Sikkim : The Glory of North-East (14 Exotic Locations)
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| Teesta River |
Sikkim
is one of the most famous hill-station with its vivid scenic beauty and
versatile natural components. Snow-cladded cliffs to crystal-clear river water,
the eye-soothing view makes this tiny state as one of the most famous tourist destinations
of India. This is the second smallest state after Goa.
The
fastest way to reach Sikkim is to hire a car from Bag Dogra Airport. If it
seems a bit costly then one may go Siliguri Via train then Bus to Gangtok From
SNT Bus Terminus. It will take near about 4 - 5 Hours.
The
experience of spending days in this small valley amid low hills and lakes will
be a lifetime memory. Gangtok is the capital of the state. I found it one of
the busiest towns. I checked-in to Nettle & Fern a cozy hill-inclined hotel
to spend 2 days in Gangtok. The cafe, the shops in MG Marg the food joints will
give ultimate pleasure to tourist.
Though
I was craving for the nectar of the nature. After spending 2 days there I was
so keen to explore the nearby spots of Sikkim. As the Lachung journey was after
1 day. So, on the third day of Gangtok I was heading towards Lake Tsongmo or
Changu Lake and gradually I explored some of the places having undaunted scenic beauty and atmosphere.14 Exotic destinations of Sikkim.........
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| Lake Tsongmo or Changu Lake |
1. Lake Tsongmo or Changu Lake
It is a
water body made of glacier making it famous place to visit in Gangtok located
at the altitude of 12310 feet, this is one of the prime tourist attraction.It
is 38 Km from Gangtok.In the way towards Nathula Pass.
This is one of India’s highest altitude lakes and it’s known for its natural beauty. The sight of the surrounding snow cover hills reflecting on the Tsomgo Lake is one memory that you can cherish forever. The lake is about 1 km long and it’s shaped like an egg.
Location: 38 km from Gangtok.
Best Time to Visit: Summer, autumn, and winter seasons.
Activities: Yak Ride, Photography etc.
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| Lake Tsongmo or Changu Lake 2.Bakthang Waterfalls One of the most stunning wonders of nature, the Bakthang Falls carry a canvas of the magnificent Himalayas in the back. A mere half hour’s drive away from Gangtok, the place is a dream destination for shutterbugs. Nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts make this place their frequent haunt.
Location: Bakthang Falls, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Timings: The waterfall is open from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day. Entry Fee: No entry fees for visitors. |
3. Singshore Bridge
Reigning at a height over above 100 m, the 240 m long Singshore Bridge is the highest bridge in Sikkim, and second highest in Asia! Housed near the quaint Uttarey village, the bridge sits 5 km away from Pelling.
One of the oldest bridges in Sikkim, it connects two beautiful hills and is convenient for treks. Walking over the bridge fills you with an adventurous zeal, and you can’t help but take in the surrounding greenery with awe. The winds up there are pretty strong, and this only enhances the thrill of it.
Location: Singshore Bridge, Near Uttarey Village, 5 Km From Pelling, West Sikkim, 737113
Timings: The bridge is open to visitors from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fees for visitors.
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| Singshore Bridge |
4. Nathula Pass (56 Km from Gangtok)
Nathula
Pass is located at a height of 14140 feet and this is the best place to be for
the trekking enthusiasts when visiting Sikkim. The border trade market,
Sherathang, is a popular place where tourists can buy different kinds of
Tibetan items at a cheap price. This Sikkim point of interest is famous among
travelers.
Location: 56 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim
Best Time to visit: May to
October. It’s open for public from Wednesday to Saturday.
Price: The permit costs Rs. 200 per person.
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| Nathula Pass |
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| Nathula Pass |
5. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Perched atop a staggering altitude of 13,123 ft., Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, otherwise known as Baba Mandir, is cradled right between Nathula and Jelepla Pass. Baba Harbhajan Singh was an Indian Army soldier who had died on duty. His soul is believed to roam the surrounding mountains for nearly 50 years now.
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| Baba Mandir Souvenir Shop |
Many have given accounts of the sightings of Baba Harbhajan, who has been spotted keeping a constant vigil at night, and warning the patrolling soldiers against future attacks. Over time, the site has turned into a pilgrim destination and prayers are regularly offered here.
Location: Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737131
Timings: The temple timings are 08:00 AM to 02:30 PM, every day
Entry Fee: No entry fee is charged to visitors.
6. Teesta River
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| Teesta River |
Teesta
river is the main river of the state of Sikkim and divides its region from that
of the state of West Bengal. Covering a total course of 309 km before meeting
the mighty Brahmaputra, the river passes through the cities of Rangpo,
Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong, where it has a high importance as the main source of
living.
Originating
from a high altitude lake in the North Sikkim and the Teesta Kangse Glacier at
the height of 7068m, the river is also a great source of adventure as there are
a number of locations where you can enjoy rafting in the river.
Location: Sikkim and parts of West Bengal
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
7. Lachung (103 Km from Gangtok)
Lachung is a small town that shines like a morning star at an elevation of 9,610 ft. in North Sikkim. Lachung is situated at a distance of 103 KM from Gangtok and throughout your drive from Gangtok, the meandering river Teesta will accompany you alongside. It would be a mistake to visit the hamlet of Lachung but missing on a tour to the famous Zero point and Lachung monastery.
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| Lachung |
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| Lachung |
8. Yumthang Valley of Flowers (128 Km from Gangtok)
The
undulating meadows, the grazing yaks by the banks of wild Teesta river and the
many hot springs amid the towering mountain peaks position Yumthang valley
among the top places to visit in Sikkim. The valley of flowers is carpeted at a
height of more than 11,000 feet above sea level at around 128 kilometres from
Gangtok. You can book one of our Gangtok
Tours from a vivid choice of packages we have for you so that you
don't miss out the best of Gangtok.Come to
visit the valley in late February to march when the Losar festival is
celebrated by the locals. During the month of April and June, the Rhododendrons
bloom and envelop the valley in full glory.
Location: North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim 737120, India
Best time to visit: March to mid-June.
Cost: INR 150 for Indian nationals.
The time required to visit: 5 to 6
hours.
Opening Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
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| Yumthang Valley of Flowers |
9. Yume Samdong or Zero Point (165 Km from Gangtok)
Amongst the most scenic Sikkim tourist places, Yumesamdong, famous as Zero Point, is seated at a distance of 15 km from Yumthang. Nestled at a dizzying altitude of 4,724 m, Yumesamdong is also the great periphery of civilisation, as no roads lead further than here! The snow-capped bounties watch over the valley and form a striking pair with the azure skies that seem to be perpetually locked in an embrace with the mountains.
The place showcases Mother Nature at its best, with chilling temperatures, haunting valleys, and towering massifs. You can also choose to spend a day in Lachung Village to witness the native rituals and lifestyle.
Location: Yumesamdong is located 165 km away from Gangtok
Entry Fee: The entry here is free of charges.
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| Zero Point |
10. Pelling (72 Km from Gangtok)
Pelling is the second most visited town after Gangtok in Sikkim. One of the reasons for that it has been developed quite fast to become a tourist destination. With some wonderful hotels and sightseeing opportunities, Pelling surely is a place to stay.
At an
altitude of 6800 feet, Pelling is mostly covered in thick forests and a varied
wildlife. Changey and Khangchendzonga waterfalls are the two main tourist
attractions in the town and you can visit them in one day. Pelling is perfect
for travellers who like to discover a town on foot.
Location: located at a distance of 10 km
from the district headquarters of Geyzing and 72km from Gangtok, Sikkim.
Best Time to visit: All year except for the rainy season,
July to September.
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| Pelling |
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| Pelling |
11. Khecheopalri Lake
Fenced
by beautiful lush forests, the lake is home to fascinating aquatic life.
Interestingly, leaves are rarely seen afloat on the lake, as birds shrewdly
pick them up the instant they hit the surface.
Location: Khecheopalri Lake, West Sikkim, 737113. It
sits at a distance of 27 km from Pelling.
Timings: The lake is open every day from 06:00 AM to
06:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fees for visitors.
12. Kanchenjunga Falls
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| Kanchenjunga Falls |
Kanchenjunga
Falls is arguably the most stunning of all the Sikkim tourist places. The
waters of the fall are believed to flow from the high glaciers of the mighty
Mt. Kanchenjunga itself, which is how it got the name. Sheltered deep within
dense forests, the waterfall went largely unnoticed by the masses up until the
late 90s.
It
still remains shaded and unexplored, making it the perfect respite for people
seeking tranquility in solitude. The expansive verdant greenery of the woods
that grace the gushing waterfall is a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Location: It is seated 25 km away from Pelling, and
makes for a half hour’s drive.
Timings: It is open every day for 24 hours.
Entry Fee: Entry to the waterfall is free of charge.
13. Sanchen Pedmayagste
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| Sanchen Pedmayagste |
Pemayangtse Monastery is located on top of a hill,
at an altitude of 2,000+ metres. It is 8.9 km from Pelling and 140 km from the
state capital Gangtok. It is one of the oldest Budhist monasteries in Sikkim.
The monastery follows the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism and controls all
other monasteries of that Order in Sikkim. It was established in 1705 by Lama
Lhatsun Chempo.
Sangchen Pemayangtse monastery in Tibetan means “most secret lotus summit
monastery“. The monastery commands spectacular views of the Himalayas. On a
clear day you can see Kanchenjunga and other mountains. There are
well-maintained gardens within the monastery grounds.
The architecture has a distinct Tibetan style with sloping roofs and colourful
doors and windows. The main building is a three-storied structure with a large
prayer hall. The residential accommodation of the monks is also located within
the compound. The buildings have withstood earthquakes and other calamities
over the centuries.
Location: It is seated 110 km away from Gangtok Near
Pelling, and makes for a half hour’s drive.
14. Rimbi orange orchard
At a distance of 1 km from Rimbi Falls and 13 km
from Pelling, Rimbi Orange Garden is a beautiful garden located at Rimbi near
Pelling. Situated near Rimbi Waterfall, it is one of the best places to visit
in Pelling.
Also known as Sewaro Rock Garden, Rimbi Orange Garden is a government funded
orange garden. Along with orange trees, visitors can see some cardamom plants
and some flowering plants here. It is well maintained and offers good views of
the surrounding mountains. Tourists can access the river from the garden where
one can sit on the rocks and spend some quality time in solitude. One can also
buy oranges and cardamoms here.
Location: Pelling-Rimbi
Rd, Pelling City, Sikkim 737113
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Rs.10 per person
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| Rimbi orange orchard |
Being an explorer, I am always having a profound longing to roam around the world.Specifically this kind of places are very close to my heart.The peace and serenity soothes my soul and nourishes my personality and thought process.That is why, whenever I am leaving a destination , I commit them
"Come I may, but go I must" - Sir Gerald Gould
Wonderful locations. Calls for a planned visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much mam....
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