Indian Travel Planner: Sikkim

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Gangtok The Feast to your eyes

Article by Mr. Shankara Narayanan

Reaching Gangtok. If You are Travelling By Train Your Nearest rail Station is New Jalpaiguri ( West Bengal)
Buy Air ; the nearest Airport is Bagdogra, again very near to New Jalpaiguri
From both the places you get buses and Share taxis to Gangtok All fixed rates. No cheating. The Road transport goes Via Siliguri.

The road transport takes you Via National High way 31 A,a distance of Approximately 140 Kms goes via Sevoke,Dur bandara, Melli, Rangpo, Namthang, Singtam, ( the ascent is appreciable from here), Ranipool and Gangtok. The entire journey is along the River bed Teesta .
This stretch is a feast to your eyes and don’t forget to freeze it with a Camera.
Upon reaching Gangtok , take a walk around the bus stand area , to get feel of the land , you would love it. Then Climb up to Mall road , and you get a feeling that you are out of India. Gangtok , is an unpolluted, clean , plastic free city, test

but with Narrow roads, steep steps.

The palace of the former Chogyal, and the impressive Royal Chapel are lower down along the ridge. Then there is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, an Orchid Sanctuary and a large chorten (Tibetan stupa) with an adjoining gompa.

If you are an engineering tourist , stroll down to see the Micro Hydel Projects, which are plenty in Sikkim.
The sun sets very early say by 1600 hrs and it is better you complete your Dinner. There is a lovely Marwadi , Vegetarian restaurant in Mall road. For Those who like NV food , the choices are unlimited, with Wine. By the way Liquor is the cheapest.
Next day you can start your Journey to Rumtek , which houses , Rumtek Monastery and Institute of Buddish studies. Though the distance is just around 40 Kms , it would take a solid 1 Hr and 30 Mts perhaps more.
This Rumtek monestry is one of the Holiest monastery of Buddhism and said to house the Black Hat of Budhha, It also houses the Samadhi of Buddish saints. You Need at least 2 Hrs to Go round the Monastery. On Your way back to Gangtok, You should travel Via Lumd Ding Monastery. It is a spic and span, absolutely silent place. If You are lucky you can get free food.

Other Places of Interest In Gangtok.Tsuklakhang- The most important monastery and the Royal Chapel ( of Namgyals, The Rules of Sikkim) This building itself a beautiful one and would need an Hour to enjoy.
Institute Of Tibetology : A centre for Studies and research in Tibetian Studies.Has an excellent collection of Books , Manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism.
Just adjacent to this Tibetology is the Orchid Sanctuary , which housed more than 500 varieties .
Cottage Industries Institute: To learn about the handicrafts, wood carvings, Paintings , hand over carpets , Bambooware and Pan , a liqueur made from Betal leaves.
Just past the Secretariat is the deer Sanctuary . Best place to sit silently for hours and to meditate.
Take little step of 9 Km to Tashi View Point, to get a Magnificient view of Kanchenjoonga. It is better to Visit this place early in the morning well before Sunrise , so that you can se ethe snow clad peaks Glowing like gold.

Sikkim,The land Locked Ever Green State

Article by Mr. Shankar Narayanan

Sikkim, not many of us are aware of this state , except for a small piece of Information that it is state of India, and Baichung Butia and Danny Deng Zongpaare from this state.

I had an opportunity to travel across this state, and believe me, it is the most beautiful and divinely state . I am looking forward to going here once again.

Contrary to the belief that, you dont need permit to enter, You can just travel straight to Sikkim. You need permit only if you are visiting certain areas , which have been classified as restricted.

So let us get moving. Before we start , we need to know the following things about Sikkim.

Geography of Sikkim

Sikkim Lies to the North Of West Bengal, bordering Darleeling and Kalimpong Districts.

Nepal Is on the west

In North and East it shares borders with Tibet ( Do Not call it China)

In the South East It has borders with Bhutan.

Incidentally Sikkim is the Only state to have Three International Boundaries.

Sikkim Is divided in to 4 Districts as shown in the Map.
Certain Areas of Northern Districts are restricted to Tourist and Civilians.

Languages spoken: Hindi , English, Nepali. ( English is the official language of Govt Of Sikkim)

Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok located at an Altitude of 1700 meters ( App 5300 Ft)

Altitude: Sikkim – Since the entire state is located on the Himalayas, the altitude varies from Place to Place. The lowest being 1500 and the highest reaches up to 21000 ft

To Know about the History of Sikkim http://www.sikkimipr.org/sikkim_history.htm

Climate : The annual rainfall varies from 50-200 inches (mostly during June - September), and perennial snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a thickness of few meters. The best times to see orchids in bloom are April - May, July - August, and November. Though December isa Good Time , be prepared to face harsh winter and sudeden snow fall in the upper reaches.

Tempteratures:Summer:Max.21°C;Min.13°C, Winter : Max. 15°C; Min. 8°C, at times the Temperatures goes below Zero , , in few locations.

Hence Proper winter clothing is suggested. Make Sure You have a BSNL mobile Connection. ( other operators are available , but the signals disappear often)

Why Sikkim: Since Sikkim is located in the Himalays , and due to lack of Industries , there is absolutely no pollution in the Air. You get fresh , breeze blowing through out the year, and being Light in Nature ,if Helps you to rejuvenate.

Also Sikkim does offer what you want during a Holiday No rush , plenty peace and easy availability of Food and Of all Security. Most importantly less expensive.

Tourist Places In Sikkim: Each of the Four Districts offer different varieties of Tourist attractions.

Depending on the location you select the Head quarter.

I spent a week In Sikkim two years ago, and enjoyed it in Full.

I took road from Darjeeling ,went to Gangtok , a 4 hours Drive . Stayed at Hotel Hungry Jack, a pretty decent and economical Hotel , just close to Bus Stand .

Plan a trip to Nathu La, the ancient silk route , thru which trade was conducted with China.

You need entry permit to Visit this place, ( hence you need to carry few copies of your Passport Size Photos), The permit is Generally arranged by The tour operator.

However if you apply a day before , it would be easy. You can leave early morning for Nathu La, though it is just 56 Km from Gangtok, it would take a full 2 Hrs 30 Mts. While travelling to Nathu La, don’t miss to see the Only prison in Sikkim,, you actually feel like spending time here, a heaven in Hills.
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The next Stop is Kyangosla ,

which is at an Altitude of 10.400 feet and enjoy your Cup of tea, with the milk from Mountain Goats. You also get treated with Freshly fried Pototos, and Bhajji.

Few Kilometers past Kyangosla, is Tsomgo lake ( pronounced Songo), and tourists call it Changu lake. Nothing great about this, but a surprise to see a lake in such a High altitude. It gets Frozen during December – January.

Few Kilometers after Tsomgo , you would pass thru Sherathang , the Trade Town. It houses the Highest Altitude Cybercafe , Rail reservation centre.

Few Kilometers from here is Nathu La, the entry point to Tibet. I would not like to describe this place ,but would prefer you to see it your self. You have Highest Altitude PCO here and Make Phone calls to your dear one from Top Of the world.

You Can Visit Baba Mandir, while returning to Gangtok. Please ensure that your return Journey commences well in to Sunlight , say No later than 1400 Hrs..

The next destination is either Pelling or Gurudongmar.

Pelling is in west Sikkim, totally undeveloped, still maintains its century old tradition.

Gangtok to Pelling takes about 4 hours. It is better to start early fromGangtok and start driving, so that you are in Time for Breakfast at the right places and in Time for Lunch at Pelling. ( Pelling has Just one reputed vegetarian restaurant)

Well when you start from Gangtok , you drive down hill up to Singtam, and then turn right , to traverse zig zag to reach Ravangala( also Pronounced as Rabangla , Raibangla , rabang , all one and the same.)

You can gave lovely break fast, of Tibetian Bread and Choole. We had food in a restaurant run by a Tibetian emigrant , an English speaking Aunty, She was very courteous and served us like a sister, and allowed us to stretch our legs. This hotel situated at Geyshing road. We expected a hefty bill , but it was just peanuts.

After Ravangla, you reach Bakim and Legship.A picture square Village, serves lovely tea. The You move on to Geysing, Skaoyang and then Pelling.

Pelling is a sleepy town with dozens of Hurridly modified Lodges .

Pelling offers a lovely view of Mount Kanchanjunga.

You can take a little tour to Yaksom lake , which is about 35 Km from Pelling. Though just 35 Km , the road is scary and at One Point you travel thru a rattling suspension bridge, a Hydel Project and then to Kempuchelaka, and suddenly you find Yaksom lake.

This lake is considered a Sacred One , for Both Hindus and Buddish. It is believed Dhuriyodhanan had penance here , and Mother Tara ( Brahmas mother) comes here daily to have bath.

The beauty of this lake is ,it is surrounded by thick forest at an Altitude of 7000 Ft. But you wont find a speck of dirt , or dried leaves in the lake. It is said that , whenever, a dried leaf falls on the lake, a bird comes and picks it up. Keeping it clean.

Lot of Hindus visit here and offer prayers , and it is believed that all their wishes are fulfilled.

While returning back to Pelling you can see oranges every where, in .It is lovely sight to see. It is so sweet , you feel like eating for the whole day , but when the locals say that it is of poor quality, you put your fingers on your nose?.

You need to retire to bed latest bt 1900 hrs.

You wake up early morning, to have a Golden glimpse of Kanchajoonga.

Trip to North Sikkim.

Entry to North Sikkim is only possible on a guided tour, and a travel permit must be organised in Gangtok 1-2 days prior to travel. You would need a copy of your photo id card and 2 photos to obtain the permits for North Sikkim. All travel is by 4-wheel-drive as the roads are subject to frequent landslides. The terrain is very difficult and cold. Make sure that your tour operator is giving you cars in good condition. Mostly Boleros and Scorpios are the safest bet although Sumo Victas also ply. Nevertheless, the journey into the valley is stunning.Dont ever try driving by your self. You need special skills to drive here.

Gurudongmar Glaciar is the main attraction. Located at 17,100 Ft

Trip to this place will take 2 nights and 3 days. tough the to and fro distance is 400 Kms

Prior to Going to Gurudongmar, you need to ensure the following.

1) Good Wollen Clothing, 2) Confirmed Hotel accommodation,3) Plenty of water,4) Medicines 5) Carry good amount of Food.( Food is available in plenty , however if you are struck in between , this will come handy) 6) Dark Sunglasses.

stay away from military zones, there are few safety concerns in the region. Theft is uncommon.
The journey to Gurudongmar is into very high altitude and cold zones. Many people experience headaches because of lack of oxygen. Don't exert yourself too much and drink lots of water. If you are having kids with you, please be careful. The roads are steep and winding and nausea is very common.

People with breathing trouble, should avoid this trip.

The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of the Sikh Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have visited Tibet through this area. The area is said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. There is a small temple of the Guru besides the lake.

The terrain leading to Gurudongmar is very hostile and yet very beautiful. The land resembles Tibetan plateau, vegetation is very limited and the road is through stony moraine like unpaved path. Due to proximity to the Chinese Boarder, landmines are not uncommon and presence of Indian Army is ubiquitous. Due to high altitude breathing problems are also not uncommon.

Despite the hardship and difficulty associated with visiting Gurudongmar lake, a visit to this lake may last as an experience of a lifetime.

The road to Gurudongmar from Thangu passes through the high alpine pastures carpeted with thick rhododendron bushes. One can get a prized view of rare Bramhakamal peeping through the bushes in inaccessible terrain or of a herd of mountain sheep grazing in the distant valley.

Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. The Chinese Tibetan boarder is just a few kilometers away from the lake.

You should leave Gangtok , quite early , say at least by 1000 AM, to reach Lachen well during Sunlight. The distance is 130 Km , would take 3 Hrs , but I would suggest , you take as much as time possible, to stop in between, stretch your legs and work out your muscles..

Take a Night Halt at Lanchen. Go around, look out for some handicrafts, spend some time with Indian Army Jawans. They are your protectors. Leave your address with them.

Next day leave very early while it is dark say by 500AM , the drive to Gurudongmar , is 60 Kms and would take two Hours, but Go slowly and you can take 3and half hours. Keep drinking lots of water, eat lots of food.

Keep you camers Ready , with spare battery,As the sun raises you will see Snow clad peaks , glowing red and Gold. It is a divine moment.

Take a halt at Thangu, Refresh your self, look out for Tea from Army camp.at 13000 Ft.

From here onwards it is a steep climb to 17000 Ft. The journey ahead is full of frozen rivers . Gurudongmar is mostly flat land with mountains on all sides. It s a high altitude desert, hardly any vegetation and very stony and dusty. You have to make your own roads here and its very easy to get lost. Because it is a plateau, it is very cold as chilled winds come down the frozen mountain slopes.

Don't exert much as you would be gasping for breath at this altitude.

Once you reach Gurudongmar, you don’t feel like leaving the place. However Govt regulations states that you must leave the place by 1500 Hrs and return to Lachen. Yu are not allowed to Stay at Gurudongmar.

spend your Night at Lachen, under chilling cold, enjoy some folk dances..

Take a leisurely walk in the morning.

Pack your bags by 1200 and return to Gangtok.

If you have contacts with Army , you would have more pleasure.

Advise.

While travelling to Sikkim, I would suggest you to Go Via Calcutta.

Board 15959 Kamrup Express , which leaves Howrah at 1735 Hrs and reaches Jalpaiguri at 0615 Hrs.

You get lovely Break fast at the station itself and Board a four wheeler , or a Bus From Sikkim Transport , right from the Station. to reach Gangtok in less than 4 Hrs.By doing so You get one half day to get acclimatized to weather conditions.

Please ensure You have a Good Battery for your Mobile Phone, perhaps a spare one , stock of camera battries..( In low temperature battries refuse to give required out put).

keep Antibiotics, bronco dilators in hand. Keep reporting to some one at Home every hour.

Have a Good Footwear. A trekking shoe with woolen socks., multiple pairs. Ladies must avoid slippers, switch over to shoes. Please wear a tag with your ID and Contact address.

Avoid alcoholic drinks.