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Lachen

  Lachen  is a town in  North Sikkim  district in the  Indian state  of  Sikkim . [1]  It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name  Lachen  means "big pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the  Chopta Valley  and  Gurudongmar Lake . An annual  yak  race, the  Thangu  is held here in summer. Unlike other places in India, Lachen has its unique form of local self governance called the “Dzumsa”. Every household is a member of this traditional administrative system, this institution is in charge of governing and organizing activities within the village. Lachen valley has almost everything a traveler could wish for: a land of fairs and festivals, snow-clad mountains, lakes, valley of flora, fauna and a vibrant local culture. Visits to the   Lachen monastery   and the women's handicraft centre to view weavin...

Lachung

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  Lachung   is a town and hill station in northeast   Sikkim ,   India . It is located in the   North Sikkim   district near the border with   Tibet . [1]   Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) and at the confluence of the   lachen   and   Lachung Rivers , both tributaries of the   River Teesta . The word   Lachung   means "small pass". The town is approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) from the capital   Gangtok . The  Indian Army  has a forward base in the town. Before the Chinese occupation of  Tibet  in 1950, Lachung was a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet, after which it was closed down. The town's economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the  Indian government . Tourists come from all over the world to visit the town between October and May, mostly on their way to the  Yumthang Valley  and the...

Namchi

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  Cherry Resort inside Temi Tea Garden, Namchi, Sikkim Namchi is fast becoming a tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. [ citation needed ]  The  Namchi Monastery ,  Ralang Monastery  and Tendong Hill are local  Buddhist  pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (at 118 feet) of the  Buddhist   Padmasambhava , also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling hill) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a dormant volcano. Myths say that the Buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden a few kilometers from the town on the way to Samdruptse. The area has views of Mt. Kanchendzonga, aka  Mt. Kangchenjunga , the world's third highest peak. Central Park, Namchi Recently inaugurated (in November 2011), the Siddhesvara Dhaam is a pilgrima...

Ravangla

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  Ravangla   or   Rawangla   or   Ravongla   is a small tourist town situated at an elevation of 8000 ft in   South Sikkim   district of the   Indian   state of   Sikkim . It is connected by state highway to other major towns in the state and lies between   Pelling   and   Gangtok . It acts as the starting point for the trek to   Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary . It is approximately 65 km away from the state capital Gangtok and 120 km away from   Siliguri ,   West Bengal . Tibetans are living and settled 1 km away from Ravangla Market which is called Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement aka Arley Camp. In which 328.5 acres of total land with 1300 population living. Consisting of 7 camps. Religion faith are bhuddhism. Tibetan settlement consits of 1 primary tibetan medium school, 2 monastery,Adminiatrative office and Primary health care clinic. View of Ravangla town Ravangla main street Tibetan Carpet Factory o...

Yuksom

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  Yuksom  is a historical town in  Geyzing  subdivision of  West Sikkim  district in the Northeast  Indian state  of  Sikkim . It was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by  Phuntsog Namgyal  who was the first  Chogyal  (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang". Yuksom is where there is the  Norbugang Chorten  near the Norbugang throne, the place Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333 years. The  Chogyal  established the first monastery at Yuksom in Sikkim known as the  Dubdi Monastery  in 1701, which is part of  Buddhist  religious pilgrimage circuit involving the  Norbugang Chorten ,  Pemayangtse Monastery , the  Rabdentse  ruins, the  Sanga Choeling Monastery , the  Khecheopalri Lake ,...

Tsomgo lake

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  Tsomgo Lake is nestled around 40 km away from the main city of Gangtok. This immensely beautiful glacier lake is one of the top tourist destinations of Sikkim. Tsogmo literally means ‘Source of Water’. This mesmerizing lake is one of India’s highest altitude lakes which make Sikkim even more beautiful. Tsomgo Lake reflects the gigantic views of snow-clad mountains around it, making your journey to Sikkim even more memorable. The flora and fauna family found at this location include Primulas, yellow and blue poppies, Irish, Yaks and Ponies, and migratory ducks – Brahmini. It is advised to plan your trip to Tsogmo Lake in early hours as it gets dark and roads are not laid out properly. The best time to see snow is Jan to Mar and for Rhododendrons and Orchids is April to May. It is just 2 hours away from the Gangtok so that you can enjoy an exciting experience around the lake. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by tourists to visit this place....

Gangtok

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  Gangtok Travel Tips The  best time to visit Gangtok  is between March to April and October to November. It is advisable to avoid traveling during the rainy season as it can lead to roadblocks and you might not be able to enjoy sightseeing. If you are someone who loves to stay in the hustle bustle of the market, you may choose to stay at MG Marg. However, if you are a peace-seeker, you may choose to stay away from MG Marg. If you are visiting places like  Nathula Pass ,  Baba Mandir , etc., know that they are set at a higher altitude hence there is a lack of oxygen in the air. Therefore, it is advisable to take adequate precautions before visiting. You may consult a doctor and carry along inhaler, especially if you have breathing problems or other medicines for vomiting, headache and motion sickness. Gangtok Facts Gangtok does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. It is 135 km. from the city and it takes around 3 to 5...