Tingchim, North Sikkim

Tingchim is a small village located between the famous Phodong Monastery and Mangan in North Sikkim. It can surely rank as one of the cleanest villages in India. Tucked on a rugged cliff face with a bird’s eye view of Teesta River, Tingchim is for those who love to discover the unknown. Guarded by forests and a century-old monastery, this little village has kept a well guarded secret – its sacred lake. Quite interestingly, a part of the Tingchim Lake is dark black and the rest is emerald green. The lake teems with colourful fishes whereas the forest surrounding the lake is home to thousands of birds.

You can take a short hike through the forests of Tingchim and enjoy butterfly and bird watching or you can sit beside the placid lake to reflect on the better part of life outside your office. You can even enjoy a traditional Lepcha Hot Stone Herbal Bath believed to strengthen the bones. You can take a short trek to Srijunga Manghim or stay back at Tinchim for three nights to try the 30 kms long Pokhritaal Trek through lush meadows and Rhododendron forests.

Sparkling weather, lush forests, rugged cliffs, uncharted hiking trails, secret lake, sacred monastery, great home stays, traditional Lepcha hospitality and far from the tourist rush – what more do you need to sign off your North Sikkim Tour?

Places to see at Tingchim, North Sikkim

Apart from the forests, the Tingchim lake, the Tingchim Mani Lhakhang Monastery and the village itself, you can take a short tour just 16 kms away to the Phensang Monastery built in 1721. Another famous nearby monastery is the Phodong Monastery built in the early 18th century. The lovely Seven Sisters waterfalls and the historic site of Kabi Lungchok, where the Lepchas signed the Treaty of Blood Brotherhood during 14th century can be covered in a day’s trip from Tingchim.

Best time to visit Tingchim, North Sikkim

As Tingchim is located at a moderate altitude of 3150 feet, so the weather stays pleasant throughout the year. You can visit Tingchim anytime of the year.

Accommodation at Tingchim, North Sikkim

Here, traditional Lepcha home stays accommodate the guests. Staying in one of these home stays would help you to get a rare insight into the culture of the Lepchas. All homestays in Tingchim are equipped with modern facilities like electricity, comfy beds, clean bathrooms, clean rooms, balconies facing the valleys, mountains and the snaking Teesta River. In Tingchim, you can enjoy cardamoms and handpicked vegetables and fruits as much as you like. In Tingchim, food is essentially Indian cuisine and organic, home cooked, fresh and served hot with a smiling face.