Sikkim :- Dream destination

Photo via Debisih

Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers.The jaw-dropping beauty of the white snow-clad mountain tops, large lakes and water springs, vivacious valleys of flower and apple orchards of the North Sikkim, and the lush greenery draped hilly landscape of the south Sikkim has always been attracting tourists from all over the world. Sikkim was an independent dynasty of Namgyal kingdom from the 1642 until 1975 when it eventually joined India and became its 22nd state. During the Namgyal monarchy it has been invaded by the bordering countries Nepal and Bhutan several times when it succumbed to these external forces, but regained its control through strange turn of events.The state has about 28 mountainous peaks, about 227 high-altitude lakes and around 80 glaciers.  The state's geography are as many as a 100 rivers and rivulets and many major hot springs. The Hot Springs of Sikkim are considered very special for they are believed to have therapeutic powers with a natural average temperature of 50 °C.
What makes the place's climactic conditions pleasant is the fact that its temperature almost never exceeds 28 °C during summer nor does it freeze at 0 °C during the winter season. The monsoon season is a little unsafe though for the place receives quite heavy rains that lead to landslides.The state is divided into four divisions as East, West, North and South Sikkim and their capitals are Gangtok, Gayzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively. The entire state is populated with about 607,000 people and happens to be the second smallest Indian state after Goa, apart from being the least populated Indian state.To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make it to your plan:-


1.Gangtok

Photo via:-jyoti07

Believe it or not, but resisting the attractive charm and appealing Beauty of   Gangtok is almost impossible for anyone.The capital city of Sikkim, Gangotk is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the kaleidoscopic tourist destinations in the state.Whether you are looking for serene beauty, lush forests, gurgling rivers or mental peace, Gangtok travel packages will cuddle up your Sikkim holidays. For the nature lovers, a holiday in this scenic city is enough to fulfil all their wishes. On the other hand, for the adventure lovers, they can enjoy cable car rides, river rafting, go for mountain biking and several other activities in Gangtok. It is advisable to avoid travelling during the rainy season as it can lead to roadblocks and you might not be able to enjoy sightseeing.If you are someone who loves to stay in the hustle bustle of the market, you may choose to stay at MG Marg. However, if you are a peace-seeker, you may choose to stay away from MG Marg.

If you are visiting places like Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir, etc., know that they are set at a higher altitude hence there is a lack of oxygen in the air. Therefore, it is advisable to take adequate precautions before visiting. You may consult a doctor and carry along inhaler, especially if you have breathing problems or other medicines for vomiting, headache and motion sickness.

Photo via Kalyan

Gangtok does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. It is 135 km. from the city and it takes around 3 to 5 hours to reach Gangtok from there.

Kanchenjunga Mountain is the third highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).

MG Marg in Gangtok is India’s first spit and litter free zone.

Every year in the month of May, Gangtok hosts the International Flower Festival which displays a wide variety of roses, orchids, alpine creepers and seasonal flowers.

Gangtok is home to beautiful Buddhist monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey.
It is the perfect place to experience serenity and peace.It has many beautiful sightseeing places like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake



2.Tsomgo lake

Photo via:-Indrajit

Tsomgo lake which is located just 38 km away from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the most popular tourist places in Sikkim. A snaky road through rocky mountain topography and strident mountains which takes you to the Tsomgo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself. While the lake remains frozen during the winters, summer brings in a magical charm and appeal to Tsomgo. It is during this time of the year, the turquoise waters of the lake reflects the amazing views of the nearby peaks and the azure sky above.Tsomgo Lake also called as Changu Lake is one of the highest lakes in India set at an elevation of 3,753 meters.The lake is considered sacred by the local people and the water here is believed to have medicinal value.The surface of the lake reflects different colours in different seasons, making it even more beautiful.



3.Nathula pass

Photo via:-rajan

The once a part of the historic ‘Silk Road’, a visit to Nathu La is a must in any of the Sikkim travel packages. One of the highest motorable pass in the world, this amazing pass is located at a towering height of 4,310m above the sea level and connects Sikkim with Tibet.The pass is open to Indians; however, one has to obtain permission from the tourism department in order to visit this pass. And for the foreign national, they cannot make it to Nathu La.
Nathula Pass remains closed on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.The pass remains inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall as the temperature drops down to as low as -250 C.
Beware of the winding roads leading to Nathula Pass which can lead to motion sickness. If you suffer from the problem, it is advisable to carry some medicines along.
You will need a special area permit to visit the place for which you will need your photo identity proof and two passport size photos. You can get the pass from zonal office or your travel agent can arrange for the same.
Photography isn’t allowed at the Nathula Pass.Set at an elevation of 4302 meters, Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world.Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to China. In fact, it was once an ancient silk route which connected Lhasa in Tibet to the plains of Bengal.Nathula Pass offers splendid views of Chumbi valley of Tibet along with snow-laden mountains.Driving in the hills is always fun. In fact, sometimes the drive is more enjoyable than the final destination. Same is the case with Nathula Pass. It is an experience to drive on the roads surrounded by snow on both sides while passing through pictured beauty.

4.Yumthang Valley

photo via :-Velocity

A visit to Yumthang Valleys it truly a colourful affair! Located at an elevation of 3,500m, this scenic valley is the home to several exotic, rare and wild flowers. It is often said, one who visits this quintessential valley, often gets pleasantly affected by its treacherous colours and alluring beauty! Come the monsoons, the entire valley blooms at its best and displays the most enchanting colours of the nature. Primrose, cobra-lilies, louseworts and cinquefoils are some of the most commonly found species in Yumthang. The best time to visit the Yumthang Valley is between April end and mid-June to witness the flowering season.

The valley usually remains closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.

Photo via:-Hema

You will need a special area permit to visit the Yumthang Valley. Keep two passport sized photographs and a valid Identity proof handy as you will need it while obtaining the permit.It is advised to not disturb the wildlife in the valley.While visiting any monastery, do not make a loud noise or disturb people around.Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in the region.Do not forget to carry medicines for headache, motion sickness and common cold.Do not forget to carry sufficient woollen clothes as it is usually cold in the valley. You can even rent an overcoat, gloves and snow boots from a local vendor.The Yumthang Valley is popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’. Some of the beautiful Himalayan flowers that you can find in the Yumthang Valley during the spring season are rhododendrons, poppies, primulas, cobra lilies, louseworts, and irises.

Yumthang Valley is located very close to the China border.