Gurudongmar lake has been the major attraction to mountain lovers while visiting North Sikkim. Travellers often missout on Chopta valley and Kala patthar since its offroad and costs extra money excluded from North Sikkim package; but if you decide to skip it, you are missing mesmerizing landscape views not to be seen anywhere else.
To reach Kalapatthar one needs to drive extra 25kms (total up-down) from Thangu valley. While going towards Gurudongmar lake from Lachen another road on your left leads you to the Chopta valley - Kalapatthar area. It is suggested that you visit Kalapatthar before Gurudongmar lake. The uniqueness of Kalapatthar lies in the combination of different types of landscapes. Close to Chopta you can see the wide green valley with meandering streams flowing through it.
As you drive ahead the black cliffs of Himalaya are prominent, for which the place is named this way.
Further ahead you will get fresh white snow. The place is not crowded if you can manage to reach early morning. The untouched snow covered roadsides and peaks will give you an experience to cherish for life.
Bird lovers can also find native mountain pheasants which are very common in the area.
