Sikkim – Paradise Unexplored

The state of Sikkim, nestled in the North Eastern part of India, isn’t exactly on the tourist radar. The state has so much to offer to visitors. You will fall short of words to describe its natural beauty. Sikkim is know for the mountains, quaint villages, pristine scenery, holy lakes, vibrant Buddhist Monasteries and a paradise for adventure freaks, trekkers and mountaineers owing to its myriad adventure activities. Whether you are looking for a laid back break, taking in the extravaganza of nature’s beauty or seeking a fun-filled adventurous holiday, Sikkim will not leave you disappointed.

Sikkim is the place where you will truly believe in the goodness of nature and humanity. Relive your enthralling dreams amidst majestic mountains, captivating views and sub-zero temperature. Take some sun-kissed pictures while enjoying the morning bliss and admiring the dewdrops dripping from the leaves. Being the least populated and second smallest Indian state, the place is a true delight for people wanting a private and secluded trip.

Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains. The state is bordered by Nepal to the west, China’s Tibet Autonomous Regionto the north and east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south.

The state is divided into 4 districts: North, South, East and West. There are 4 district capitals: Gangtok (East Sikkim), Mangan (North Sikkim), Namchi (South Sikkim) & Gyalshing (West Sikkim). The main capital of the state is Gangtok. Each of these districts has something unique to offer to the tourists.

East Sikkim – The ‘Heart’ Of Sikkim

East Sikkim is a flawless vacationer’s destination in Sikkim. One of the four district, the south-eastern locale of this Himalayan state is the prime destination with numerous places to visit and customs and celebrations to enjoy. The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is the prime traveller’s hub of East Sikkim.

The rich greenery, entrancing valleys, delightful lakes, numerous old monasteries and temples enhance East Sikkim drawing in a large number of vacationers.

The top tourism attractions in East Sikkim are Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass & Zuluk. Gangtok attracts honeymoon couples in large numbers. It is beautiful and exciting, with a lot of activities to offers.

Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital and without a doubt is the most glitzy humming city. Gangtok has a great nightlife, adequate gaming encounters, pleasant assortment of delicious food and a lot of spots around its region to keep the normal traveller involved.

Nathula Pass is a Himalayan mountain pass in eastern Sikkim district. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with the autonomous zone of Tibet in China. The pass is a part of an offshoot of the ancient Tea Horse Path, at 4,310 m above mean sea level. Nathu means “ears-listening” and in Tibetan La means “pass.” The travellers need to obtain the permit through a Sikkim government authorized tour operator and can only visit Nathula by a vehicle provided by this type of tour operator.

Tsomgo Lake the immensely enchanting is situated at a distance of 38 km away from Gangtok. This is one of the most popular tourist spots of Sikkim. On your way to the lake, the gigantic mountains and the twisting roads will feel like an adventure in itself. Also called as the Changu Lake, it is situated at an altitude of 12,400 ft and is said to be one of the highest lakes in India. The turquoise waters give you magical views of the alluring peaks nearby.

The Baba Mandir is settled between the Jelepla Pass and Nathula Pass. One can join a visit to the Baba Mandir alongside Nathula Pass and Tsongmo Lake. This Mandir is a tribute to Harbhajan Singh a soldier from the Indian Army. This is a sacred place believed to be blessed by the spirit of Baba Harbhajan Singh.

North Sikkim – A Bundle Of Nature’s Wonders

North Sikkim is as fascinating as East Sikkim when it comes to tourism. It is also suitable for a family holiday for the numerous sightseeing opportunities involved. You could visit Lachung, a scenic village by the side of River Lachung. Yumthang is famous for being a valley of rhododendron flowers & hot springs.

The passage toward the North-Eastern hallway of India, Sikkim gloats of its charming magnificence, as well as offers an engaging rundown of activities and spots to visit. The amazing views of Mount Kanchendzonga, the scent of assortment of blooms, the quietness of shimmering lakes and the sputtering of streams like Teesta makes North Sikkim a goal that no nature darling should miss.

Lachung is a perfect place for nature sweethearts. Peaceful, quiet, lovely, Lachung is everything that a guest expects of a place. Lachung actually signifies ‘Little Pass’, which it without a doubt is as it is located in the border of Tibet.

Another beautiful place in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley gloats of its thick rhododendron woods and hot sulphur springs. The valley is the home to 24 types of Rhododendrons, in this manner it appropriately gains its name as ‘Valley of Flowers’.

Among the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is a high elevation lake arranged at a height of 5430m. The lake is one of the source floods of River Teesta and it holds gigantic religious significance.

The base camp of Mount Kanchendzonga, Green Lake is a high lake arranged at an elevation of 5000m. The lake is situated close to the Zemu ice sheet and makes for an audacious trek. The trekking trail of Green Lake goes through thick Rhododendron, primulas and blue poppy woodlands. The stunning views of the Kanchendzonga additionally upgrades the excellence of this place.

A little town in the lap of nature, Singhik resembles a cut tumbled from heaven on the earth. Offering faultless views of the Khanchendzonga range including Mount Siniolchu, Singhik is ideal for an escape in North Sikkim.

West Sikkim – A Paradise For Adventure Lovers

The grand white pinnacle of Mount Kanchenjunga above West Sikkim’s stunning scene of imposing mountain edges hung to the shoulders in rich green woodland. A bunch of charming religious monasteries and temples, towns and cascades add to the general interest. With a little arrangement and appropriate grants, there is some marvellous trekking, including the week-long experience to Goecha La, which approaches near the frigid base of Kanchenjunga.

West Sikkim is otherwise called a trekker’s heaven as it has numerous outlandish and delightful trekking trails that pull in travel lovers from over the world. Aside from unbelievable trek experience, one can likewise encounter the rapture of snowfall in Sikkim.

Tucked within the tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim is the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching from the cold desert of Lhonak valley along the ridges of Lachen in north Sikkim to the historical town of Yuksom in west Sikkim. Overflowing with intriguing vegetation species, chilly lakes, icy masses, widespread forest area, and considerably more, Kanchenjunga National Park was recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2016.

Trekking through the varied terrain is the only way to see Khangchendzonga National Park. There are several trek routes across Khangchendzonga National Park of varying degrees of difficulty. The trek routes are not only known for their natural beauty but also offer a look into the life of the people who live in these remote regions. Trekkers are likely to come across hills, lakes, caves and rivers, which are considered holy by the people of Sikkim. One may come across ‘mendangs’ or holy stones inscribed with the words ‘om mani padme hum’. Apart from chortens or stupas, there may be the occasional monastery.

A trek through the deepest forest routes is one of the best things to do in Sikkim. Moreover, you can witness a lot of wildlife like Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, and so on dwelling here. It will be a heaven for the nature sweethearts.

One of the most famous places in Sikkim, Yuksom has a plethora of attractions to keep you engaging. Probably the most well-known attractions in and around Yuksom are Khecheopalri Lake, Tashiding Monastery, Kanchengdzonga National Park, and Dubdi Monastery.

Khecheopalri Lake is one of the best places to visit in west Sikkim if you wish to take some amazing pictures with your loved ones. Moreover, the birds that reside by the lake ensures to keep the lake by picking up the leaves that fall on the lake.

Richenpong has numerous stunning attractions like the eighteenth century Rishum monastery and another religious temples which are situated amidst the dazzling woods trail. Kaluk town is only a couple of km far from Rinchenpong and they are typically visited by travellers at one shot when they visit this district. The Gurung Monastery, Lepcha Heritage House and the shocking mountain views from relatively every bearing are the essential fascination of this region.

South Sikkim – Place those are in Search Of Peace

South Sikkim is a perfect destination for adventure lovers and obviously for those who are looking for an escape from the touristy places and clamouring city life. The district offers plentiful open doors for unwinding, boating, trekking and natural life exploration.

South Sikkim is a smaller district and has amazing potential to attract tourists with diverse interests – be it nature-loving tourists or religious and spiritual seeking tourists or heritage and historical place loving tourists. With the picturesque landscape, rich flora and fauna, monuments and cultural heritage, the south Sikkim can be an enjoyable holiday trip as well as awakening and reviving trip with the inner peace.

Namchi town has come up as a tourist during the last few years. There is a 135 feet tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava on top of the hill. It is known as Samdruptse. The statue can be reached by walking uphill about 2 km from the main market. About 300 meters east of the Samdruptse is the location of Rock garden, this is a small garden maintained by the forest department. The Chardham of Namchi has also become quite famous in the recent past. The Namchi Central park in the main market is also a nice place to spend an evening.

Ravangla, is a small, beautiful and quiet town in South Sikkim, the Ravangla is a prominent tourist destination with a magnificent sight of majestic hills adorned with the dense green forest, mesmerizing scene of valleys dotted with the quaint village huts. The mesmerizing scenery of the snow-clad mountain peaks is the prime attraction of this small tourism hermitage of Ravangla. The breathtaking view of the Kanchenjungha and other peaks such as Pandim, Sinialchu, Kabru, etc. will mesmerize you with its pure natural beauty.

The Siddheshwara Dham is the prime pilgrim destination in the south Sikkim, which has been recently developed by the Sikkim. It is a big temple complex spread in the area of 7 acres around 5 km away from the nearest city of Namchi in South Sikkim. The temple complex is situated on the top of the Solophok hills and is the prime tourist attraction for the religious importance and the natural beauty.

Temi Tea Garden is the only tea estate that exists in the State of Sikkim which produces the international standard tea, and has very high demand in the international market. The tea estate is located on the slope of the Tendong Hill and spreads in the large area offering the splendid picture-perfect view of the surroundings and the small villages nearby. Tourists can visit this tea garden and also watch the tea processing methods which will be an enriching experience.