North Sikkim District, with its Headquarters at Mangan, comprises the valleys of
Lachen, Lachung, Dzongu and
Tolung. It has an area of about 4,226 sq km and a population of 31,000. The majority of the population of North Sikkim are Bhutias and Lepchas. There are a lesser number of Nepalis.
Bengali,
Hindi and English are the languages spoken. The region is famous for the Buddhist monastries,
Phensong and
Phodong. Paddy, apple, potato, cabbage and corn are the main agricultural products.
Important tourist spots are Mangan, Chungthang, Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in the famous Lachung Valley at a distance of 137 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is bounded on its southern pheriphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. The Khangchendzonga National Park, covering the highest elevation in the country, has a total area of 850 sq km.
