Chungthang Sikkim

Located in the Indian state of Sikkim, Chungthang is a magnificent town that falls en route to Yumthang. Nestled beside the confluence of the rivers Lachen and Lachung where the Teesta River forms, the town even though a small one holds a rich history and ancient legends. Not more than 100 km away from Gangtok, it is believed to be a holy place blessed by none other than Guru Padmasamvaba and there is also a stone with the imprinted footprints of Guru Padmasambhava. It is also believed that Guru Nanak also passed through this town on his way to Tibet.

Considered to be a sacred site by the locals as well as Buddhists, Chungthang is a tourist site that is gaining popularity quite rapidly because of its fascinating mythology and the breathtaking panoramic view of the neighbouring snow-peaked Himalayan range. Moreover, the town is also an ideal night halt point for those who want to visit Lachen and Lachung.

Attractions and Activities

This small town of Sikkim, Chungthang is surrounded by daunting hills and is dotted with several shops and eateries in the conventional mountain dwellings. The following are the major sightseeing attractions of this town.

Chungthang Dam

Over River Teesta, the Government of Sikkim is building a Dam. This 60 feet Dam comes under Teesta III hydroelectric project. Chungthang Hydroelectric Power Plant will produce more than 1200 megawatts of power once completed. For the construction work, a separate village has been made here on the other side of the Lachen River.

The Holy Rock and the Paddy Field

Some of the nature-defying miracles can be seen in this town. From the small opening of a rock blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the continuous flow of mineral water is a popular tourist attraction here. Apart from this, there is a wondrous field surrounding the rock that grows paddy every year even though the low temperature of Chungthang is not suited for growing paddy. According to some ancient legends, Guru Padmasambhava sprinkled a handful of grain on the spot that has sprouted paddy ever since.ChungthangGurudwara

Another magnificent tourist site in the town is Gurudwara Nanak Lama Chungthang. This Gurudwara is a must-stop for all travellers. This is certainly a beautiful and peaceful place with a great story. This Gurudwara is located in a beautiful location. The surrounding lush greenery creates a calm and composed atmosphere that is loved by all the visitors. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev visited this place during his third trip (Udasi) to China as well as Tibet. According to another legend, Guru Nanak, on one of his journeys along with his disciples, had come across this site and defeated two demons prior to visiting Tibet. The footmarks of the battle are still believed to be here on the rock.

The River Confluence

The River Confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu converge into the Teesta River another great sightseeing attraction. The travellers are seen swimming and fishing here. Having a picnic is a great activity to do here enjoying beautiful scenery all around with the gushing water of the rivers completing the picture of natural tranquility. River rafting can also be enjoyed here depending on the seasons travellers are visiting.

Places to Visit Nearby

From Chungthang, there are several tourist places travellers can visit. The worth noting tourist places near this town are:

Lachen and Lachung

At an elevation of 2,750 meters, Lachen is located in North Sikkim. Just after covering a driving distance of 27 km within 1 hour, travellers will reach Lachen, a magnificent tourist site whose name signifies "big pass". This small yet magnificent valley has almost everything to its craving visitors such as a land of fairs and festivals, snow-clad mountains, lakes, a valley of flora, and fauna, and the ever-smiling local people. An annual yak festival is held every year here in summer. The monastery of Lachen is also worth visiting here. Built in the year 1858 by Lama KarchenDorjeDrak, the beautiful statue of Padmasamvaba attracts the eyeballs of visitors. The place is also a base for travellers visiting Gurdudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. Lachen in Sikkim is also a must-visit place for people who want to get an insight into the indigenous lifestyle of the Himalayan valleys.

From Chungthang Sikkim, travelers can also visit Lachung. Just 22 km driving distance away from the town and at an elevation of 8200ft, it is a serene mountain hamlet enclosed by enthralling mountains and awe-inspiring waterfalls. With its soothing environment and natural beauty, Lachung is a must-visit place in the entire Sikkim for those who seek tranquillity and a more secluded place than Chungthang Sikkim. One of the ancient monasteries in India, Lachung Monastery is truly a beautiful architecture one must visit in the village. It was established in the year 1880 and the other name of it is SamtenCheoling Monastery.

How to Reach Chungthang Sikkim

By Road: The Distance from Chungthang to Gangtok is approximately 100 km. It takes around 4 hours to reach the town from Gangtok. Cars are available to hire even from Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport, NJP, or any other major nearby destinations.

By Air: After landing at Bagdogra Airport, which is the major nearby airport of Chungthang Sikkim, travellers are required to rent a cab or taxi. It is always recommended to book a cab prior to your journey. The distance from Bagdogra Airport to Chungthang is around 175 km.

By Train: NJP is the nearest railway station to the town. Being the busiest railway station in the region, travellers will get several trains to reach the station anywhere from Bengal. From NJP, rent a car up to Gangtok which is approximately 120 km driving distance away. It is recommended to stay overnight at Gangtok to obtain a permit and to cut down the long hectic journey.

Where to Stay

Chungthang, even though a town, does not offer good accommodation. There are some restaurants only which are not up to the mark at all. To get better accommodation for night stay, travelers have to drive upwards to Lachung or Lachen where plenty of accommodation is available in the form of homestays. North Bengal Tourism can help the travellers in booking the finest homestay in that region or an entire tour package to travel worry free. To skip the hassle of booking and finding the best homestay, travelers are recommended to fill up the enquiry form or call us directly.

Best Time to visit Chungthang Sikkim

The weather of Chungthang is mostly chilly because of its comparatively high altitude of 550 feet above sea level. However, the weather still stays mostly soothing and comfortable. During the months of summer, the temperature ranges between 15 °C to 25 °C. Temperature falls down during winter when the temperature fluctuates between 7 °C to 15 °C. Apart from the season of Monsoon (July to September) when frequent landslides occur due to heavy rainfall, travelers can visit Chungthang Sikkim at any time of the year.