuality but one can gaurd against such untoward event. the gurudongmar lake area has a typical Tibetan landscape of a cold desert. On the way we saw the beautiful Twin Waterfalls and BhimNala Waterfalls. Reached Lachung at late afternoon /in the evening and checked into our hotel.

Day 03:

After breakfast leave for Yumthang (11,800 ft.) On the way we were to visit the famous hot spring. Yumthang is a large valley surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends. In April/ May /June the valley erupts in a riot of colours as Rhododendrons, Primula and many other Alpine Flowers are in full bloom. In the winter months Yumthang is somber with snow all around, and the snow clad mountains adding to the ethereal beauty. Return to Lachung for Lunch, afterlunch pack off your luggage then drive back to Gangtok.
Travel to Katao & Yumisamdong (0point) snow point can also be arranged subject to availability of permits/ road and weather conditions. ( normally permits are not issued , you have to bribe your way in).Vehicle charges extra.

Rate offered to us was Rs 18,000/- net for 2 adult and 1 child.

Balance  paid on arrival at Gangtok.

Hotels: Lachung: Kanchendzonga Regency.

          Lachen:Twins Peak.