Tourists throng to North Sikkim post West Bengal elections

WANGCHUK BHUTIA
MANGAN, 26 May: There has been a considerable increase in the number of tourists arriving in North District now that the election process is over in West Bengal. 90% of the tourists who visit Sikkim come especially for the charms of Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar lake in the North district. As per records at Rang-Rang Check Post, tourist vehicles plying to North Sikkim is usually between 250 to 300 per day. This week saw a record jump to 350 to 400 vehicles per day.
Tourists, usually opt for packages of two nights/three days and one night/two days for North Sikkim. In the two nights/three days package, tourists visit Gurudongmar on the second day spending the night at Lachen and visit Yumthang and Katau on the third day, spending the night at Lachung. Some tourists also halt at Chungthang and Mangan on their way back.
The tourist season in North District starts from the month of April when the Rhododendron trees at Yumthang are in bloom. They also visit the Shiv Mandir above Yumthang and Katau to enjoy the beauty of snow. Apart from these, tourists also get to enjoy, Seven Sister Falls near Phensong, Mt. Sinolchu View Point from Pakshek Mangan etc., on the way.