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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.

Author: Michael Roberts

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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

Gangtok-Lachen
Pick- up from hotel at Gangtok at about 10 a.m. & proceed to Lachung (115 Km) at an altitude of 8,600 ft. Enroute visit Tashi Viewpoint, Kabi Lungstok, Naga Waterfalls, the confluence of Lachen chu and Lachung Chu at Chungthang, Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls.Arrive Lachen at Late afternoon in the evening & transfer to hotel Night halt at Gurudongmar Lodge, surrounded by fir – clad mountain peaks, overwhelming peace and solitude.

Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. The Chinese Tibetan boarder is just a few kilometers away from the lake.

Lachen- Thangu-Lachen-Lachung
After breakfast leaves for Thangu (13,000 ft.) and Chopta Valley (13,200 ft.). Thangu Valley is a broad valley at the junction of Thangu Chu, Chopta Chu and Lassur Chu. In the spring end / summer months Rhododendrons, primulae and many other Alpine flowers are in full bloom. In the winter months you can play in the snow or even walk over frozen rivers. The unspoilt beauty of the area will take breath away.

Come back to Lachen for Lunch. After lunch proceed to Lachung. Enroute see the beautiful Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls. Arrive Lachung at Late afternoon in the evening & transfer to hotel .Night stay in Lachung.

Lachung-Yumthang -Lachung
After breakfast proceed for Yumthang (11,800 ft.)Enroute Visit the famous hot spring. Yumthang is a large valley surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends. In April/ May /June the valley erupts in a riot of colours as Rhododendrons, Primulae and many other Alpine Flowers are in full bloom. In the winter months, Yumthang is somber with snow all around, and the now clad mountains adding to the ethereal beauty. Return to hotel. After lunch visit Lachung Monastery, Cottage Industry and Waterfalls. Night stay in Lachung.

Lachung - Gangtok
After breakfast leave for Gangtok. Enroute stop between singhik, Mangan and if the weather is clear, gets the Khangchendzonga Range. This location offers a majestic view of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu. After lunch, visit Phodong Monastery.

About Author

Micheal Roberts is a SEO Specialist and entrepreneur in online marketing business. He writes article in different subjects. His job is to write article and post it. For more information on Michael Roberts please contact him michael.roberts129@gmail.com

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