Mount Katao

4.6

Location: MR37+252, Lachung, Sikkim 737120, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 2 Hours (completely depends on your interest in exploring this place)

Mount Katao is located in North Sikkim, about 144 kilometers from the capital, Gangtok, and the distance from Lachung is 28 kilometers. It is the most spectacular sight you can imagine in the state. This majestic peak is adjacent to the Chinese border. That is why it demands an Inner Line Permit. From the tourist information center or through any registered tour operator, you can obtain this. The surreal and imposing location of the peak offers its visitors a splendid view. This place is also a perfect destination for adventure lovers who love sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and stone grinding. All these sports are fun for you during the winter season.

Attraction

The picturesque sight of the snow-capped peaks is seen from Mount Katao. You can also see stunning waterfalls on the midway to this mountain. Attractive flowers like Poppy, Primula, and Rhododendrons cover the valley and produce a divine scenic beauty.

You can enjoy different activities like paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, etc. Snowfall also happens in Mount Katao. But it depends on the weather. Yumthang Valley and Yumesamdong, or Zero Point, are also located in North Sikkim. So you can visit these places together, Obviously, you can take some wonderful, memorable pictures here.

History

There is no significant history about this mountain peak. It is a place of divine natural beauty.

Inside/Outside Views

Mount Katao is 15000 feet by its hight. It offers its onlookers a serene beauty of nature. White snow on the ground and sky over the head make a picturesque scene and feels like this is the only place in the world with such beauty.

Mount Katao seems to be a piece of Kashmir in North Sikkim. When the snowfall happens, it actually vibes like Sonmarg. The view of the neighboring peaks and valleys from the mountain is beyond description.

Opening Hours

Monday 24 Hours

Tuesday 24 Hours

Wednesday 24 Hours

Thursday 24 Hours

Friday 24 Hours

Saturday 24 Hours

Sunday 24 Hours

Entry & Others Fees

Visiting Mount Katao is free. It doesn’t require any entry fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the nearest airport to reach Mount Katao. This airport is well connected with all the main cities in India. It is around 125 kilometers from Lachung. From the airport, first, you need to reach Gangtok by taxi, which is 102 kilometers from the airport. From there, Mount Katao is about 28 kilometers. You need to drive around 2-3 hours to reach Mount Katao. Now, Sikkim has its own airport – Pakyong Airport. You can also go by this airport.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest railway station to reach Mount Katao. It is around 191 kilometers from Lachung. This railway station is well connected with the major cities like Kolkata and Delhi. From there, first you need to reach Gangtok by taxi which is 102 kilometers from the railway station. From there, Mount Katao is about 28 kilometers. You need to drive around 2-3 hours to reach Mount Katao.

By Road: Lachung is well connected with various cities like Gangtok (102 km), Darjeeling (169 km), Jaipaiguri (231 km), Mangan (51 km) by road. From Lachung, Mount Katao is about 28 kilometers. You need to drive around 2-3 hours to reach Mount Katao.

Tips for Travellers

Carry necessary medicine and other things.
Carry enough warm clothes.
Wear a footwear with good grip so that it can help you to walk on the snow.
Oxygen problems may happen because of height. So be careful about it. Avoid being over-excited.
Leave only footprints behind.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed in Mount Katao?

Ans: Yes, Photography is allowed. But it may be prohibited for some reason because it is an army area.

Que-03: What is the best time to explore Mount Katao?

Ans: March to June is the best time to visit this place. But you can make a visit in the winter months (November – February) if you want to enjoy the snowfall.