North Sikkim is located at the northern district of Sikkim and Mongan, which set at an altitude of 3950ft, is the district headquarter of North Sikkim. The town is situated 65km from Gangtok and visitors need a special permit to venture beyond Mongam. Until 1993 most of spectacular North Sikkim was shut down for visitors but now government have allowed groups armed with special permits, arranged through travel and tour operators in Gangtok can go as far as Thanggu, at the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Every year throughout the monsoon, landslides take out stretches of road, severley disrupting transport and area get cut off from Gangtok and the rest of the country.

The road north of Gangtok follows the deep Teesta gorge past Phodong across what is to be the highest bridge in Asia but unfortunately no photography is allowed. The drive down Namprikdang, which is a popular angling spot at the confluence of the Rangit and Teesta, is both spectacular and hair raising. A further 40km north lies Chungthang, a dark and grubby town, located in a deep valley at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung rivers, with a large military presence. Beyond Chungthang the road to the right climbs rapidly to the small settlement of Lachung, the “big pass”, a mere 15km west of Tibet. Across the river, Lachung Monastery is a two storeys Tibetan style gompa belonging to the Nyingmapa sect.

Several interesting high altitude treks are now open to group tours, the famous one id Lachen to Green Lake trek, which takes about five days and offers great view of Mt. Siniolchu (6687m) across the Zemu glacier. Trekking permits for the north must be sought through Sikkim Tourism in Delhi. Mountaineering permits can be obtained through the Indian Moutaineering Foundation in Delhi.

Sights And Activities

Mangam
The district headquarter of North Sikkim is located 65km from Gangtok at an altitude of 3950ft. It is small hamlet carpeted with flowers but recent tourism in the region give rise to hotels and other facilities in the town. Few lazy villages are set just opposite to Mangam, seperated by river Teesta. The best part of the place is the spectacular view of mount Siniolchu. Other attractions are Phensong and Phodong monasteries.

Kabi Longstok
On the way to Gangtok to Yumthang, the road lingering through sloppy villages flanked by fields and green valleys, finally it stops the forest grove of Kabi Longstok, which is about 24km from Gangtok. The landscape is adorned with tall trees and cardamom fields, a memorial stone and worship mark the historical spot. Also you can sneak into a small monastery set at the top of valley.

Chungthang
Standing at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers, this place is situated 95km from Gangtok at 5,600ft. It is a small town guarded by high mountains and starting point of river Teesta, which is the major subdivision settlement in North Sikkim. From Chungthang, one road leads towards to Yumthang via Lachung and another one via Lachen towards to Thanu, these are all in the high altitude plateau above 12000ft.

Phodong Monastery
This is one of the six most important monasteries of Sikkim belonging to Karamapa sub-sect of Kagyupa monastery. It was built in the 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal . The monastery has some beautiful mural paintings on the wall.

Singhik
It is the place near Mangam and the place from where you can opt for number of short nature treks. The valley is guarded by mighty mount Kanchenjunga and other peaks. half and hour short trek to uphills from the town leads you to a small monastery.

Chopta Valley
This is high altitude valley set at 13200ft. The area is beautified by alpine scenery with lofty snow capped peaks and meandering rivers. Most of the Buddhist sect Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred lake at an altitude of 17000ft. A special permit is required to enter Thangu.