Extension to North Sikkim

This brief sojourn to the temperate mountain villages of Lachen, Lachung and the alpine valleys of Thangu/Chopta and Yumthang is a great extension to your Sikkim trip. Discover Sikkim’s veritable natural paradise. Some fascinating attractions on the way of this long drive is a prelude to what is stored in the beautiful villages of Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang. These region are accessible only during spring and summer. And during these season the nature are in its’ grandeur with awe inspiring scenic beauty. Its’ a botanists and photographers’ delight and a visual feast as the meadows, hills and valleys are carpeted with spectrum of alpine flora in Technicolor blooms.
And with its indigenous but friendly low populations can provide insights into the ways of their lives, social, cultural and religious structures.
This extension can be the one that can add a variety in your experiences and provide a varying degree of insight into structures of remote realm of eastern Himalayas.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Gangtok-Lachen.

After breakfast drive to Lachen 125km/5-7hr depending on the road condition. Along the way, pass through Kabi Lungtsok, Mangan, Bhim Nala Waterfalls and seven seven sisters Waterfall. Take a short break at Singhik view point for a splendid view of the lush green hills and the Teesta river flowing below. After the break, continue our drive to Chungthang- a one-horse town, surrounded by bountiful nature.
From here the road bifurcates, one goes to Lachung and the other to Lachen. Lunch at a wayside restaurant in Chungthang, after lunch continue to Lachen and reach Lachen in the evening or in the late afternoon. Overnight in Lachen.

Day 2. Lachen-Thangu/Gurudongmar-Lachung.

With an early breakfast drive to Gurundongmar lake via Thangu valley, a valley at an altitude of 3600m, this valley is usually covered with snow from December to April. In summer the valley is covered by multi colored flowers and the lake at an elevation of more than 5000m is one of the most holiest site for the Buddhist as well as the Hindus. Legend has that Guru Rimpoche(Guru Padmasambhava) while returning from Tibet placed his hand at a point in the lake on the request of the people there where the water never freezes. Overnight in Lachung.
Note: Foreign nationals are issued permit only upto the small town of Lachen, if they wish they can skip Lachen and extend one more night in Lachung with an additional cost.

Day 3. Lachung-Yumthang valley-Drive to Gangtok.
Drive towards Yumthang valley also popularly known as “The valley of flowers”. In spring the valley is covered with various species of Rhododendrons, orchids and many other Alpine flowers in full bloom. Depending upon weather conditions we spend time walking and enjoying the landscape and return back to Lachung for lunch. On the way back we can visit the famous hot spring which is known to have curative properties for skin diseases. After lunch continue our drive back to Gangtok(Service Ends).