About Katao Road Viewpoint
The road north from Chungthang toward Lachung passes through an increasingly dramatic gorge where the valley narrows to just the river, the road and sheer granite walls rising hundreds of metres on both sides. Between Chungthang and Lachung the gorge tightens and loosens in alternating sections, with waterfalls threading down the rock faces and the Lachung Chu far below the road level. A series of natural pullout viewpoints — no signs, just where the road widens and the drivers know to stop — give vertical perspectives on the gorge landscape. The section at dusk, when the last sun catches the highest peaks above the gorge walls, is memorable.
Why go to Katao Road Viewpoint
Dramatic gorge driving with vertical rockfaces
The gorge between Chungthang and Lachung is the most visually intense driving section of the North Sikkim circuit. Vertical granite walls, suspended waterfalls and the river far below.
How to reach Katao Road Viewpoint from Chungthang
On the North Sikkim itinerary from Gangtok to Lachung — the standard route passes through this section. We Care Holidays schedules stops on this section as part of the Lachung day drive.
Best time to visit Katao Road Viewpoint
April–June and September–November. Evening light on the return from Lachung is particularly dramatic.
Time of dayLate afternoon (4–6pm) on the return journey for the last sunlight on the gorge walls.
Things we always tell our guests about Katao Road Viewpoint
- Ask your driver to stop at the waterfall pullout points — they know the spots.
- The light inside the gorge is best in the late afternoon on the return journey.
Katao Road Viewpoint — your questions answered
Other places in Chungthang
- ViewpointMonastery