Tuesday, 06 August 2019 / Published in HIMALAYAN DESTINATIONS

Serene, Warm, Grand – The Land Of Khangchendzonga, Sikkim

Call it a paradise, a home, or a hidden valley of rice, Sikkim stands with pride with its pristine beauty. The name ‘the hidden valley of rice’ was given to Sikkim was Bhutias, a community living there. Other communities like Lepchas, original inhabitants, call it ‘Nye-mae-el’ or heaven. Sikkim holds a special place in the country’s heart for being home to Mt. Khangchendzonga (28,208 ft), the world’s third-highest mountain peak. People regard it sacred, and it is not just a mountain peak for them, but their guarding deity. Covered in snow, gleaming in the sun, blessing the residents, this mountain peak is sure to take your breath away!

Sikkim, second smallest state in India and one of the seven sisters, shares its border with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. The northern border is shared with Tibetan plateau (China). It was one of the most important Silk Route to China, and a Himalayan monarchy with constant ties/marriages in Bhutan. It merged with India as a state in 1975, giving ways to all mountain-lovers a chance to experience something different!

What makes Sikkim unique is a steep rise in altitude. There is the lesser, middle, and greater Himalayas in one state. Within a distance of 7,096 kilometers square, there are different climatic conditions, and scenery. While East Sikkim is more about lush greenery, forests, vegetation, North Sikkim is a bed of white with snowy mountains and an uncountable number of lakes. The state has two main rivers- Teesta and Rangeet, that make for some of the best sights in the state. In fact, Teesta river originates from Cho Lhamu Lake in North Sikkim. Rangeet is born out of Rathong glacier in West Sikkim. Both the rivers meet at Melli before merging with the Brahmaputra.

Sikkim, as a destination, is a wonderful place to visit for several reasons. The most important one is easy connectivity, good all-weather roads, good internet, helicopter services, easy availability of stays, safety, and a beauty to die for! Every visitor gets something or another for themselves in Sikkim.

HOW TO REACH

AIR– The nearest airport to Sikkim, is Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. The airport is about 124 kilometers from Gangtok. Bagdogra is connected with Gangtok by regular helicopter services too, operated by Sikkim Tourism development corporation. It takes only twenty minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra, in a helicopter. However, helicopter services depend on weather conditions.

TRAIN– New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway stations, in West Bengal. From NJP, there are several bus/car services to Gangtok which is 125 kilometers. Siliguri town, about a few kilometers away, is 114 kilometers from Gangtok. Tickets can be booked from Sikkim Nationalized Transport Office.

ROAD– National Highway 31 A connects Gangtok with Siliguri. The entire route is a beautiful experience in itself. The lush greenery, Teesta river, mountains, and wildflowers never bore you. It takes about four-five hours to reach Gangtok. There are buses, private jeeps, taxis, shared vehicles, available at reasonable rates throughout the day from Siliguri.

PLACES TO SEE

Sikkim has four districts- East, West, North, and South.

East District– The district with the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, East Sikkim is the most populated. The district has mostly modern attractions. Gangtok itself is a hub of monasteries, cafes, temples, view points, and market. M.G. Road is a popular market places and is mostly crowded. Likewise, there are also several paragliding spots in Gangtok. East Sikkim also has the beautiful Changu or Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula pass, a historically important place that also is Indo-Tibetan border. Baba Mandir is a popular stop before visiting Nathula.

West Sikkim– This part of the state is replete with history and religion. In 1642, the first Chogyal of Sikkim was consecrated at Yuksum in this district. Holiest of Sikkim monasteries were established here, including Dubdi and Sanga Choling that were firsts to be built in Sikkim. Gyalshing is the head quarter, and it has several treks and tours to explore the beauty of the state. Pelling, Yuksam, Versey, Khechuperi, are some of the destinations to must-visit.

North Sikkim– The most beautiful of all, North Sikkim is an exquisite, enchanting, and enriching experience in Sikkim. Nothing can beat it in terms of nature’s bounty and alpine scenery. The colourful valley of flowers in Yumthang is only one of the many things that take the breath away. La Chung long, Gurudongmar Lake, Mangan, Lachen, Dzongu, are all places that one will never want to come back from. There are several hot-springs to definitely not miss! (Check out for three day musc and dance festival in Mangan in December every year).

South Sikkim– The smallest district of Sikkim, it leaves none back in terms of tourist destinations. From a jaw-dropping Khangchendzonga range view, to the 135-feet tall Guru Padmasambhava statue, it is incredible a sight. South Sikkim is rich with picturesque villages and high hills. Namchi is the district headquarters of South Sikkim, about 78 kilometers from Gangtok. Other places to visit here are Tendong Hill, Maenam Hill, Samdruptse, Jorthang.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There are all kinds of stay facilities available. One can either book a hotel, a homestay, a farm stay, or a resort. It is best to visit Sikkim from March to May and September to November. Rest of the months are either too cold or too wet and risky to visit.

You will need permits to visit almost all the places except Gangtok. The permits of the desired destinations can be collected from respective headquarter offices. You will need your identity proof, vehicle registration papers, passport size photos, and an agent to help you out. Usually, it takes around a day to get the permits. They deny permits during monsoon if the roads are closed, so be prepared and informed.

Foreigners will require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim. They can get these from Sikkim Tourism Offices at Kolkata, Delhi, District Magistrates of Darjeeling, Siliguri, Rangpo with their Indian Visa. This 30-day stay permit is issued immediately if photocopies their passports and visa is provided with two passport photos. The extension, if needed, can be issued from FRO, Gangtok, and Superintendent of Police in North, South, and West Sikkim.

Besides, if anyone goes to interiors, they will need a Protected Area Permit from Tourism and Civil Aviation at Gangtok. Besides, Sikkim Tourism Information Centers in several places gives all the required information.

Carry warm clothes. It gets cooler as altitude increases, which is faster in Sikkim, and thus more chances of feeling ill. You can also get a lot of warm clothes, jackets, and boots on rent at several shops en route the destination.

Sikkim has a myriad range of cuisine and all of it is a must-try. It is indeed, heaven for non-vegetarians as there are many meat dishes to leave you wanting more. Some of the must-try dishes include Thukpa, Dumplings, Gya-thuk, Chhurpi, Sealroti, Sishnu soup, and Chaang.