SIKKIM
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Kabi Lungchuk: This historical place
is 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This
is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between
the Lepcha chief To-King-Tek and the Bhutia chief Khy-Bum-Sar
was signd ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place
is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover
of dense forest.
Phensong monastery: Th place is situated
on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong with
perhaps one of the best landscapes in the region. The
Phensong monastery, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order,
was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. It was
destroyed in fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through
the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chamm
is performed on the 28th and 29th of the tenth month of
lunar calendar (Tibetan).
Phodong monastery: One of the six
major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong monastery is located
in the North, approximately 38 km from Gangtok. Four km
beyond Phodong is the recently-renovated Labrang monastery,
unique in its architectural design.
Singhik: The place offers one of
the most spectacular views of Mt Khangchendzonga and its
ranges. A well-located tourist lodge provides accommodation
for visitors. 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 emergd as a major subdivision
settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for
the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed
to have been bleassed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit
the holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left
behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in biodiversity
with a large variety of orchids, plants and wildlife,
is 95 km from Gangtok, 23 km from Lachung, 29 km from
Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region. Lachung
A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body
called the Zumsa which substitutes the panchayat, Lachung
has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring
popularity of yumthang valley which is just 25 km away
frm Lachung. The village, spread out on either side of
Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture
and tradition. The Lachung monastery on the slope opposite
the highway is a focal point of all religious functions
of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious
functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to
the monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.
Yumthang: Yumthang, at an elevation
of 11,800 ft, and 140 km from Gangtok, is a paradise for
nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna
and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the
home for Shingbha Rhododendron sanctuary with 24 species
of Rhododendrons. Yumthang “Tsa-Chu” or the hot spring
on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for
its curative properties.
Guru Dongmar Lake: At a height of
17,800 ft, this is considered as a sacred lake by Buddhists
and Hindus. Blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, it remains
milky throughout the year. A part of the lake does not
freeze in winter.
