All You Need to Know About Nathang Valley, Sikkim

A domain of bliss, Nathang Valley, or Gnathang Valley as it is frequently spelled, is located at a whopping altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level. This valley is without a doubt, full with beautiful places, and because of its phenomena of naturally high altitude, it draws a lot of tourists every year. It is one of the highest regions in East Sikkim. Sometime in the past, Yak herders from Tibet called it their home. It is currently the most popular yet unconventional destination among travellers.

This valley is one of Sikkim's most noteworthy locations because it is included in the Silk Route Circuit.

1. Lungthung

At a height of 12,500 feet above sea level, Lungthung, also known as Dhupidhara, is a mountain that provides a beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. The Eastern Himalayas are close to Thambi View Point, which provides a bird's-eye view of the mountain. This area is favored primarily by bird enthusiasts and is home to the Monal, the national bird of Nepal. The summit will be covered in white snow from January to April, and from June to September, when flowers are in bloom, they will be bathed in bright colors.

2. Aritar Lake

The highest lake in East Sikkim, Lampokhari Lake, is located in a small village in the valley at a height of 4600 feet. It has boating facilities. This naturally occurring body of water, also known as Aritar Lake, is surrounded by a pine tree forest and has a little walkway built around it so that visitors may take pictures and enjoy the view. The region is surrounded by pine forests and a modest Guru Padmasambhava shrine, which draws greater interest from the tourists.

3. Changu Lake

Among the places described above and others, Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake is the most well-known or frequently visited. This lake, which was naturally formed by a glacier melting, has an oval shape, is 1 km long, and has a density of 50 feet. The lake, which is revered by the Sikkimese people for changing hues with the seasons and remaining frozen throughout the winter, is a natural wonder. The state flower, rhododendrons, bloom in a picturesque display along the lake's edge in mid-May, marking the conclusion of the winter season.

4. Eagle's Nest Bunker

Everything in this area is situated at a higher elevation than 12000 feet, if we are talking about a valley. And so does this Indian Army bunker that has been abandoned and is placed such you can see the Eastern Himalayas in all directions without obstruction. Everything is clearly visible from this bunker, including the entire range of Mount Kanchenjungha, the far heights of the Tibetan plateau, China, Western Bhutan, the Plains of Bengal with settlements like Darjeeling, and the great Bramhaputra River.

5. Old Baba Mandir

A temple built as a samadhi in memory of the martyred soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh, who was stationed in the bunker during the terrible natural disaster that struck West Bengal and Sikkim in 1968, is located at a height of 4000 meters and receives fewer visitors because it requires climbing 50 stairs to get there.

6. Nathula Pass

When it comes to the highest motorable roads in the world, this one in India is the highest at roughly 4300 meters. The Chumbi valley of Tibet is easily noticeable from Nathula Pass, which serves as the entry point for the border between China and India. Numerous people go through this route each year to hear the waterfall's lyrical sounds as it cascades into Sikkim's waterways. This location's name is derived from two Tibetan words, "Nathu" and "La," which mean "Listening Ears" and "Pass," respectively. It offers a snow-covered mountain beneath the clear blue sky and the lengthy, winding roadways. Being at a high altitude, this location frequently experiences cold weather and is crowded with tourists in the summer.

Due to its location in a valley, it lacks both an airport and a railway station. There is only one road that leads here.

However, Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) are the closest airport and railway station, respectively, to this location. A cab may be rented from either of the two places to go the 170 kilometers to the valley in 6 hours.