Sikkim How cool would it be to travel to astate that shares its borders withthree other countries? Super cool,right? If you just got interested, weshould tell you that it is possible ifyou plan to take a trip to Sikkim,which shares its border with Nepal,Bhutan and China (Tibet). Around40 percent of the entire area isforested which makes it even morecool. Come here to get jaw-droppingly amazed at what naturecan do to you.
Sikkim is one of the most visited places inthe eastern region of the country. And it hassome solid grounds for being that. Thenatural beauty here is not something whichcan be fully enjoyed in just one trip. Thestate is accessible by foreigner tourists onlywith a Restricted Area Permit which is alsoknown as the Inner Line Permit. The popularRumtek Monastery is one place which isvisited by people all around the world. Themonastery is the main seat of the KarmaKagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkimwhich makes it all the moreimportant. The popular Nathula Passis another feather in the state's cap alongwith the beautiful Tsongmo Lake. When itcomes to impressing the foodie in you,Sikkim is no underdog in that departmenttoo. You cannot miss having some deliciousmomos when here. Also, worth mentioningis Phagshapa which is actually a strip of porkfat that is stewed with dried chillies andradishes. There is no way of entering theplace other than by road from West Bengalas there are no airports or railway stations
Lachung is a small village town in Sikkim,where Lachen and Lachung, the tributariesof Teesta river, converge. Literally a "smallpass," Lachung was blocked to visitors andhas only recently become a touristdestination, owing to the IndianGovernment's efforts to make it moreaccessible. This has kept its natural, verdantlandscapes intact. Rich in Sikkimese andTibetan culture, it houses the historicLachung Gompa (monastery), which hassome fascinating ancient inscriptions and
murals. For trekkers and mountaineers, itserves as a base camp for the RhodendronValley Trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen.Experience the kaleidoscopic beauty ofnature and the tranquility of an ideal retreatdestination in the true spirit of Sikkimesehospitality.
2 Pelling
Offering great views of the majesticHimalayan mountains and specificallyKanchenjunga, Pelling is essentially a laidback town of quiet monasteries. To soak inthe tranquility of this atmosphere, oneshould visit the Pemayansgtse Monasteryand the Sangachoeling Monastery. Touristsalso undertake excursions to the nearbySangay Waterfall and the Kchehepalri Lakewhich is hidden in dense forest cover and issacred to Buddhists. The Rabdantsey Ruinsare those of an erstwhile kingdom andworth checking out. Pelling also serves as abase camp to mountain climbers andtrekkers who undertake the arduousjourney into the Himalayan ranges. Thetown has been undergoing the process of
development lately, providing good roadsand better hotels to travellers.
3 Yuksom
Apart from being the first capital of Sikkim,Yuksom also holds the position of being asacred site, symbolically representing the"third eye". This biodiversity hotspot offersyou the chance to get close and personalwith Mother Nature. Head for the trekkingtrails to Mt. Kangchendzongha, or visit thewildlife sanctuary or simply relax with aglass of bamboo drink and take in thebeautiful landscape. Also, do not forget totake back home some of the localhandicrafts to show them off to yourfriends.
4 Lachen
Lachen has only recently been madeavailable by the Sikkim government totourists, and thus retains most of itsunexploited, serene and pristinelandscapes. This little hamlet will mesmeriseyou with its green and verdantsurroundings, white snowy peaks and lofty,black cliffs. Must visit Lachen for thebreathtaking Chopta Valley which is aphotographer's delight, the GurudongmarLake which is open only to Hindus andBuddhists and the exhilarating annual yakrace, "Thangu". Close to the Indo-Chinaborder, this town offers great opportunitiesfor mountain treks and quiet nature trails.
5 Shingba RhododendronSanctuary
Yumthang Valley, North SikkimDistrict, Gangtok, Sikkim 737120,India
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary isperhaps the best place to spot 20 differentspecies of rhododendrons in Sikkim, India.Located in the sublime Yumthang Valley,
Shingba Sanctuary can be reached easilyfrom Mangan in the northern part of Sikkim.Ranging between the elevations of 3048 to4575 meters, Singba RhododendronSanctuary is a striking place to view floraand fauna in their full glory.
The spring season is regarded as the besttime to visit, when rhododendrons blossomto their apex in the sanctuary. ShingbaSanctuary is enclosed by Chomzomei Tsobroadening up to Lava pass in the west. Toits south, Shingba Sanctuary is delimited bythe angelic Yumthang Valley that isrenowned for its alpine meadow andsublime beauty; whereas in the east, it isbordered by Chuba - Sagochen mountainranges.
The Sanctuary also embraces the YumthangRiver that flows through its periphery. Onthe banks of river, one can trace longqueues of Rhododendron trees and shrubs.Apart from Rhododendrons, the sanctuaryalso boasts of primulas, potentillas,gentians, saxifrages, poppies, aconites larch,juniper, maple along with rambling lichens.You can also see silver fir and well-groomedthick mat of moss shielding the soil.
Talking about the fauna, the sanctuary hasa small populace of wildlife like Tigers, Civetsand Blood Pheasants. Lachung is the lastvillage that is to be found prior to ShingbaSanctuary. This is the only place, where youcan accommodate yourself, in the vicinity of
the Sanctuary. By and large, it can be saidthat Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary is anice place to explore the vegetation andfauna in their natural habitat.
drinks and yummy appetizers. The pulsatingatmosphere at this peppy pub cumrestaurant is highly infectious and it drawsyou into a comfortable, laid back mood. Thecity is known for its thriving nightlife, flashylounges and live musical performances; thiscafe lives upto this reputation. There is anopen terrace where you can go when youwish to distance yourself from the musicinside.
2 Parivar Restaurant
MG Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim737101, India
+91-3592-227409|+91-3592-224088
Walk in any day at Parivar Restaurant, which is famous for itsauthentic South Indian and North Indiancuisines. Order filling Masala Dosas, pipinghot Idlis, tasteful Sambhar with North-Indianthalis and rest be assured of a fantasticexperience. Even though the restaurantremains crowded during peak hours, youcould still give it a try if a craving for north-Indian vegetarian food strikes you. With acheerful staff and good service, you're sure
to be all smiles here!
3 9'INE Native Cuisine
New Market, M.G Marg, Gangtok,Sikkim 737101, India
+91-3592-205061
Widely popular for its Tibetan cuisine, you’llfind a variety of delectable dishes at 9'INE Native Cuisine. The specialties hereincludes momos, Sikkimese Set Meal withChicken, Fermented Soybean, Dim sums andMushroom Kachi, among a host of uniquedishes that will tickle your taste buds.Patience is the keyword here as theyprepare fresh food which might take 15-20minutes. So be patient and you will beamply rewarded with the most deliciouspreparations.
4 Pub 25
M.G Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101,India
Gangtok is every party animal's dream cometrue! The thriving nightlife means that thereare a number of pubs, and one such placceisPub 25. Located right in the heart ofMG road, this upscale pub offers greatdrinks, tasty food and an amazingambience. Food lovers should definitely trythe malai tikka and sauteed mushrooms,which are hot favourites among the guests.Even though the price is higher as comparedto the other pubs, it's definitely worth a visit.A very classic British ambience, this placeoffers a variety of cocktails and liquors thatis well complimented with an equallyimpressive food menu. Open till 11 PM, it isbest suited for anyone who wants to enjoy ahearty meal and a drink.
5 Snow Lion Restaurant
Paljore Stadium Road, Gangtok,Sikkim 737101, India
+91-3592-202523
Step in at Snow Lion Restaurant, which ispopular for its indigenous and lip-smackingTibetan cuisines. Located on the ground floor of Hotel Tibet,
the restaurant is spacious andcolourful. In terms of ambience,attention has been given to detailing andyou can see trademark Tibetan motifs onthe pillars and ceiling. The Chinesenoodles and Momos will leave you with aneverlasting flavour on your palate. And thisexactly is the specialty of the restaurant - itoffers many genuine local flavours in food,without compromising on their localauthenticity.
