North Sikkim · Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
Katao
The 'Switzerland of Sikkim' — a snow ridge 28 km from Lachung under army control.
24 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 15,000 ft
- From Gangtok 131 km · two days via Lachung
- Best months March–May and November–February
- Stay Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
1. Why visit Katao and what to expect
Mt Katao is a half-day snow excursion from Lachung on a military-controlled ridge with pine slopes and year-round snow peaks. Access depends on daily army clearance arranged by your Lachung driver, and the ₹1,500–₹2,500 cab supplement is paid locally. Foreigners are not permitted.
Top sights
- Mt Katao snow peak
- Katao pine ridge
- Poppy and rhododendron slopes
- Lachung valley overlook
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 15,000 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 131 km · two days via Lachung |
| Stay | Day excursion · sleep in Lachung — Lachung guide |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Army clearance via Lachung driver; local supplement ₹1,500–₹2,500. Restricted military zone for foreigners. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Avoid — landslide closures |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Snow point; subject to daily army permission |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay (base: Lachung)
9 properties from ₹1,141 to ₹7,684 per night for two.
Le Coxy Resort, Lachung
3-Star Resort · Fakha Chowk, Lachung, Sikkim 737120
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Mountain Views
₹1,212 / night ≈ ₹606 per person, twin share
Verdant The Lush Gateway (Katao Road)
Boutique Hotel · Katao Road, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Located directly on Katao Road
- 24x7 Hot Water
- Pure Veg Restaurant
₹2,241 / night ≈ ₹1,121 per person, twin share
Valmere Bayul Shangri-La Resort
4-Star Resort · Singring, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Waterfall Views
₹3,442 / night ≈ ₹1,721 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Divine's The Elite Zong
3-Star Hotel · Sharchok, Shakothang Road, Lachung, Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹1,141 / night ≈ ₹571 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Rufina Lachung Deezong
3-Star Hotel · MPQW+35, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Parking
₹1,438 / night ≈ ₹719 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Verdant The Lush Gateway
Boutique Mountain Hotel · Katao Road, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- 24x7 Hot Water
- Pure Veg Dining
- Balcony Mountain View
- Wi-Fi
₹2,241 / night ≈ ₹1,121 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Magellan's The Golden Bridge, Lachung
4-Star Hotel · Shakothang Road, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Yumthang Trip Base
₹2,421 / night ≈ ₹1,211 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Udaan Metho Pelri Resort, Lachung
4-Star Pure Veg Resort · Sharchok, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Heated Beds
₹7,242 / night ≈ ₹3,621 per person, twin share
Lachung, North Sikkim
Yashshree Lachung
4-Star Mountain Hotel · Near Upper Monastery, Lachung, North Sikkim 737120
- Bed Heating Pads
- Room Heaters
- Free Breakfast
- Waterfall View
₹7,684 / night ≈ ₹3,842 per person, twin share
Katao FAQs
Can I visit Katao and Zero Point on the same day?
Usually not comfortably. Most itineraries pick one: Yumthang plus Zero Point, or Yumthang plus Katao, before the long drive back to Gangtok.
Is Katao open to foreign nationals?
No. Katao is a restricted military zone closed to foreigners.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring North Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
Yumthang Valley
Sikkim's Valley of Flowers — 24 rhododendron species, a hot spring and yak pastures.
Day excursion · sleep in Lachung
Zero Point
Yumesamdong, where the civilian road ends at 15,300 ft — near-guaranteed snow in spring.