West Bengal Tourists after state elections rush to North Sikkim

MANGAN, 26 May: There has been a considerable increase in the number of tourists arriving in North District now that the election process is over in West Bengal. 90% of the tourists who visit Sikkim come especially for the charms of Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar lake in the North district. As per records at Rang-Rang Check Post, tourist vehicles plying to North Sikkim is usually between 250 to 300 per day. This week saw a record jump to 350 to 400 vehicles per day.
Tourists, usually opt for packages of two nights/three days and one night/two days for North Sikkim. In the two nights/three days package, tourists visit Gurudongmar on the second day spending the night at Lachen and visit Yumthang and Katau on the third day, spending the night at Lachung. Some tourists also halt at Chungthang and Mangan on their way back.
North Sikkim presents the very quintessence of beauty in Sikkim. Northern Sikkim is the area where the mountain tops seem to touch the sky. Many passes, valleys and waterfalls as well as mountain springs add to the beauty of the region. North Sikkim tourism presents the visitors with an experience that is absolutely unique. Largely a restricted area, a special permit is needed to visit most parts of this northernmost district of Sikkim.

North Sikkim Towns

Mangan is the biggest of the North Sikkim cities where the district headquarters of the North Sikkim district are established. Mangan, despite being an administrative city, is noted for its picturesque character. Located about 4000 feet above sea level, this town is at a distance of 65 km uphill from the state capital of Gangtok. The other important town of North Sikkim is Chungthang. It shares the picturesque quality of all North Sikkim areas.

Tourist Spots of North SikkimNorth Sikkim district is noted as a popular tourist destination. A large area of North Sikkim shares its border with China and therefore is a politically sensitive zone. Many places of this region cannot be reached without a special permit from the government of Sikkim. Usually, conducted tours organized by the various tourist agencies with their bases largely in Gangtok, is the best way to travel in North Sikkim. The Thangu, Nathula Pass tour is one of the most famous tourist circuit; as is the Lachung, Yumthung, Yumesamdong circuit. Other significant tourist attractions of North Sikkim are Lachen, Phodong and Singhik.

The tourist season in North District starts from the month of April when the Rhododendron trees at Yumthang are in bloom. They also visit the Shiv Mandir above Yumthang and Katau to enjoy the beauty of snow. Apart from these, tourists also get to enjoy, Seven Sister Falls near Phensong, Mt. Sinolchu View Point from Pakshek Mangan etc., on the way.

(Now Daily)