Katao

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. The very next day visit to Yumesamdong and return to Gangtok is the standard procedure. The Vehicle, Hotel, Food etc comes in packages provided / booked from Gangtok as there are formalities of Inner Line Permit (ILP) to be obtained. Infrastructure is poor due to the remoteness of the area. Voter ID card / Driving License / Similar ID card is required along with 4 passport size photograph is required for permit.  Sikkim is very close to Peoples Republic of China’s border and the Defense establishment tends to keep things under a very tight leash. Hence it is very difficult to get individual permissions for visiting these areas. As long as you move in groups (More than one guest) under the guidance of tour operators its manageable. By the way, foreign citizens are completely forbidden from visiting few places in North Sikkim and Nathu La pass. Lachung is open and so is Tsomgo Lake.

To See

• Lachen Monastery
• Lachung Monastery
• Yumthang
• Yumesamdong or Zero Point
• Hot Water Spring
• Katao
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Thangu (Trekkers)
• Chopta Valley
• Phodong Monastery / Seven sister’s falls
• Mangan /Singhik

To Reach

• By Air – The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Chopper service is available for Gangtok from Bagdogra otherwise one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers via national highway 31 A. From Gangtok one has to drive to Lachen to visit this destination. Gangtok to Lachung or Lachen is 5 - 6 hours drive and requires Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• By Rail – The nearest major railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers. Gangtok to Lachung or Lachen is 5 - 6 hours drive and requires Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• By Road – Roads till Gangtok is national highway 31 A. Guest has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers from Siliguri. From Gangtok vehicle with army permit has to be booked for visiting Lachen or Lachung. From Lachung one can visit Yumthang nearly 25 kilometers. Roads are rough from Gangtok.