Excursions

Situated at an altitude of 3575 m above sea level, Yumthang Valley is nearly 150 km from Gangtok. The valley is dotted with clear streams, snow covered peaks, lush green vast lands that make a tourist come here again and again. It is also called the valley of flowers, as during the spring season, numerous splendid flowers bloom in the valley lending infinite colors to the surrounding. If you wish to see the this multi hued sight, the best time to visit Yumthang Valley is during April and May. And if you wish to see snow covered valley, then prefer time between November and March.

Chungthang is situated in the North Sikkim District at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu rivers. There is a forward base and a medical centre of the Indian army in this town.
About 95-km away from Gangtok en route to Yumthang lies the tiny hamlet of Chungthang at the confluence of the two rivers, the Lachen Chhu (which later evolves into the Teesta) and the Lachung Chhu. A notable feature is a footprint atop a rock, which is said to be that of Guru Padmasambhava.

The name 'Yuksom' means the place where the three learned monks meet. Yuksom is a small town situated just few kilometers away from Gezing. This small and picturesque town was once the capital of Sikkim. The is nestling amidst numerous breathtaking hills and lakes. It was in the year 1642 that Yuksom was built and the first Chogyal king consecrated. The surrounding hills are covered with thick forest lending the quaint town a very green and soothing environment. The town is also the starting point for many treks to place like Dzongri and Goechala.

Yaksey, a tourist lodge, 6-km from Lachung towards Yumthang is an ideal place for tourists to this area. Another 23-km leads to Yumey-Samdong hot springs near river Sebu-Chu at the foot of Donkia-La pass, which connects Lachung valley to Lachen valley.

Yumthang is a grazing pasture with a forest rest house, surrounded by vertical mountains. The route to Yumthang from Lachung, adjoining the Singba Forest Reserve has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with Rhododendrons, which bloom in May.

About 17-km away from Gangtok is Kabi Longtsok where the Tibetan chieftain, Khey-Bumsar signed a blood brotherhood with the Lepcha shaman Te-Kung-Tek, the spot is marked by a stone amidst the shadows of a dense wooded area. The statue of unity erected near the Thakurbari temple in Gangtok is in memory of this event.
25-km from Gangtok, just before Phodong is Kabi Longstok. There is a spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan - Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed.

Is 508 kms from Shillong via Guwahati. Headquarters of the East Garo Hills District, it is situated on the banks of the Simsang river.

The town of Williamnagar is situated in the north-eastern region of Meghalaya. The destination is also the headquarters of East Garo Hills District. Situated at an altitude of around 600 metres above sea level, Williamnagar lies on the banks of Simsang River and is a popular tourist location.

This village is dotted with a number of caves and caverns and has become very popuIar amongst cavers and adventure tourists. Another village with historical significance to Jaintia kings, it offers caves as tourist attractions which were used as the hiding places during the war between Jaintia kings and foreign trespassers.

The village of Shirui is situated at a distance of 15 km from Ukhrul and about 90 km from the state capital Imphal. The village is famous for the state flower of Manipur, Shirui Lily, which is also known as Kashong Timrawon in the local language. These flowers grow only on the Shirui mountain peak, which is the highest peak in the region. These flowers can be spotted during the first week of May till late June.

Enveloped in primitive culture, Yangkhullen is the largest Zemei village in the district.