Nathang Valley, Sikkim : Your complete guide
Nathang Valley is a beautiful village nestled in the eastern region of Sikkim. Also known as Ladakh of the East, it features streams, and snow-capped mountains with breathtaking views that are worth a watch. Nathang Valley sits at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level and is a part of the historic Old Silk Route.
If you’re planning to visit Nathang Valley, here’s a detailed overview of the town and everything that you must know before setting out for your venture.
Table of Contents
Location
Nathang Valley is situated in the Pakyong district of Sikkim, India.
How to Reach?
One important thing to know before traveling is that Nathang Valley is situated on the Indo-China border. Therefore, first, make sure to get a permit to visit the place. Hereafter, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport and hire a cab to reach the Nathang valley
Also Read : Everything You Need to Know About Shangarh Sainj Valley
Best Time to Travel to Nathang Valley
Nathang Valley is a bliss to visit throughout the year. However, the best time to visit here truly depends on your preferences. If you’re yearning for some warmth and colors, then the months from June to September are perfect. During this time you can find the valley in its full bloom with wildflowers all around. However, if you love winter, plan your trip between January to April when the town is all covered with snow – for as far as you can see!
And for those seeking a perfect balance between these extremely contrasting climates, Spring is the most suitable time to explore the Nathang Valley. During this time you’ll get to experience a delightful blend of chill breezes, golden-hued grasslands, and lovely blossoms.
Famous Attractions
Here are some of the must-visit places of Nathang Valley:
- Kupup Lake
Kupup Lake is shaped like an elephant and that is probably what fascinates the visitors the most. Besides this lies Nathung’s famous ice hockey ground, golf course, and water polo pool which you can visit to spend some leisure time. These are some of the gaming grounds situated at the highest points of the valley.
- Lungthung View Point
If you want to experience a beautiful sunrise, head over to the Lungthung Viewpoint which brings you astonishing views of the Himalayan and Kanchenjunga Mountain ranges. Herein, you might also come across various bird species, especially Monal, the National bird of Nepal.
- Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake, (also known as Changu Lake) is one of the 7 famous lakes of Sikkim. It stands at an altitude of 12400 feet above sea level and is among the highest lakes in India. The lake remains frozen during peak winter but during summer, it’s filled with turquoise green water reflecting the holistic mountain views.
- Old Baba Mandir
Old Baba Mandir was built in honor of the martyred soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. The sepoy went missing after a terrific natural disaster hit West Bengal and Sikkim in 1968. It is believed that after 5 days of this incident, he appeared in the dreams of one of his fellow soldiers, expressing his wish to take Samadhi at the same location where he was posted.
- Nathula
Nathula lies at the India-China borders and is known to be one of the highest motorable roads in the world at an elevation of 4300 meters. The area is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and scenic landscapes that are worth a visit.
- Eagle’s Nest Bunker
This is an abandoned army bunker carrying the marks and memoirs of the Sino-Indian War (1960). Eagle’s bunker stands at an elevation of 13,700 feet above sea level and brings you an exotic view of the majestic Eastern Himalayas. You can clearly see Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Tibetan Plateau, China, Western Bhutan, the plains of Bengal, and gushy water flowing through the river Brahmaputra. No words can justify the amount of beauty that this view holds.
Conclusion :
This was all about the Nathang Valley, a true heaven on earth. The valley beholds various tints during different seasons. When the lush green grass gets dried up into beautiful golden hues post the rainy season, i.e., during the autumn. And during the winters, the place gets converted into a snowy wonderland. So, no matter which season of the year you visit the Nathang Valley, you’ll always be welcomed by some incredibly wonderful vistas.
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