Our trip to North Sikkim was just out of the blue. We had planned Sikkim tour a couple of years back during Puja vacation. After getting around in Gangtok, we were thinking about heading off to South Sikkim as we knew that North Sikkim Highway had been closed due to landslides for the last couple of months and there would be no possibilities of reopening soon. So, we went to book South Sikkim tour with one of the travel agencies at the Mall area, and in the course of conversation, we got to know that roads were opened and North Sikkim trip was going to start from the following day. We did not think twice but booked 2 N 3 D package in a shared jeep for the 2nd next Day. And the trip was full of adventure and surprises.
The main attraction of this trip was to visit Gurudongmer lake -world’s second-highest freshwater lake at an elevation of 17,800 feet, enchanting Yumthang Valley (12000 feet) and snowy Zero Point (16000 feet).
Day 1
Expedition starts!
We (My sister, brother-in-law and me ) were supposed to report to the Taxi Stand by 7 am. The rest of the group consisted of a family of four – parents along with their children (daughter and son) and a couple. The total 9 members started off adventurous journey through winding roads by 7.30 am. The day’s destination was Lachen, 125 km away from Gangtok.
A thrilling journey through the treacherous road
The road to Lachen was not good at all but it was simply heaven in terms of natural beauty. Precipitous road was going through the lush green mountains. Plenty of waterfalls of various lengths and small mountain streams enhanced the beauty of the path. A couple of hours into the journey, you got to see Seven Sister waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls on this way, around 30 km away from Gangtok.
As we started gaining altitude, the road became more treacherous. Sometimes, we were going down an extremely narrow muddy stretch with a deep valley on one side and another side is surrounded by hilly slope; sometimes passing almost through the mountains, or flooded trails or sometimes traversing small streams. It was really scary at times.
After taking a few stops for tea, lunch and photography, we finally reached Chungthang town in the afternoon. This town is famous for the confluence of two beautiful Himalayan rivers Lachen and Lachun chus. It’s also the bifurcation point. The road on the left goes to Lachen whereas the right side track goes to Lachung. By the time, we reached Lachen it was already dark and temperature dropped considerably.
Lachen is a himalayan hamlet at an altitude of 9000 feet and base town for the trip to Gurudongmar Lake. We were transferred to a cozy homestay for night halt. After a tedious day, we all were exhausted and having an early sumptuous dinner, retired to bed.
Day 2 :
Set out for Gurudongmer Lake
We woke up as early as 3 am and got ready for our epic journey to visit Gurudongmer Lake. Chill was unbearable. Four layers fell short to make me warm. A five minutes ‘s wait in the outside for the cab, made my limbs numb. We started around 4 am in the pitch dark. The lake is 60 km away from Lachen and it takes generally 4 hours. Slowly the sky lightened. We could able to see the view so the spectacular surroundings. Narrow road was going through the villages. After crossing a small stream or mountain river, we took a stop for breakfast. The sun was yet to rise.
We entered a roadside small wooden house. A kettle was streaming on an earthen oven in the middle of the room. We all sat around the fire and started to warm our hands. Tea was served in a while. Sitting around the oven, we were sipping out hot tea while the host was busy to bake bread for us. Having had our breakfast following another round of hot tea, we stepped in the road. First rays of the sun kissed the snow-clad mountain peak across the road by then. It was so mesmerizing. We continued our journey through spectacular Tibetan Pleatu, rugged terrain speckled with snowy peaks. It was almost late October still, we didn’t find snow on the trail. A herd of yak was grazing here and there by a small stream. The beauty was breathtakingly beautiful.
We reached the lake by 8 am. The driver warned us not to get out of the cab instantly, sit for a while, then go out. But the beauty was so attractive we couldn’t wait, stepped out of the cab and started moving. It was the first high altitude travel for my sister. As soon as she got out of the cab and about to move, she just collapsed. A couple of minutes after, she regained her consciousness although she had been normal within half an hour. So, it is suggested, if you are traveling to high altitude for the first time, take a few minutes for acclimatization. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
A lifetime experience
The pristine lake Gurudongmer was just in front of us with its full glory. The oval-shaped lake surrounded by lofty snow-covered mountains, dazzling with sunshine, was awe-inspiring. The crystal clear sky-blue water with a thin layer of snow at the surface, flattering of prayer flags, white peaks, bone-chilling cold, and of course! thin crisp mountain air, beauty of the place was a sight to behold and feeling was inexplicable.
You have to climb down a flight of steep steps, covered with multi-colored prayer flags to touch the water. The water of this lake is considered holy and it is said that it has some healing power, so we took some icy cold water to bring back home. The reflection of snowy peaks in calm water of the lake leaves you spellbound. Several small stones stacked in a column one after the other was scattered by the lake. It is said that practice of stacking stone is a way to worship or make a wish.
There was a beautiful Gurudwara near the lake. You can peep into, if you want.
Being at such a whopping height, almost everyone was facing more or less breathing trouble. We had to pace slowly. But the young stars were just amazing, hopping around the place smoothly. It is not recommended to stay there for more than an hour due to the paucity of oxygen but we got back to the homestay around lunch time after staying one and half hour by the lake.
Way to Lachung
Post lunch, we proceeded to Lachung. Lachen to Lachung is around 50 km and it took two to three hours. En-route we came across gorgeous Bheemnala waterfall. It is almost 12 km away from Lachung and said to be North Sikkim’s highest waterfall. You can hear the sound of gushing water from afar
We reached Lachung, another little hamlet at an altitude of 8500 feet, by the evening. As we were transferred to homestay, we got to know that this town had no electricity for the last three months. The rooms were not very well but due to freezing temperature, bed, blanket everything got damp. After having an early dinner, we slipped into the blanket but we couldn’t sleep at all, may be due to excessive cold.
Day 3:
After a long restless night, almost all of us woke up around 5 am. The temperature was below the freezing point. We were provided with hot water to freshen up. After having breakfast we set out for stunning Yumthang valley.
Started off Yumthan Valley (12000 feet)
The valley is almost 25 km from Lachung and it takes around 2 hours. The journey along the curved mountain road was itself an amazing experience although we didn’t see any blossom. The driver told us that the entire region along the road is covered with a wide variety of flowers during March – April. We were just trying to visualize the landscape in full bloom season. Soon, we reached to alluring Yumthang valley.
Snow-capped soaring mountains; tall pine trees and meandering Teesta river flowing through the valley, beauty was unforgettable. Suddenly, a herd of yak, passing by the valley. The sight was bewildering. After spending quality time, we decided to visit Zero point.
Zero point (Yumesamdong), a quaint tranquil place, almost 23 km further up from valley, at an elevation of around 16000 feet. The place has been covered with snow most of the time. Surrounding snow-clad mountains and semi-frozen Lachung river flowing through the valley make this place picturesque. We spent times playing with snowballs and clicking uncountable photos. We reached Lachung by 1 pm and set out for Gangtok after lunch.
En-route, we visit another gorgeous Naga waterfall. It is one of the longest and scenic waterfalls of North Sikkim. We reached Gangtok by 7 pm.
That was the end of our most astounding and unexpected trip. As they say, the best things in life are unexpected, truly, this unexpected journey has been one of the most memorable journey in my life.
N.B. Everybody including foreigners and Indians require a separate permit known as Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit North Sikkim. If you book the trip with Travel agency they will take care of everything.
How to go :
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 km)which is well connected with major cities like Delhi and Kolkata with regular flights. Although, Sikkim recently has its first and new airport Pakyong Airport, around 33 km from Gangtok, since the airport has been recently inaugurated, it is yet to be well connected with major cities of India.
Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri (188 km) or Siliguri Jaunction (145 km).
From the Airport or Railway Stations you have to take cab to reach Gangtok.
Best time to visit :
April to June and October to November are the beast season to visit North Sikkim.
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