There are lots of places to see beyond Singhik. However, travelers need a relevant permit to travel down to north of Singhik. Earlier, northern part of Sikkim beyond Singhik wasn’t allowed to tourists but now to boost tourism, Sikkim government opened the peaks for mountaineering. Tourists now go beyond Singhik to Yumthang, Lachung and Gurudongmar, permits are issued from the north district collector. There are few accommodation, which can only be found in Lachung and Lachen. One of the exciting feature of Lachen and Lachung are, these Lepcha villages have their own kind of democracy in which a headman or pipon is elected every year.

Sights And Activities

Lachen
Lachen is at the upper Teesta Valley, a small hamlet with glorious sublime beauty. Set at an altitude of 8,838 ft, Lachen lies on the north Sikkim Highway. Once an untouched small Lepcha village, is now a quite happening place as droves of travelers visit this place every year. Even the fragile huts on the road side has been replaced by concrete house hotels. You can visit the ancient Lachen gompa, which is just 15 minutes walking distance from the town. This fascinating two storey monastery preserve marvelously colored murals. Lachen is also base camp for the treks to Green Lake along the Yeti-infested Zemu glacier towards Kanchenjunga's north east face.

Thanggu & Tsopta
Thanggu is a small and desolate village, an appealing vast landscape which gives you end-of-the-world feeling. There is only one resort, which is actually a family house having traditional kitchen, simple rooms, dining area and attached squat toilet. A further 2km through boulder strewn stream leads you to tiny Tsopta. Indian visitors are allowed only 30km north to Gurudongmar Lake but foreigners are only allowed to lovely Tsopta valley. The area is restricted and strongly guarded by military presence.

Lachung
Lachung is a rocky valley, set at a height of 8610 ft with splendid snow capped mountains, dazzling waterfalls and gurgling streams. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Sikkim, surrounded by many mountain peaks. you can visit the 19th century Lachung Gompa, reaching the gompa is other remarkable thing to do. You have to cross the metal cantilever bridge across the wild Yumthang river to the Sanchok side then climb about 2 km along the Katao road. The monastery houses some original paintings.

Yumthang
Yumthang valley is further 23 km to north. A hot spring is considered as ‘holy’ present in the region. After driving that 1km, walk away gently downhill to the riverbank. This is superb place to have a majestic 360 degree views of Alpine scene, glaciers, spikey peaks and toothed mountains rising towards Tibet.

North Sikkim Tour Tips

• Always mend with not more than five people in a group. That is ideal to spread the cost and also space in the jeep.
• If you are alone and find jeep partners, hang out in the cafe at New Modern Central Lodge in Gangtok and just ask fellow travelers.
• Save at least 4 days to visit both Yumthang, Lachung, Lachen. You can also opt for packaged tour offered by various travel agencies in Gangtok.
• Try to leave Gangtok early in the morning.
• Do not much trust on guides(obligatory) as they are mere translators and they more often miss the potential destinations.
• Power cuts are frequent in hotels and resorts. So bring torch or other emergency lights.
• Tongba is the traditional beverage of Sikkim. Savor the taste.