8 Places To Visit In Nathang Valley: Explore Off-Beat Sikkim

Well, make this dream come true with our surreal Sikkim Tour, where we offer an unmatched fusion of natural splendor and cultural exploration of the best places to visit in Sikkim.

Now you take a moment to soak in the peace of Tsongmo Lake, its surface reflecting the surrounding mountains like a flawless mirror. The gentle wave created by the occasional breeze only adds to the serene atmosphere. Nearby, the Old Baba Mandir fills you with a sense of relaxation and peace. 

From the Nathang Valley Viewpoint, you are treated to a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Rolling meadows dotted with grazing yaks give way to cliffs and rocky outcrops, creating a natural beauty. In the distance, you spot the Ganek Viewpoint, promising an even more stunning view to explore.

As you journey through the valley, you come across the vibrant colors of rhododendron blooms at Lungthung Viewpoint, a sight that fills your heart with joy. Along the way, you come across the peaceful shores of Kupup Lake, where you pause to admire its beauty and tranquility.

In the distance, there is the Mangshila Viewpoint, with its untamed wilderness. As you venture deeper into Tukla Valley, you are reminded once again of the beauty of nature, its towering peaks and lush forests inspiring a sense of wonder and admiration.

All imagination can come true as we explore the top 8 places to visit in Nathang Valley to experience the Heavenly Retreats. But first, let’s know briefly about Natahng Valley.

About Nathang Valley

Nathang town is one of the remotest Tibetan dwellings in Eastern Himalaya and there are many popular places to visit in Nathang Valley. Few streams across the valley and numerous prayer flags on the mountain edges are the identity of this vast & serene mountainous land mass that appears in different colors at different times of the year. 

In autumn, it looks golden when the grass dries up while in the rainy season, it’s covered in colorful flowers, and in winter, it is white due to the accumulation of snow. Nathang Valley is also visited by migratory birds just before the onset of winter. There are many Unique places to visit in Nathang Valley as well as Historical places to visit in Nathang Valley.

However, since Nathang Valley is near the Indo-Tibet border, an area of strategic importance, all tourists (Indian and foreign nationals) require special permits to visit. Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). These can be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism Department or through registered travel agents.

Top 8 tourist places to visit in Nathang Valley

1. Eagle’s Nest Bunker:

This is among the must see places in Nathang Valley and provides an extremely unique experience of watching the picturesque beauty of these landscapes, particularly at dawn hours. It is a Hidden gems to visit in Nathang Valley nestled amidst the pristine wilderness of Nathang Valley, offering unparalleled views and a glimpse into the region’s rich history which makes it one of the best places to visit in Nathang Valley.

2. Tsomgo Lake:

A lot of travel enthusiasts gather here to enjoy these Top tourist places to visit in Nathang Valley . Tsomgo Lake can be easily covered with a day excursion from Gangtok, making it one of the best things to do in Sikkim.

3. Lungthung:

From January to April the whole of Lungthung–Dhupidara is virtually buried in snow and the only colour you can see is white. The mountain slopes and valleys are drenched in a riot of colors around Lungthung–Dhupidara from July to September when the wildflowers bloom and nake it count among best places to visit in Nathang Valley. 

This is also one of the unique places to visit in Nathang Valley as it is famous for spotting Monal, the National bird of Nepal.

Also Read: Travel Tips To keep in mind while Visiting Sikkim

4. Thambi View Point:

It also encompasses a perspective of crisscrossing the Zuluk circle along with the whole of Zuluk town.

Also Read: 12 Restaurants In Sikkim To Experience Culture On A Platter

5. Zuluk Loop:

It is among the Hidden gems to visit in Nathang Valley and the most beautiful places to visit near Nathang Valley because of the picturesque Nathang Valley sightseeing attractions in the Himalayan mountain range, it offers. 

While Mt Kanchenjunga can also be seen from this picturesque site, one of the best Nathang Valley sightseeing attractions is the serpentine & meandering loops of Zuluk, which adds to its scenic beauty making it a great honeymoon destination and Top destinations to visit in Nathang Valley.

There are approx. 30 circles in this crisscross way and since the location touches the Indo-Tibetan border, you need to take a special permit to travel to the area from Gangtok itself.

 Also Read: Detailed Guide For Shopping In Sikkim 2023

6. Kupup Valley & Lake:

From Kupup, you can even discover a billboard saying separation with bearing here from Lhasa (Tibet). Due to its resemblance to elephants, Kupup Lake is also known as Elephant Lake and is among the hidden gems to visit in Nathang Valley.

The lake nestles on the way to Jelepla Pass, a bordering area with China and India, which is the second-highest mountain in Bhutan and one of the Unique places to visit in Nathang Valley. The small Kupup village, which has only a few houses and a police check post is located at the lake coast and is highest in the region, recognized as a transit point during the silk trade between India and Tibet. 

Furthermore, counted among the must-see places in Nathang Valley, Kupup has also earned recognition, due to the Yak Golf Course, the highest of its kind in the world. This 18-hole golf course has also been included in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The beautiful Tukla Valley with magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, along with the Old Baba Mandir and the distant view of Menmecho Lake are some of the places to explore around Kupup Lake and one of the best Nathang Valley sightseeing attractions

7. Nathula Pass:

Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border at 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is approx. 20 Km from Nathang Valley and is among the most popular Himalayan passes and a must-see places in Nathang Valley 

Apart from being an open trading border post between India and China, it is famous for its picturesque beauty and scenic landscapes and is a perfect site for thrill seekers to take photographs. This pass is open for Indian nationals just on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

One of the best places to visit in Nathang Valley, the Nathula Pass experiences heavy snowfall during winter and temperature drops down up to -25 degrees Celsius. May to mid-November is the summer season when the temperature ranges around 10 degrees Celsius and is the best time to go for Nathang Valley.

A valid permit to visit Nathu La Pass is given to only Indian Nationals. The permit is obtained by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. This can be done with the help of a registered travel agency. Valid identity proof and two photographs are necessary for the same.

8. Old Baba Mandir:

For the tourists’ convenience, the samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh has been reconstructed at the junction of Kupup Gnathang road and the trail leading to Menmecho Lake and is popularly recognized by tourists as New Baba Mandir. It is one of the must see places in Nathang Valley.

There is a strong belief that water kept in the shrine of Baba gains healing property and turns into sacred water that can cure all possible ailments. This blessed water needs to be consumed within 21 days and in this period, no family members of the ailing person are supposed to have non-vegetarian food. It is also believed that the slippers kept in the temple, help to cure gout and other foot problems. These unique beliefs make it count among the top Historical places to visit in Nathang Valley

How to Reach Nathang Valley

The best time to go to Nathang Valley

From January to April the valley remains under the cover of snow, so if you are looking forward to experiencing snowfall in winter, this is the ideal time for you. Thus, there is no specific best time to go to Nathang Valley and rather can be visited around the year. 

Hence, Nathang Valley stands as a raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas. From the serene shores of Tsongmo Lake to the spiritual solace of Old Baba Mandir, each destination within this valley offers a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Whether you’re seeking panoramic vistas from the Nathang Valley Viewpoint or immersing yourself in the vibrant blooms at Lungthung Viewpoint, Nathang Valley promises to captivate your senses and leave you in awe of nature’s magnificence.

So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and discover the wonders that await in this hidden gem of the Himalayas.