Nature/ Scenic

The Thangu Valley is one of the most picturesque sightseeing destinations of Chopta-Valley as well as North Sikkim. This valley is situated at a distance of 30 km from the town of Lachen. The most popular feature of this valley is its alpine meadows. These Alpine meadows are speckled around the few wooden houses and army camps present in the area. Its flowers and vegetation are also quite a matter of attraction, which comprise rare orchids and many other species of altitude flowers. The popular yearly Yak race of North Sikkim is also held in the Thangu Valley.

Nathula Pass, located at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok, is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border. Serving as a trade link between India and China, this park also once served as the main access for Sikkim-Tibet trade. Popularly known as the Silk Route, this pass is at an elevation of 14,450 feet and is rich in diverse alpine flora and fauna. The Nathula Pass is divided into terms 'Nathu' and 'La', which mean 'listening ears' and 'pass' respectively.

Tsomgo Lake is located 35 km away from the city on the Gangtok-Nathula highway. This highway is also a part of the old route that links India and China. Worshipped by Sikkimese, this holy lake is approximately 20 km away from the Nathula Pass, while located at a distance of around 400 km from Lhasa.

The water in this lake has been accumulated from the melting snow on the mountains located nearby. The river Lungtze Chu originates from this lake, which meets Rangpo-chu down its course. According to the history, the colour of water of this lake was studied by Lamas so as to forecast about the future. They believed, if the water had a dark tinge, it indicated an year full of trouble and unrest in the state.

Vantawng Falls is considered to be the highest waterfall in Mizoram, which falls down from a height of 750 ft. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests of bamboo groves.

Lenteng Hills is located to the eastern part of the Mizoram state and have dense forests and wildlife. These hills are situated at altitude of 2300 m above the sea level. There are many colourful plants, birds, reptiles and animals at this place along with wild orchids. This place is suitable for eco-tourism and trekking, which starts from Champhai.

Mura Puk is situated in Zote village, which is 10 km away from Champhai town. There are six caves at this site and these were the hiding place of the local villagers. The villagers used to hide here from a large eagle known as Mura, which was a cruel man-eater.

Lamsial Puk Cave is located very close to Farkawn village in the district of Champhai of the Mizoram state. It is believed that a huge fight took place at this site between two villages, during which a large number of villagers were killed. A huge heap of skeletons were recovered from these caves that belonged to the warriors, who died in the fight.

Tamdil Lake is located at distance of 85 km from Aizawl and is a good picnic spot with boating facilities. For an admirer of natural beauty, Vantwang Falls are at a distance of about 137 km, providing a breathtaking sight of water falling amidst bamboo forests. To take a fantastic view of the Myanmar hills, one can visit Champai, about 192 km from Aizawl. Luangmual is at a distance of 7 km from Aizawl and is a small village known for its handicrafts center.

Reiek Tourist Resort is a beautiful place, located 45 km south of Aizawl. Fully surrounded by forests, this place is exclusively popular among nature lovers and trekkers. Travellers can reach this place by hiring a car or taking a taxi from the city.

The Langshiang Falls is formed when the two different streams of River Kynshi meet near Sangriang. The waterfall is easily visible from the nearby village of Mawpon.