Scintilating Sikkim

Sikkim proves that the saying Small is beautiful is correct. Its nestled like a paradise in Himalayas, near Mt.Kanchandzonga, under the white clouds, looking like cotton candies. It has it all, lush green valleys, rugged hills, clouds, snow, rapid rivers.

Sikkim can truly be called the Green Jewel of Eastern India. Last year I was there with my husband and kids and it was one of the most wonderful experiences I had ever had. All the naturalbeauty had been there, in thatsnuggled paradise in the mountains, under clusters of clouds.

How to Reach Sikkim :

Important : Foreigners require permit to enter Sikkim which is valid for 15 days. Dont forget to carry woolen clothes and rain coats/Umbrellas along with sturdy footwear.

By Air : You can take a flight till Bagdogra (W Bengal) which is well connected with Kolkata, Guwahati and New Delhi. The capital of Sikkim , Gangtok is just 5 hours of drive from there and buses/cars ply regularly on the picturesque route.

By Rail : You can take a train till New Jalpaiguri (W Bengal) which is well connected to all important cities in India and then take 4-5 hours drive till Gangtok

By Road : Gangtok is well connected by road.

When best to Visit:

March May Or Oct December

Where to Stay :

• Nor Khill
• Netuk House
• Shambhala Mountain Resort
• Norbu Gang Resort

What to Eat :

o Sikkimese cuisine includes wheat, buckwheat, potato, soybeans and a variety of vegetables.

o Local dishes are the Kinema curry made from fermented soybean and Chhurpi (cheese made from Yak's milk) and dishes with bambooshoot.

o The most common food available are the Tibetan Thupka and Momos or steamed dumplings.

Where to eat :

o Hotel Delamere

o Tibet Hotel

o Hotel Orchid,

o Green Hotel

o Modern Central Lodge

Places to Visit:

Rumtek Monastery:

It is a 1.5 km trek uphill. The awesome yet calming, serene view of the Golden Stupa and the monastery was worth the uphill walk. Sometimes I felt as if all my worries have been forgotten and I am like a child again

Dzongri :

Its the best trekking place in Sikkim . All those milky white snow laden mountain peaks in far kept us in awe. Looking down, it was like Green, gold and white patchwork. We tied our hiking boots and went ahead. It was simply fabulous.

No words to describe it.

Gurudongmar :

Its one of the highest lakes in the world. Its one of the major source of river Tista. We saw a yak here. My 8 year old daughter couldnt stop jumping with joy. Even the unpaved path could not dampen our spirit.

I felt as if I was sitting in the lap of nature

Tsomgo Lake :

This Oval shaped Lake is 38 kilometers from Gangtok . Its frozen completely throughout the winter. We witnessed slight snowfall here even in the month of April. Its considered extremely sacred.

The most attractive thing about this place is the migratory birds.

Nathula Pass :

Around 50 km from Gangtok its one of the main places of the ancient Silk-route.

The sheer beauty of this place is breathtaking. When we visited it was half covered with light snow. The size of the rocks there were awesome. We felt so bad for the soldiers who guard this important border post.

Pemayangtse Monastery:

We took a 5 hour bus to Pelling from Gangtok to visit this famous monastery which literally means sublime lotus. It has a distinct Hindu flavor to the Buddhism with the Budhdha statue sitting on a lotus.

Rotating the prayer wheels was almost addictive.

Yumthang valley :

Around 120 km north of Gangtok, its also called a valley of flowers. When we came here, rhododendron and primula were blooming, covering the whole area in a heavenly shade. There are also some hot springs are scattered in the valley.

We simply loved the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Being sulphur rich, these are considered to be very healthy. My husband loved the local beer called "Chhang", It was served in bamboo glass and wooden straw.

Imp: dont touch or pluck any flower. There is a fine of 5000 Rs for that.

After spending dreamy 4 days in Sikkim we caugth our bus back to Bagdogra and then a train back home. I still remember those days. My daughter hasnt forgotten the yak either.