Sikkim: The Pixie-Hollow of Your Dreams
Sikkim is the second smallest Indian state and is
indeed the Indian land of happiness. With its diversified terrain of
snow-capped mountains to cascading waterfalls, this landlocked state is no less
than the fictitious Pixie-Hollow (ref: The Disney fairies franchise) where the
fairies dwell. Nestled in the lap of Mt. Kanchendzonga, the state tops the list
of the vacationers- a picture-perfect destination for the travelers with its
stepped hamlets, colorful monasteries, varied flora and fauna, and definitely
the rugged snowy terrain along the borderline. The people are also known for
their hospitality; a little respect from your side and trust me, their
hospitality quadruples.
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| Gurudongmar Lake |
Gangtok: The Land of Tinker Fairies
***
The
land of tinker fairies; the Tinker Nook- the busiest part of the State with all
hustle and bustle and everyone busy working.
***
Being the capital city Gangtok is the most
versatile location of Sikkim. Herefrom all the four districts can be easily
availed. The border areas need permits for the visits. Mahatma Gandhi Marg is
the most renowned point for a little stroll through the boulevard; the mall is
having a number of benches so that the pedestrians can sit and enjoy the
ambiance of the place. The ropeway is at the end of the mal road. The place is apt
for buying souvenirs and warm clothes. However, the best timing is the evening,
when the marg lit up by the lights of the surrounding buildings.
 |
| M. G. Marg |
As for the transport, the taxi stand for sharing
long journeys is just below the M. G. Marg; the local taxi stand is a bit
uphill from the marketplace and the North Sikkim taxi stand is quite a distance
away from the place.
Besides the market place, Gangtok is also known for
the cultural tribunes namely Rumtek Monastery, Ranka Monastery, and Enchey
Monastery. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is an old institute acting as
the reminiscence of Tibetan culture. Banjhakri falls and Bakthang falls are the
renowned waterfalls here. The former is a park exemplifying renewable energy
resources. Sikkim Himalayan zoo is a must-visit as it homes incredible species
of flora and fauna. Other notable places include Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok and
Tashi viewpoint.
 |
| Rumtek Monastery |
South Sikkim District: The Land of Water Fairies
***
The
land of the Water fairies; with the twining rivers of Rangeet and Teesta and
a considerably higher amount of rainfall
***
South Sikkim marks the entry to the State through
Rangpo. It is marked by hilly hamlets of Singtam, Namchi and Ravangla. Singtam
located on the banks of River Rangeet connects the district to the capital.
Temi tea garden is located here in the southern district. Temi is worldly known
for its aromatic organic tea product; the sprawling garden stretches on the
hillside and the connecting roadway is a natural beauty. Given the visit is a correct season, the beauty of the valley is enhanced by the cherry blossoms.
Namchi and Ravangla together mark the spiritual
trail of Sikkim. Namchi boasts of Char Dham Siddhesvara Temple where all four
demi dhams are present with a centered statue of Lord Shiva. The opposite
hillock holds the shrine of Lord Padmashambhava on Samdruptse Hill. Ravangla
nestled on the lap of Maenam Hill, similarly is home to the statue of Lord
Buddha or Tathagatha. Besides the statues, the southern region is home to a
number of old monasteries namely Rabong, Ralang, Bon and Tahiding. One
can also trek Maenam Hill which has the base at Ravangla.
 |
| Scenic Ravangla |
West Sikkim District: The Land of Garden Fairies
***
The
land of Garden fairies; with the bunch of rhododendron sanctuaries. The
district headquarter Gyalshing itself means ‘The King’s Garden’
***
The true destination for nature lovers with a
number of gushing waterfalls amidst the lush greeneries. The tranquillity is
broken only by the flowing streams or the frothing waterfalls. Pelling and
Yuksom are the main attractions. Pelling is the home to the well-known falls
like Kanchendzonga Falls, Phamrong Falls, and Changey Falls while Yuksom is the
basecamp to few celebrated treks like Dzongri and Goechala trek. Yuksom is also
famous for the rhododendron sanctuary trek and so is Varsey and Uttarey. Since
the western region shares borders with Nepal, it is quite obvious that the
idyllic view of Mt. Kanchendzonga is the refreshing element herein. Rinchenpong
and Kuluk are viilages offering such refreshments. Besides the natural allures,
Pelling is famous for Rabdentse ruins, Peymangste Monastery and Singshore
Bridge, Asia’s second-highest suspension bridge.
 |
| Cascades of Pelling |
East Sikkim District: The Land of Fast Flying Fairies
***
The
combined sector of the Winterwoods and the Fast-flying fairies.
***
The eastern region shares the border with China;
Nathu La is one of the oldest trading border posts, the historical transaction
link of silk trading between the two countries. The silk route covers some
breathtakingly beautiful places like the twining and looping Zuluk,
serene and pacific Gnathang Valley, culminating with riverside camping at
Rishikhola and visit to Sillerygaon and Icchegaon. The East Sikkim also has
mesmerising lakes- Tsomgo/Changu, Nathula lake, Kupup Lake and Aritar Lake.
Aritar Lake is also famous for hosting the adventure activities during the
Lampokhari festival.
 |
| Icy Terrain of Nathula |
North Sikkim District: The Winterwoods
***
Welcome
to the Winterwoods- the land of Winter fairies. Fewer dwellings and yet marvelous terrains. Always save the best for last.
***
It is the largest district and the least populated
region. Although the initial journey is through clouds and dense roadside
forest, it would finally end up with the white rocky mountain peaks. Rough
rugged terrains skirts the highway to one of the highest lake in India, Gurudongmar
Lake at 17.300ft. The horizons are marked by snow-capped peaks, the
pine-covered mountains are greenish white, yaks grazing the meadows enclosed by
the high held mountains, the frozen waterfall; this is a kind of paradise that
makes all the murk go away. However, the snow would never fade away. One would
never fail to utter- this is bliss. At places the mountains are like giants
looking down upon us- they blurred the sky up ahead. The cold breeze would numb
you out, yet the place would never fail mesmerizing you. Such is the beauty!
 |
| Shades of green in Yumthang Valley |
The places that would leave you speechless are
Lachung Valley, Yumthang Valley, Yumsamdeong, Lachen, Gurudongmar and Kala
Patthar. At Kala Patthar, one could literally slide down the snowy slopes of
the mountain.
 |
| Kala Patthar |
So there goes the handy Pixie-Hollow of Tinker
Bell. Do let me know about your experiences in the comments.
Find the itinerary here.
35 comments
Oh !!! I am in love with the write-up....I feel like this is a magical land
ReplyDeleteThank you ... <3
DeleteThis is a new place for me - thank you for introducing it to me! We loved our trip around southern India last year and fully intend to return to explore the north.
DeleteIncredible photos!! I've never heard of this place before, but it looks so great for hiking, camping, and being outdoors. I am saving up for a big trip to India, and would love to be here one day!
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos I would absolutely love to visit Sikkim.Your blog has definitely inspired me to add these places to my bucket list for sure.
ReplyDeleteWe have amazing fond memories of Sikkim and whole of North East India that it inspired us to write our first travelogue - Backpacking North East India: A Curious Journey. Even though we were in Sikkim for good 10-12 days, we could not move beyond Gangtok back then. We look forward to going back there again.. soon!
ReplyDeleteThis certainly looks like a nature lovers paradise! Those waterfalls are beautiful
ReplyDeleteWow this is such a beautiful post with those amazing photographs. Sometimes I just feel I have seen so little of India in spite of being an Indian. So many more places to see.
ReplyDeletewow the eastern and northern areas of Sikkim look absolutely beautiful! it must be incredible to hike there!
ReplyDeleteThanks😀
DeleteThat waterfall in Pelling is just amazing. This is a beautiful area I've never heard of. India is just so full of unique and picturesque areas.
ReplyDeleteThanks 😀
DeleteGreat post and your photos are fantastic. There is so much diversity in natural features in India. The waterfalls look so amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks 😀
DeleteBeautiful mountains and streets. This looks like an interesting travel destination. to be honest, never heard about Gangtok before.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely come to Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim
DeleteThis looks so absolutely stunning I'm a little stunned. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks 😀
DeleteThe nature is endless here. Your pictures are lovely and your descriptions make it feel like I'm on the journey with you. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks 😀
DeleteNo matter how much I read about India, there are still places I've never heard of and that seem to be so beautiful. Sikkim seems to be one of those. Especially Nathu La looks really fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThis is so amazing and there seems nothing about Sikkim that one won't love..Also the shots are very beautifully captured.
ReplyDeleteHave been to Sikkim and I can totally understand you. Sikkim is like being in nature's lap and you never want to leave it for as long as you can. Yumthang was our favourite among everything Sikkim has in offer. Loved your Pelling waterfall picture. Can look at it for hours.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this place!! It looks lovely & I am always up for a less bustling area!!
ReplyDeleteThat's nice to know. It's a country's pride when their people is hospitable. Even if a place is not too beautiful when it's people our so hospitable, i will still definitely love the place.
ReplyDeleteWow this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I’m not sure I could ever leave that place. it is absolutely the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen.
ReplyDeleteIndian land of happiness looks absolutley amazing! such an incredible place to adventure!
ReplyDeleteThis looks and sounds like a beautiful place to visit and explore!
ReplyDeleteThis place is absolutely beautiful and I love the sceneary here. Will certainly need to add it to my places I want to visit.
ReplyDeletethere's something for everyone. east Sikkim would be my place to go
ReplyDeleteWow..all these places looks amazing..I don't get enough words to say. Those lake and Yumthang valley are fabulous looking. I really want to go there.
ReplyDeleteGurudongmar Lake is a sacred lake in North Sikkim.Which has a magical connection to Guru Padmasambhava who with his divine powers does not allow a part of this lake to freeze completely even in sub zero temperatures.
ReplyDeleteThis blessing lake, remove water problem to local people as well as in all high altitude area of Lachen.
However Gurudongmar Lake is the incomparable attraction in entire North-Sikkim. While the roads are not yet finished in large stages of the
journey from Lachen, the stunning natural beauty of the place makes you forget the hardship and biting cold. This is practically Tibet and the landscape can’t get any better than this possibly. The lake has clear blue water, the sky is deep blue, the snow covered peaks and glaciers totally unreal. The high altitude can affect you, but if you acclimatize properly, should not be a problem. Don’t run around, be calm, breathe slowly. Enjoy the landscape and be one with nature.
But sadly foreigners are not allowed strictly in this area. To know more terms and conditions in North Sikkim Tour visit our page
https://www.adorablesilkroute.com/gurudongmar-lake-north-sikkim/
In October Me & My family is planning to visit North Sikkim Tour. Can you please arrange the same ?
DeleteInterest to further discuss.
I am happy to discuss & make a memorable trip for you Himadri Sir. Feel free to reach me on this number
Delete+91 8584041967 or mail us on adorablesilroute@yahoo.com
Hi there! Leave your valuable suggestions here.