Top 3 Places to visit in North Sikkim

North Sikkim is a treasure for the nature lover in you. You must have heard how beautiful Sikkim is but if you have not yet visited North Sikkim, you're truly missing out on something extremely gorgeous.

Being a mountain lover myself, I went to Sikkim with least expectations and assumed I am just going to see mountain views like in any other Himalayan region and get back home with the same experience, no, I am not belittling Himalayas here, neither am I exaggerating my North Sikkim experience.

Keep reading and I am sure you will plan your trip to North Sikkim when you get to the end of this article.

Sikkim is a state which can be visited throughout the year and the landscapes keep changing every season and offers you some fabulously gorgeous views. However, North Sikkim can also be visited throughout the year, but I'd recommend you to check before booking your tickets in winter if the roads are open as the roads may get closed due to various factors like landslides, extremely cold weather etc. The total trip could cost you anywhere between Rs 3500 to RS 4500. Now without waiting further, lets just dive into the top 3 places that you should visit.

1. Gurudongmar Lake

The water is so blue and the weather at such high altitude just amps up the experience. The snow capped mountains around this lake just adds on to the views and makes it an exquisite experience.

Its situated at a height of 17,800 ft and you're not allowed to stay at this place for more than 30 minutes as such altitude could make you feel sick or dizzy. So, it is recommended to keep yourself hydrated and allow yourself to acclimatise.

There is also a story about this lake that is quite interesting. When Guru Nanak was travelling in this area, there were a few villagers/shepherds who met him and pleaded before him about the scarcity of water. Since this lake is at a very high altitude, it remains frozen for the most part of the year. Hearing their concern, Guru Nanak placed his stick on a certain part of the river which melted and has never frozen since then.Thus it got its name after Guru Nanak and is named as Gurudongmar.

You can get a picturesque view of this lake from the place where all the vehicles are parked or you could get a little adventurous and climb down the rocky way and go near the lake. It is a bit tricky but not very difficult. The advantage of climbing down and coming close to the lake is having a little alone time with the lake and just immersing yourself in the beauty.

2. Yumthang Valley

Have you seen those old Bollywood movies where the main characters are suddenly in the middle of a mountain that is so colourful and pristine? Yumthang Valley is exactly that. The whole valley and the drive to Yumthang is the most colourful drive I have ever been on.

This valley offers you different landscapes in every season throughout the year. If you visit in winter, it is going to be so white and snowy, if you visit during April-May, you will see a lot of colourful flowers and it just smells like a meadow. Imagine a drive that could smell like meadow. Beautiful, isn’t it?

Also, if you visit during September -October/November, you will experience a landscape that is also colourful, but something which is more yellow and orange. the valley itself is very beautiful let alone the drive. You get to see the river flowing and surrounded by beautiful mountains that are green and brown. The mountains and rocks at this valley is literally orange in colour and you have to go experience yourself to believe it.

3. Kaala Patthar

All the above places mentioned require permit and it is quite easy to obtain those. I'd suggest when you go to north Sikkim, you will most definitely book a package trip or hire a private cab with a driver. It is recommended to book a cab with a driver in case of private car as driving in this area is quite difficult and better left to experienced drivers of Sikkim.

So, when you book a package trip for 3 days or 2 days, the company you book with takes care of the permit. Ensure you carry your voter id or driving license and not just your Aadhar Card as Voter ID/Driving License is somehow given much importance in Sikkim.

The other places in North Sikkim are Lachung, Lachen and Zero Point. You will however halt in both Lachung and Lachen in case you book a 3 days trip. It is worth extending your stay and visit both these villages peacefully and then get back to Gangtok.

Also checkout this secret gem in West Sikkim.

Hope this has been helpful to shortlist the places in North Sikkim. Do leave a comment if you have visited these places and if you'd like to share your experience you can write about it here.