Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of the country and home to Mt. Kangchenjunga. Tourists from the entire world come to see and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. When it comes to Sikkim, everyone thinks about hills and Himalayas, flowers and snowfall. I, myself think Sikkim is more than all these, so today, I am going to tell you about 7 places in Sikkim where you can travel for an amazing and picturesque experience.
Temi Tea Estate, Ravangla (South Sikkim)
Tea estates are quite famous in the Eastern part of our country. Temi is one of them, and the only one in the hill state of Sikkim. It is located 127 km away from the heart of North Bengal, Siliguri and around 60 km away from state capital Gangtok. Founded by the British officials in 1930s and established by Govt. of Sikkim in 1966, Temi produces one of the best teas in the country and is totally organic. The estate is laid over a gradually sloping hill. The tea produced in the garden is also sold under the brand name of TEMI tea.
What can you do?
– Trekking through the Tea Estate
– Cycling towards the Tea factory on the hilltop
– Adventure tourism
– Don’t miss to taste Momos with Dalle Khorsani
– Visit Mane Choekhorling Gompa at Ravangla
Yumthang Valley (North West Sikkim)
The home of ‘Gurudongmar Lake’ , which is also known as ‘Valley of Flowers’ in Sikkim, is one of the best places to be in the hill state of Sikkim. This valley is also the home for ‘Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary’, where more than 24 species of Rhododendron (the state flower) are found. Favourable time to visit Yumthang Valley is March to June (for blooming Rhododendrons) and October to January (for snowfall). There’s a forest rest house in the valley which is the only permanent residence. Tourists have to travel from Gangtok to Lachung, which is the nearest village in the valley, by booking vehicles and travelling around 125 km from the state capital.
Key places to visit
– Gurudongmar Lake
– Lachung Gompa (largest Buddhist monastery)
– Visit Lachen and roam around Lachung village.
– Mt. Kangchenjunga
Nathula Pass (India – China Border)
The Silk route lying between the two great countries India and China consists many passes including the one we’re talking about. Nathula Pass (also known as Natu-La), is 14500 ft. above the sea level, earlier the battlefield between India & China in 1966. One of the easternmost points to visit in Sikkim. The trade between the countries is still on, through the same route and passes through Nathula. Under the surveillance of the Indian and Chinese army, the route offers unique scenery.
What can you do?
– Visit Amar Jawan Jyoti
– Visit India – China Border
– Visit Nathula Pass
Baba Mandir (East Sikkim)
I guess this is the only temple in India where an Indian Soldier is worshipped. This is the temple of ‘Baba Harbhajan Singh’, who died in 1968 while guarding his post. He died at the age of 22, near the Nathu La border. According to legends, Singh drowned in a glacier while leading a column of mules carrying supplies to a remote outpost. His remains were found after a three-day search. His body was subsequently cremated with full military honours. Some Indian soldiers believe that in the event of a war between India and China, Baba would warn the Indian soldiers of an impending attack at least three days in advance. During flag meetings between the two nations at Nathu La, the Chinese set a chair aside to honour him. Every year on 11th September, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri ( Siliguri ), from where it is then sent by train to the Kapurthala district in Punjab. Every year a seat is left empty for his journey to his hometown and 3 soldiers escort Baba to his home. A small amount of money is contributed by soldiers posted in Nathula to be sent to his mother each month even now.
Tsomgo Lake ( East Sikkim)
Tsomgo Lake a.k.a Chhangu Lake lies in East Sikkim on the way to Baba Mandir and Nathu La, and is just 38 km from the state capital Gangtok. The lake is a glacial lake and gets frozen when the place’s temperature falls. The temperature falls so quickly that one can’t stand there when there is no sunlight. Yak riding and eating momos are the most enjoyed thing to do in this space. It’s said that the momos sold here are the best in the entire country.
Zuluk ( East Sikkim)
One of the best offbeat destinations in Sikkim, Zuluk is a small village located at the height of 10000 ft. above the sea level and has a very empowering history due to its connection with the silk route. Zuluk offers pleasant weather for most of the year. Here, the summer temperature is near to 20 °C (68 °F) with a substantial difference between the day and night temperature.
Pelling (West Sikkim)
This is my best destination in the list which is approx. 130 km from Siliguri & 115 km from Gangtok, that is very well connected by transport and jeep services. The lovely town is popular for amazing views of the snow-topped Kangchenjunga range, the third most elevated crest in the world. Situated at the height of 6800 ft. above sea level, you can enjoy the sightseeing throughout the village of the amazing Himalayan range. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to see the Himalayan mountain range covered with snow.
Key places in Pelling to visit:
– Khecheopalri Lake
– Rabdentse Lake
– Singshore Bridge
– Kanchendzonga Falls
– Sewaro Rock Garden.
So, which destination you liked the most?
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