Katao
Katao is one beautiful location situated in the North Sikkim. This is located at a distance of 144 kilometers from Gangtok. This beautiful town is located at a high altitude of 15,000 and is located at a distance from the central of Sikkim. One can stay in Lachung and go for a tour to Katao. From here you can acquire a 360 degree view of the Himalayan ranges. The snow capped ranges of Himalaya looks marvelous from distant.
The entire valley has primulas, rhododendron and poppy. Just beside it, you can get a view of the military check-post. Just at a distance of 24 kilometers from Lachung, you can visit Katao. Since it is not available in standard packages, you can acquire a view of Katao in your Lanchung tour. Once you visit the place, you will feel that paradise really do exist on earth.
Mt Katao is a great offbeat destination located in Sikkim. For the sport lovers, this is often popular as the paradise. This rugged landscape makes base ground for the adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, stone grinding and snow tubing. This is more of adventure place along with definitely a place for photographers.
Blessed with great beauty, Katao is the Switzerland of India. Once you visit this stunning location, you will never be able to believe that nature’s beauty has such incredibility.
Things To Do
- Snowboarding: If you love thrilling activities like snowboarding, then this is definitely a place for the adventure seeker. Even if you are not a pro, this place is a great place for sport activities.
- Skiing: If you want to enjoy Skiing in the snow covered mountains, this is the right destination for you. Here, you can observe numerous pro skiers opt for skiing and enjoy the sport to the fullest.
- Flower Viewing: If you love nature, you will definitely love flowers. Not only nature lovers, but also it is a photographers’ destination. You can never find such rare varieties of flowers in plain lands and in this climatic condition.
- Trekking: Trekkers are always seeking for places where they can trek and get a view of the nature. You can opt for trekking from Katao and reach Thangu Valley. Within this stretch, you will be able to find many mesmerizing things.
Places To See Nearby Katao
Lachung:
Lachung means “Small Pass” which is another amazing place that you can never miss in your visit to Katao. This is a tiny village located in the mountains at a height of 8610ft from the ground. The scenic beauty is injected in every corner of this place. Amazing orchards, sky touching mountains, gushing mountains and the meandering rivers makes it a place of rustic magic. This is certainly a destination inviting nature lovers, adventure seekers and photographers. This is the paradise with unexplainable nature’s beauty surrounding it.
Lachen:
Lachen in North Sikkim is another spectacular town that incited thousands of tourists throughout the year. The commendable natural beauty along with the lush vegetation is worth spending your precious time here. This is a known place for the Buddhist pilgrims. Less populated and the famous monastery makes it a serene location. It beauty can observed in any time of the day. Whether you talk about the sunrise or sunset or the quiet night, everything about this place is peaceful and unique.
Chopta Valley:
North Sikkim never seems to mesmerize the visitors with its beauty. With magnificence in each and every turn of the location, Chopta Valley is another location to surprise you. Located at 13200ft, the frozen valley provides you with a great opportunity to enjoy the bliss of nature. Watching the ranges from such an altitude makes the view much more clear and mesmerizing.
Yunthang Valley:
Yunthang is a very rare location with tree lining on its ends. The entire area has a surreal view. From here, you can get a view of the peaks like Shundu Tsenpa and Pauhunri. The most unexpected things is, you can find hot springs here and get an opportunity to dip your legs in the warm water. Even in the freezing cold the warmth of the water seems miracle to the locals. Since these springs are rich in sulphur, these have great healing power.
How to Reach Katao
By Rail: The nearest station is the NJP station. Avail any train running to New Jalpaiguri station and then hire a car to drive 130 kilometers to Gangtok. It will take another 5-6 hours to reach the destination but requires permit.
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest one. You can easily reach Gangtok by available a chopper from here or you can drive 130 kilometers to Gangtok. As usual it takes 5-6 hours from here along with permit to reach.
By Road: You need to avail 31A which is a nation highway. From here again you need to drive 130 kilometers and then get permit to reach the location.
Staying in this beautiful location not only takes your stress away but also makes some of the unforgettable memories that can be cherished forever. If you want to have a look at the beauty of nature along with go for some of the amazing adventures, this is an ideal location that will never fail to amaze you.
So just book your tickets today and spend an unforgettable holiday in this mesmerizing location.