Phodong, waterfalls and the Teesta gorge
The road north leaves Gangtok early and drops to Kabi Longstok, where a memorial marks a treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha and Bhutia peoples. A little further, Phodong Monastery, a Kagyu monastery rebuilt in the 18th century, stands above the road with old murals in its hall. We stop to visit, then continue to the district town of Mangan.
Near Mangan, the viewpoint at Singhik looks up the Teesta valley to Kanchenjunga on clear mornings. Beyond, the road enters a deep gorge, with waterfalls dropping hundreds of metres from the cliffs on both sides, some right beside the road. At Chungthang, the Lachen and Lachung rivers meet to form the Teesta; this is also where the 2023 floods caused the worst damage, and the scars are visible.
The final climb to Lachung follows the Lachung river through forest. The total drive takes 5 to 6 hours plus stops, so we leave Gangtok by 8 am. Road conditions vary, with sections under repair, and vehicle convoys or timing rules sometimes apply. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long is the drive from Gangtok to Lachung?
About 120 km, taking 5 to 6 hours plus stops. The road passes Kabi, Phodong, Mangan and Chungthang. Since the 2023 floods and later landslides, conditions and timings have varied, with closures at times. Check current status before you travel.
What happened at Chungthang in 2023?
In October 2023, a glacial lake outburst in the upper Teesta basin sent a flood down the valley, destroying the Teesta III dam at Chungthang and damaging roads, bridges and settlements. North Sikkim was cut off for a long period, and repairs have continued since.
Is Phodong Monastery worth visiting?
Yes, as a stop on the drive north. Phodong is one of Sikkim's important Kagyu monasteries, with old murals and a peaceful setting above the road. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes and breaks the long drive to Lachung.
Also in Lachung and Yumthang, North Sikkim
More hours to plan around
