North Sikkim:
North Sikkim is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its district headquarter is Mangan. It is the largest of the four districts of Sikkim. Mangan is also known as the Cardamom Capital of the world. The climate and terrain best suit the cultivation of the larger variety of Cardamom here.
The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district. It also has one of the lowest populated regions of the state.
The region has many power projects and enjoys almost uninterrupted electricity. The steep gradient and the innumerable lakes on the higher reaches facilitate ideal conditions for generation of hydro electric power. The most prominent effect of the steepness of the valleys is the prevalence of landslides that at times drop to anything between 3000 to 5,000 ft (1,500 m) carrying devastation along their course. Most of them are caused either by the melting snow beds on top of the mountains or by erosive action of the rains. Roads, however are in a poor condition owing to the frequent landslides.
The landscape is mountainous with dense vegetation all the way up to the alpine altitude before thinning out to desert scrub towards the Northern Tundra. Numerous waterfalls astride the main road make the trip to this district extremely picturesque. It is also home to the Himalayan Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens), which is the pride of Sikkim. It is not a real Panda Bear as the name suggests but is considered an exotic animal. It belongs to the Raccoon family and is generally found between heights of 2000 m to 4000 m. It is as big as a domestic Siamese cat (approximately 2 ft long), has a triangular shaped face with a stripe on its cheek, with red fur and black eyes. It has a sprinkling of white on its back and chest. The tail is bushy, black or brown in color and long like that of a skunk. They generally live on treetops.
Most of North Sikkim is restricted to travelers and permits are needed to visit these areas. The area, which shares a sensitive border with the People's Republic of China is heavily patrolled by the Indian army.
Most of the people of the state reside near Mangan, the district headquarters which is about 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level. Further north the elevation increases with the vegetation turning from temperate to alpine to tundra. Temperatures range from about 25° to below -40° in the extreme high reaches where the altitude is in excess of 6,000 metres. Kanchenjanga is the highest peak at over 8,000 m, straddling its eastern border with Nepal and can be seen clearly from the town of Singhik.
North Sikkim Tourism:
KABI LUNGTSOK:
This historical place is 17 kms. from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.
SINGIEK:
The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.
CHUNGTHANG:
Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river teesta , has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids , plants & wild life, is 95 kms. from Gangtok, 23 kms. from Lachung , 29 kms. from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.
YUMTHANG:
Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Yak and Yeti Travels organise 'Alpine Package Tour' for 2 nights and 3 days and also for 7 nights 8 days and the night stay for the tour is at Lachung, a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.
LACHEN TO GREEN LAKE TREK.
Suggested Itinerary:
DAY:
- Gangtok to Chungthang
- Chungthang to Lachen
- Lachen a day rest
- Lachen to Jakthang
- Jakthang to Yabuk
- Yabuk to rest camp
- Rest camp a day rest
- Rest camp to green lake & back
- Rest camp to Yabuk
- Yabuk to Jakthang
- Jakthang to Lachen
- Lachen to Chungthang
- Chungthang rest/farewell
- Chungthang to Gangtok
Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary In North Sikkim:
Singba Rhodendron Sanctury (Area; 43 sq. km/Alt 3048-4575 mts.) is located in North Sikkim in the famous Lachung Valley at a distance of 137 km. from Gangtok , The sanctuary is bouded on its southern pheriphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. It is hemmed in on the east by high regged Chuba - Sagochen mountain ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava pass. The picturesque Yumthang river flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species of which are recorded from Sikkim alone, that ablaze in color during March - May. Rhododendron nevium the state tree occurs through the sanctuary, which is also rich in ground flora such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, larch, juniper, maple with trailing lichens. The also abounds in silver fir, spruce, dense carpet of moss protecting the soil and its inhabitants from the chhu at Phunyi in 1978 and have been flourishing since. Lachung is the last frontier village before reaching the sanctuary. Facilities include Angling in Phuniya Chhu & Yumthang Chhu from April to Spetember, Log brige over Yumthang chhu, waterfall at Phuniya, Hot spring at Yumthang & Log house at Phuniya, Lachung & Yumthang.Yak and Yeti Travels organise package tour to this exotic places.
Kanchandzonga National Park:
The Kanchendzonga National Park (KNP) is situated in the North District of Sikkim, with total area of 850 sq. kms. covering the highest elevation range (1829 to 8585 metres) in the country. The area of the park of spectacular wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forest cover. There are many glaciers in the park area. amongst them the Zemu Glacier is the longest and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga (8585 m) which literally means 'Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses' including the five peaks are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area. The topography and the peaks along with the forest wilderness in the park area forms the main attraction of the KNP which attracts nature & adventure lovers from all over the world. Among the avifauna of the state which consists of almost 550 species of birds many are to be found in abundance in the KNP like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, snow pigeon, Impeyan phesants, sunbirds & eagles.
The variation of altitude and vegetation have enriched the park area with rich variety of flora. The temperate broad leaved forest are dominated by Qurcus spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants.among the fauna to be found in the park area is the famous Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) which holds the apex position. The other best known animals are Clouded Leopard, himalayan black bear, Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Lesser Cats, Tibetan wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan sheep. The trekking spot that falls under the KNP are Dzongri-Thangshing-Gochala-Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp), Green Lake-Jakthang-Yabuk etc. Yak & Yeti Travels organises trekking and mountaineering expedition to the various circuts in the fascinating park which is one of the highest and exotic in the Himalayas.