Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, and is wedged between Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal, but encompasses an astounding range of pristine natural beauty of the Himalayas. A traveller’s guide to Sikkim explores the stunning beauty of this Himalayas hill town. The Sikkimese call their land ‘Ney Mayal Lyang’ that translates to ‘heaven.’
Sikkim is located in the north eastern part of India, but is not a part of the Seven Sister states. The state is famous for dazzling waterfalls, virgin forests, Tibetan style Buddhist Gompas, alpine meadows, rhododendron flowers and more. Kanchenjunga (also Kanchendzonga) at 8598 m is the third highest peak in the world, and lies in Sikkim.
More than 60 percent of the former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim is mountainous, and there are sizeable numbers of 6000 m peaks on the eastern and western borders of the state. Sikkim has an impressive literacy rate of more than 70 percent. It was merged with India in 1975, and is a prosperous state today.
Weather in most parts of Sikkim is pleasant throughout the year (except in higher altitudes), and that makes it a favourite of holidaymakers from the Indian plains in the summer months. Bengalis throng the tourist towns of Sikkim during their holiday season of Durga Puja in October-November. The state abounds in a variety of flora and fauna, and lucky ones may also sight the endangered red panda.
PELLING
Pelling lies in West Sikkim, perched at an altitude of 2100 m and is approximately 120 km away from Gangtok. At first glance Pelling looks like a cluster of concrete hotels, but there are unparalleled views of the snowy peaks. Sunrise over the Kanchenjunga is Pelling’s biggest charm. With plenty of budget accommodation options, it also makes for a great base to explore other parts of West Sikkim. Chief sights in and around Pelling are Pemangyatse Monastery, built more than 300 years ago, which is beautifully located amid green gardens; a huge Buddha statue and statues of reincarnations of Padmasambhava; and Pemangyatse Monastery, famous for the Chaam dances (masked dances) held in February/March.
Interestingly, the ruins of Sikkim’s ancient capital at Rabdentse, is located at a short distance from Pelling. Rabdentse is a lovely spot accessed by a short walk through a dense forest. The views are spectacular after the walk that arrives at the ruins which are located on top of a ridge with clouds on the other side. The ruins are maintained by ASI these days.
Also, the second oldest monastery in Sikkim, SangaCholing Monastery, is a bit farther away than Pemangyatse. The steep trail will take no more than one hour from Pelling and is a great delight. Views from top of the monastery are astounding and great for photography enthusiasts.
YUKSOM
The historic little town of Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim when three Lamas converged from different directions and crowned the first Chogyal (King) in 1641. There is still a stone throne that marks the coronation spot, and is known as Norbugang Chorten, the site is called Norbugang Park. Yuksom has the charming feel of a hamlet; it is lower in altitude than Pelling and is situated in a valley.
If you are coming to Yuksom (Also Yuksam) from Pelling, then a short detour will bring you to Rimbi Waterfalls which is quite a sight in the monsoon. Just 9 km before Yuksom, you will cross the Kanchenjunga Waterfall, which is a majestic waterfall falling from a great height. There is a small pond known by the name of Kathok Lake in Yuksom, a short walk will bring you to a ridge where once stood a palace of the King of Sikkim. There are also two new colourful Gompas above Yuksom, but the most beautiful monastery is the 1701 built Dubdi Monastery. The path to Dubdi Monastery is lined with prayer flags and is located amid lush greenery.
There are no views of the mountains as such from Yuksom, yet it is this place you may remember long after your Sikkim holiday is over. There are quite a number of hotels and homestays in Yuksom. Yuksom’s chief claim to fame is that it is the starting point for the treks to Dzongri and Goecha La (4940 m), for splendid views of the Kanchenjunga.
RUMTEK MONASTERY
Undoubtedly, this is Sikkim’s most famous monastery, and every visitor to Sikkim is likely to visit the Rumtek Monastery, even in a 3-4 day trip to Sikkim. Rumtek Village is 24 km away from Gangtok (Sikkim’s capital), and the monastery is the headquarters of the Black Hat Sect (one of the oldest sects of Tibetan Buddhism).
There are two buildings of Rumtek Monastery, one is relatively newer (built in 1966), and the older Rumtek Monastery was founded in 1740 by the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. A path leads to a shrine called Golden Stupa, it is a chorten made of silver and gold, and studded with precious stones such as turquoise, amber and coral. It is recommended to attend the morning prayers at Rumtek Monastery.
The Old Rumtek Monastery is around 2 kms away from the newer one, and the path is surrounded by white prayer flags. The exterior of the monastery is in a light shade of blue, and is built in traditional Sikkimese alpine style, with latticed wooden windows.
Presence of armed personnel comes as a rude shock in the heavily guarded complex; there have been disputes over the future Rinpoche of this monastery resulting in a tense situation. There is a wide range of accommodation available in Rumtek; from home-stays, hotels, guesthouses to boutique stays.
NATHU LA
The road climbs around 18 km higher from the spectacular road that continues from Tsomgo Lake to the nearly 4200 m Nathu La (La is pass in Tibetan). It is always windy and cold at this altitude. There is a sizeable army presence due to the Chinese border on the other side of the pass. It is advised to not spend more than 30 minutes – 1 hour at the top of the pass to avoid the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). A visit to the Nathu La pass is out of bounds for foreigners.
You could then heads towards North Sikkim, which is perhaps the prettiest region in all of Sikkim. North Sikkim is higher in altitude than other regions, and is an area of unspoilt natural beauty, framed by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. A permit is required to visit North Sikkim. Although it is widely believed that a package tour is necessary to explore North Sikkim, in reality it is not so. A unique social system called Dzumsa prevails in North Sikkim, and Pipon (a village headman) is an influential person. Source: Happytrips