Mt. Katao
Mt. Katao
4.6
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.6
82 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
1
patho mukherjee
Katihar, India6 contributions
Mar 2021
to everyone who wants to make a trip to Sikkim shortly. Mount katao is situated in Lachung basically if you make a trip to Sikkim that includes the northern part of the state first you will visit Lachen then next day lachung in your a trip to Lachung first place will be mount katao. the place is astonishingly beautiful you will witness the true beauty of the place if you can able to make a trip from the last week of March till the second week of April. the place seems like heaven and all the trees covered with snow give you the absolute feelings of mini Switzerland. you can enjoy the beautiful mountains while sipping the coffee.I hope that you guys will visit the place soon and witness the beauty of the place. I have booked my journey with etripto.in to be honest I found them the best tour organizer among all. they give you the best deal with an amazing price segment. you can put a quarry. it is very easy to reach them just search ertripto.in and Burgin if you can. even if you mention my name partho Mukherjee they will discount you. so just wish you a happy journey and wish that you would visit this amazing place soon enough. for more details about north Sikkim, you can WhatsApp me at 7903739445. i will be more than happy to help you
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SChoudhury
Guwahati, India246 contributions
May 2012 • Family
Katao is a bit offbeat in the sense that when you get a package from Gangtok, you don't get the name of Katao on it. The driver tells you about it when you are in Lachung and it cost you a few dime. That is my experience and also of some of my relatives.
But what a place it is my my!!!!!!!!! We reached Lachung as part of Yumthang package. It was cold but dry. Stayed the night there when in the evening the driver told us that there is a place nearby called Katao where one is sure to have snow. He told that we would have to spend some money for permission etc. which he would manage. We agreed and paid. There was rain during the night and the morning was bitter cold. And we found all the peaks around us thick with snow. This is in Lachung I am telling. Then we started for Katao. The program was that we would first visit Katao and then go to Yumthang. After a few miles we started seeing snow on the road side and the more we advanced the more snow it was. Wonderful scenery. I am giving some pics so you will be in a position to judge the beauty of the place. We could not go upto the last point where army bases were because the road was blocked, thick with fresh snow.
I enjoyed Katao more than Yumthang and made it a point to tell about it to whoever visits Sikkim. A wonderful experience, simply outstanding place!
But what a place it is my my!!!!!!!!! We reached Lachung as part of Yumthang package. It was cold but dry. Stayed the night there when in the evening the driver told us that there is a place nearby called Katao where one is sure to have snow. He told that we would have to spend some money for permission etc. which he would manage. We agreed and paid. There was rain during the night and the morning was bitter cold. And we found all the peaks around us thick with snow. This is in Lachung I am telling. Then we started for Katao. The program was that we would first visit Katao and then go to Yumthang. After a few miles we started seeing snow on the road side and the more we advanced the more snow it was. Wonderful scenery. I am giving some pics so you will be in a position to judge the beauty of the place. We could not go upto the last point where army bases were because the road was blocked, thick with fresh snow.
I enjoyed Katao more than Yumthang and made it a point to tell about it to whoever visits Sikkim. A wonderful experience, simply outstanding place!
Written 4 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abhijit G
Kolkata (Calcutta), India552 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
Katao is a military base in North Sikkim located at the highest army point. The place is a home to Indian Army jawans who practice and guards the international border with China. The high altitude makes the place chill and the severe wind that blows over there make it shivering but exciting and enjoying. One needs to pay some extra money to the driver to go to these place beyond Lachung. You can or not depends on the permission granted by the Indian Army. This is a prohibited place and free access is denied. The place is always covered with snow and you would be shocked seeing how can the Indian Army jawans spend days after days there to protect us. You can even see them practicing firing there.
Katao is a rough terrain and the road leads to the place is superb thrilling.
Katao is a rough terrain and the road leads to the place is superb thrilling.
Written 21 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanmoy D
Magra, West Bengal, India12 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
Brilliant !!! Full of clean Ice and fresh everywhere. Spine chilling cold. Minus temperature. Height of 12666 Ft. A good waterfall on the way. Hat's off to Indian Army as they are securing the Indo-Tibetan Border from here.
Written 4 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoutamUI
3 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
We are planning to visit Katao in the month of May 2018 first week. So any body tell me is it the safest place to visit with 4 years old kid.
We are egar to waiting for this trip. I am waiting for the valuable update.
We are egar to waiting for this trip. I am waiting for the valuable update.
Written 31 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Begaraaj S M
Chennai (Madras), India3,763 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
I went to Lachung on 26th March 2016 and stayed in Tenzing Retreat Villa, I enquired and found Mt.Katao to be a wonderful place, since my itinerary doesn't cover Mt.Katao and my driver asked INR 3000/- extra as it is around 25km and require a permit to visit, already I had a permit to visit Gurudongmar Lake,Yamthung Valley and Zero point, I agreed for INR 2500/- and we started our journey at 5.15am on 27th March 2016, the views from the beginning till the Army checkpoint was absolutely stunning, but nobody was there in the check post, waited for 20minutes and took some fabulous photos to cherish, finally one army person came and told that nobody will be allowed beyond this point and showed us the barbed wire fencing which is the dividing line between India and China, it was freezing cold and I could not stand there, so we returned back after 45 wonderful minutes.
Must visit for all age groups when we are in Lachung, but it will be very cold so please take your woollen clothing along with gloves and monkey cap to withstand the freezing cold and enjoy the beauty.
Note:
1. We don't need a permit to visit Mt. Katao up to the Army check post.
2. INR 3000/- is a tourist trap, it's just 25km and takes only an hour to reach, 1000-1500/- will be a good rate depending upon the season.
Must visit for all age groups when we are in Lachung, but it will be very cold so please take your woollen clothing along with gloves and monkey cap to withstand the freezing cold and enjoy the beauty.
Note:
1. We don't need a permit to visit Mt. Katao up to the Army check post.
2. INR 3000/- is a tourist trap, it's just 25km and takes only an hour to reach, 1000-1500/- will be a good rate depending upon the season.
Written 2 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajib_Arjavo
Kolkata (Calcutta), India130 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
Katao is situated at an elevation of 15000 feet & 24 km from Lachung (8000 feet) which is not so much well known destination among the travelers. We have visited this place in July, 2012 when it was covered with snow. On the way you will find a waterfall which is so beautiful as water is falling with a very high speed & its sound breaks the silence of the surrounding. On our journey we found different types of flower besides the roads which are very attractive. We were not able to reach the top as military personnel not provide us the permission due to bad weather condition. But, we enjoyed a lot as the view from the top is quite stunning. We found one glacial on the way which as per us was quite unique in nature. I personally recommend this place for the travelers who loves the mountain and have some time during their North Sikkim visit.
We have visited North Sikkim for a 3 Nights & 4 Days packaged tour with Tristine Tour & travel. We have visited Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, Youmthan valley, Katao, Lachen & Lachung. On the way we have visited Singiek view point, Naga waterfall, Tashi view point & Bhim Nala watefall which is very beautiful. We starts from Gangtok at 11 am and reach Lachen in the evening. Next day we have visited Gurudongmer Lake and drive to Lachung. Next day we travel up to Zero point and stay at lachung which is also a very beautiful place. Last day we visited Katao and return back to Gangtok. North Sikkim is very a beautiful place where you can visit only through packaged tour. You can contact Mr. Karma Sherpa (9434408059 & 9832028364) who is owner of Trtistine Tour & Travel. Before finalizing the tour package you should remember the following –
1. Places you want to visit.
2. Name of the hotel where you want to stay.
3. Tea, breakfast, lunch & dinner all should be included.
4. By which vehicle/car you want to travel.
Photo Identity card is a must to visit North Sikkim as it will be required for providing visiting pass which will be arrange by tour operators.
In Lachen we have stayed at Hotel Mt. Pandim & in Lachun we stayed in Digling Resort.
We have visited North Sikkim for a 3 Nights & 4 Days packaged tour with Tristine Tour & travel. We have visited Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, Youmthan valley, Katao, Lachen & Lachung. On the way we have visited Singiek view point, Naga waterfall, Tashi view point & Bhim Nala watefall which is very beautiful. We starts from Gangtok at 11 am and reach Lachen in the evening. Next day we have visited Gurudongmer Lake and drive to Lachung. Next day we travel up to Zero point and stay at lachung which is also a very beautiful place. Last day we visited Katao and return back to Gangtok. North Sikkim is very a beautiful place where you can visit only through packaged tour. You can contact Mr. Karma Sherpa (9434408059 & 9832028364) who is owner of Trtistine Tour & Travel. Before finalizing the tour package you should remember the following –
1. Places you want to visit.
2. Name of the hotel where you want to stay.
3. Tea, breakfast, lunch & dinner all should be included.
4. By which vehicle/car you want to travel.
Photo Identity card is a must to visit North Sikkim as it will be required for providing visiting pass which will be arrange by tour operators.
In Lachen we have stayed at Hotel Mt. Pandim & in Lachun we stayed in Digling Resort.
Written 16 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prabhat Jena
Bangalore District, India7 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This is more beautiful than Zero Point. Here you enjoy the view of Water fall with Snow. The road view most beautiful while going to top. The roads are just like steps...
Written 2 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karthik0410
Mumbai, India361 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Katao is just 24 km (approx 90mins) from Lachung, certainly not included in any package tour from Gangtok. You need to arrange this with your driver separately. The road leading to Mt Katao is very scenic with waterfalls and huge mountains. There is a army checkpost a few kms before Katao and you need permit to go beyond this point.
If we could see snow in October, can only imagine this place in April-June.
A special mention of the Indian Army as they are securing the Indo-Tibetan Border in these hostile conditions.
If we could see snow in October, can only imagine this place in April-June.
A special mention of the Indian Army as they are securing the Indo-Tibetan Border in these hostile conditions.
Written 15 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pradeep_parhi
Ahmedabad, India100 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
We had visited Katao on 16/04/2017 as a part of our Lachung visit. In the morning we visited Yumthang and Zero Point. Then after taking lunch, we started our visit to Katao at around 2:00 PM. Katao is around 30 kms from Lachung and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Katao. While going towards Katao, there was snow covered mountains on both sides. We could see very good waterfalls also. We could go upto Security Post which is around 10 kms behind Katao. This post is guarded by soldiers round the clock.
Generally tour operators of Gangtok do not include Katao in Lachung package. Hence after reaching there, drivers intimate that there is a place named Katao and ask for extra money to visit this place. However in our case, we had made deal with our tour operator to include Katao in the package. Hence you negotiate with Gangtok tour operators accordingly or else you have to pay extra money to the driver.
Overall a very good place. Not to be missed during Lachung tour.
Generally tour operators of Gangtok do not include Katao in Lachung package. Hence after reaching there, drivers intimate that there is a place named Katao and ask for extra money to visit this place. However in our case, we had made deal with our tour operator to include Katao in the package. Hence you negotiate with Gangtok tour operators accordingly or else you have to pay extra money to the driver.
Overall a very good place. Not to be missed during Lachung tour.
Written 25 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do I require any permit or permission to visit My katao?
Written 10 January 2020
Anybody can tell me of my itinerary journey cost per head from Gangtok to Zero Point via Lachung on 1st week of March 2020 or help me by giving tour operators e-mail address?
Written 2 November 2019
I would recommend this one - tamutour at gmail - Tamu Tours and Treks)
Written 16 November 2019
Will we get snow in end December?
Written 8 August 2019
Don't cheat the public. There isn't anything in katao. There is only an army checkpost and we cannot cross the check post... Tell me the answer for what you are spreading rumours to the public? It is good to visit for the climate but in terms of travel it is waste. There is nothing and everything lies beyond the checkpost which we could not visit and don't fool the public if you visit Katao you will get disappointed at the end..... Then why are you suggesting k a t a o?
Written 2 May 2019
Can foreigners visit Katao? Is it always snow up there?
Written 30 April 2019
Permit is required for everyone and permit is given at Gangtok. Mt Katao is towards Lachung. Kindly inquire at any travel/tour desk in Gantok.
Written 2 May 2019
From Lachung rent a vehicle. The travel person who brings you from Gangtok to Lachung can take you but at addl cost. Note this place is in opp direction from Yumthang or Zero Point
Written 22 April 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 35
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing