Sikkim: A Land of Mountains
By G Ankita Naidu
The enchanting beauty of this place will take your heart for sure .
This part of the North-east in India comes up with many communities like Nepalis, Bhutias Lepchas and many more.
The essence of love and light is rooted in this state which is SIKKIM.
It took 4 hours for me and my family to reach from Siliguri to the capital of Sikkim Gangtok by a cab.
All the tiredness just flew away when I saw the beautiful streets of Gangtok.
Here are the 3 must visiting places in Gangtok that you can enjoy when you are gonna plan your next trip.
1)NATHULA PASS :- It will give you the eye catchy views when you are on the High altitude.
2)RUMTEK MONASTERY:- Here you can enjoy the tranquility and the beauty of culture with absolute peace.
3)MG ROAD:- Well if you are interested to see the hustle and bustle of the streets and also want to enjoy the scrumptious street food, here you go!
After exploring Gangtok my journey continued from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake which is almost 40kms far from the City.
The water in the arms of towering peak was as clear as Cristal that it felt like stepping into a dream.
Nestled in the lap of Sikkim with the height of approximately 12,313 feet (3,753 meters) above sea level.
The lake is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists that even though in winter it is covered with a layer of ice but will never ever disappoint you.
If you are a nature enthusiastic person then
the area around this lake, diverse with flora and fauna will make you feel the nature for sure.
Well, if you are a person who loves the glory of flowers then, Yumthang Valley is the place where you have to visit. Spring from April to June will be the best time to enjoy the Blooms.
Well, to enjoy the picture perfect landscapes and the snowy white mountains you should travel some 20km to reach ZERO POINT , it’s is also known as YUMESAMDONG, as it has the breathtaking views with white mountains and chilled weather you can enjoy the hot Maggie served there .
Zero point also provides the view of India and china border as it adds the uniqueness to the whole trip.
Moving from zero point to the next captivating place which is LACHUNG small village with the traditions and culture going on all around .
It will give you the opportunity to enjoy the cultural aspect of Lepcha community.
MUST VISITING PLACES IN LACHUNG
1)LACHUNG MONESTRY:- Here you can enjoy the historic Buddhist stuff and the traditions of Northeast.
2)Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:- Experience the stunning view from this location to add some tadka in you camera.
3)To experience the chillness of water you must visit the Lachung River also known as LACHUNG CHU.
After indulging in the essence of LACHUNG it was time for PELLING.
6hrs of travel was worth it when I smelled the beauty of PELLING.
As Pelling promises you to give the mixture of CHURCHES, HISTORY and NATURAL BEAUTY, you can cherish every moment you will spend here.
Also don’t forget to visit SANGACHOELING MONASTERY for a dazzling view.
Well you must be thinking that what’s so special about Pelling so here go, you can take a pleasure to have the glimpses of the 3rd highest mountain in the world which is located in the India-Nepal border in the lap of Himalayas and the name is KANGCHENJUNGA .
Pelling serves the opportunity for trekking , so if you are the person who loves trekking and want to relish the same then it’s the place waiting for you.
HERE ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS THAT YOU CAN ADD IN YOUR TRIP TO PELLING
1) PELLING SKY WALK:- Well now it’s in India too where you can experience the joy of walk on the glass floors.
2)BIRD WATCH:-If you love to watch birds then have a stroll through the gardens and the greeny area and enjoy the beauty of birds.
3)SINGSHORE BRIDGE:- You should visit the SINGSHORE BRIDGE for striking views of the mountains which will make you fall in love.
As Sikkim offers tasty and delightful food, here are the 8 dishes that you must try.
1) MOMOS :- When in Sikkim momos are must , where in every single bite you are going to enjoy the juiciness it has .
(Roll House in MAHATMA GANDHI MARG IN GANGTOK , where you can enjoy the best momos of SIKKIM)
2) GUNDRUK:- The tasty greens served as a side dish but mouthwatering
3) THUKPA :- Noodles with vegetables and meat and drenched in the hot soup
4) KINEMA CURRY:- The dish which is fermented soybeans and added in the curry which makes it scrumptious.
5) SEL ROTI:- The traditional rice based doughnut snack which you can enjoy in your breakfast.
6) CHHURPI SOUP:- The soup which is made with traditional cheese and is nutritious.
7) PHAPHRU :- A sikkimese pancake served with butter and honey which is a great dish for breakfast.
8) PHAGSHAP:- A pork dish which is cooked with radishes and chilles , and also the local masalas.
Enjoying these dishes will make you feel the twinge of love added by the local people.
The enchanting white mountains and rays of sun is going to take your heart away and indulge it with the fresh air hummed with only love .
Plan your next trip to the Beauty of North-east.
