Taxi service to visit lachung valley north sikkim
Katao is situated in North Sikkim (India) and is nearly 144 kilometers from Gangtok. Katao Valley is situated at an
altitude of nearly 15000 and is far away from the center of Sikkim. Staying at Lachung one can visit Katao. With the
panoramic view of snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, it is a rival to the much sought after Yumthang in beauty. The
valley is sparsely covered with poppy, primulas and rhododendron. A military check-post is nearby. Katao Valley is
around 24 kilometers from Lachung. The trip to Katao is not in the standard packages of North Sikkim or Lachung tour.
Guest has to visit the place at a supplement cost. Technically it is closed to guest but the vehicle arrange for the pass
locally and the visit is made possible. Please note that it is not easy to do Yumthang Valley + Zero Point + Katao and
return to Gangtok in the same day. One has to stay or reach Lachung on the previous night. Next day morning Yumthang Valley
and Katao can be visited and stay at Lachung is necessary. Best way to reach katao is from Gangtok.
Tour Itinerary
Taxi service from gangtok to Lachung to Katao to gangtok = Rs. 8,999 * [ 1 Night 2 Days Full Vehicle ].
Day 1 : GANGTOK - LACHUNG (122 KMS / 6-8 HRS)
Pick up from Gangtok hotel at around 9.30 – 10 am [ after permit is created] and transfer to Lachung via Tashi view point,
Butterfly or Seven Sister waterfalls [depending on road opened], Mangan Valley [lunch Point], Singhik waterfalls, Naga waterfalls,
Toong Check post, Chumthang valley [Tea/Snacks Point], Bhim nala waterfalls. Reach Lachung by 5-6 pm. Rest at hotel or visit
Lachung in the evening.
Day 2 : LACHUNG - YUMTHANG VALLEY - KATAO - GANGTOK (172 KMS / 8-10 HRS)
Pick up from Lachung hotel at around 7.00 am and transfer to Katao. Mostly people visit katao in order to view snow.
Return to Lachung hotel by 1 pm. and transfer to Gangtok. Reach Gangtok by 5-6 pm.
(In case of Land slide or any other reason lachung valley is closed we will provided alternate sightseeing.)
Permit and Entry Rules to visit katao north sikkim
Indian : Indian tourists visiting kataonorth sikkim require special permit to visit.
This special permit are provided by Travel Agents in Sikkim, Goverment Authority.
There are two checkpost through which you can visit katao. They are either through Gangtok or Mangan.
To create permit the visiter has to provide below documents:
Passport Size Photo : Two Passport Size photo for each members above 5 years.
ID with Address Proof : An ID with valid ID proof xerox copy is require to create permit.
for each members above 5 years. (for eg. Voter ID, Passport, Driving License with Address part)
Foreigner : Foreigners are strictly not allowed to visit katao.
Route to katao
There are two routes to reach katao :
1. Gangtok to katao via Mangan.
2. Lachen to katao via chumthang.
Places to visit nearby katao
Lachen valley : book taxi services from katau to lachen valley at price starting at Rs. 4,999 *. You can also cover Lachen, Thangu valley.
Gurudongmar Lake : book taxi services from katau to Gurudongmar lake at price starting at Rs. 8,999 *. You can also cover Lachen, Thangu valley.
Kala pathar : book taxi services from katau to Kala pathar at price starting at Rs. 8,999 *. You can also cover Lachen, Thangu valley.
Yumthang valley : book taxi services from katau to lachung north sikkim at price starting at Rs. 2,999. You can also cover lachung valley.
Lachung valley : book taxi services from katau to lachung north sikkim at price starting at Rs. 2,999. You can also cover yumthang valley.
Yumesamdong / zero point : book taxi services from katau to lachung north sikkim at price starting at Rs. 5,999. You can also cover lachen and yumthang valley.
Distance
Gangtok to Lachung valley : 125 kms.
Lachung to Katau : 22 kms.
Accomodation:
There are no provision to stay at katao. Guest visiting katao must stay at Lachung valley. Lachung valley has many normal and luxury
hotels and homestays. Tourist visiting lachung valley can book hotels and homestays directly or through travel agents.
Best time to visit katao north sikkim
Best time to visit katao north sikkim is during the months of March, April, May, June, October, Nov. Most of the roads
remains closed during the month of July, August due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Also some of the tourists don't prefer to visit Lachen valley north sikkim in the months of December, January and Febrary due to cold climates.