Mangan is the district capital of North District of Sikkim. This is the most important town in North Sikkim which is overall the least populated area in Sikkim. The North Sikkim highway from Gangtok to Chungthang passes through Mangan.
Apart from being the entry point to North Sikkim, Mangan is also an attractive tourist destination on its own right especially with the great view of the Kanchenjunga range offered from here. Also the Lepcha area of Dzongu is very close to here.
As you travel from Gangtok towards North Sikkim, Mangan would be the first town you come across. There is a police check post where you have to submit your North Sikkim restricted area permit before you are allowed to proceed further. The place was a small town till the 1990’s before the tourist influx started in North Sikkim. Today Mangan is a large town with several eateries and budget accommodations around. Most tourists visit Mangan on their way to North Sikkim. You may consider a night stay at Mangan to explore the area around.
While travelling from Gangtok, a couple of kms before Mangan a road to the left would take you to River Tista. Cross the river and you will be in the Dzogu – Linghtham area. The area is home for the Lepcha people, original inhabitants of the land.
Places Around
Gangtok – 65 kms
Chungthang – 30 kms
Singhik – 3 kms
Dzongu – 10 kms
Phodong – 25 kms
Lachen – 56 kms
Lachung – 52 Kms
Basic Information
Latitude - 27°31′ N
Longitude - 88°53′ E
Altitude – 4000 ft (Average)
Weather
Mild temperate climate with temperature varying between 10 to 20 degree Celsius for most of the year. The region witnesses heavy rainfall during the Monsoon months of July and August.