I have been to almost every part of the nation. Except for Northeast, always have planned a visit but failed. But finally, one day destiny planned a great 5 Day Trip to Northeast – Sikkim. I along with my Wife Kaushar and Baby Abheeha (4 years old) started to pack our cloths and stuff for an amazing Northeast journey.
DAY 1:
Afternoon our flights was being scheduled from Delhi to pakyong airport, but due to bad weather it was re-scheduled to Bagdogra airport. Abeeha was super excited as after a long time she was having a great time.
We landed at the Bagdogra Airport, where our driver was waiting for us. He took us from Airport to Gangtok city. Approx 100 Km ride and 5 hours. Bagdogra is in West Bengal. From there you cross the border and gets to Sikkim.
We reached at night. It was bit tiring, and we were welcomed by our king size beds at a good hotel (pre booked).
DAY 2:
Destination 1: Nathula Pass
Morning was very beautiful, as we have witnessed great views. A Serene moment while sipping a cup of tea.
We rested in mid way to have a cup of tea and just to eat something. We have witnessed a beautiful, scientific temple there being created by Buddhist Monks.
Our Driver took us from there to Nathula Pass. Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is one of the most important Himalayan passes in the country. Nathu means 'listening ears', and La means 'pass'. Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. The temperature here remains low for most parts
Nathula Pass is approx. 2 hours journey from Gangtok (approx. 55 Km’s). Nathula Pass is A must place to visit as it is the place one can see Chinese Border physically. No photography is allowed. Permit is a must. Many times, one doesn't get permit.
But we had our permits pre-booked. Oxygen content is less there, you can easily feel suffocation and breathlessness. You feel suddenly feel more patriotic when you are at the border area. We had a great time there.
Destination 2: Harbhajan Singh Temple
The Hero of Nathula Pass – Ghost Of Baba Harbhajan Singh That Guards India’s Border. His shoes and dress are being cleaned daily and at the evening they get dirty again. Everyday a Jeep with driver is ready for his ride. Only driver knows when to drive and where to drive. Every year a vacant birth on Indian Railway coach is booked for him, along with his luggage. This all for someone who is not alive. I was fascinated by listening to the stories hence decided to drop a visit there. Luck enough to capture his things on Camera.
Destination 3: Tsomgo lake | Frozen Lake | Changu Lake
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colours of the lake.
The lake in winters gets frozen. You can witness a lot of Yaks here and can ride on them as well. The lake is beautiful.
During the mid way, we witnessed some beautiful waterfalls as well.
From there we headed back to the Gangtok Hotel and rested rest of the day.
Day 3:
Early morning after having breakfast we headed to Pelling. Pelling is a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok.
Destination 1: Temi Tea Garden
The Temi Tea Garden in Temi, established in 1969 by the Government of Sikkim, is located in South Sikkim in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.
It is the only tea garden in Sikkim and is considered one of the best in India and the world. Top quality tea is produced, which is in demand in the international market. The garden is laid over a gradually sloping hill. The tea produced in this garden is also partly marketed under the trade name "Temi Tea".
I have witnessed Tea Garden for the first time. It was beautiful experience witnessing them.
Destination 2: Char Dham Temple (Namchi)
When we hear about Char Dham, we usually remember the four holy shrines on top of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Also, four pilgrimage sites, Uttarakhand’s Badrinath, Odisha’s Puri, Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram and Gujarat’s Dwarka are collectively called Char Dham. And the replica of these four shrines, along with 12 jyotirlingas, have been built atop the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim’s Namchi.
Also known as the Siddhesvara Dham, the sweeping temple compound was inaugurated in November 2011.
The picturesque complex also houses a 108-feet statue of Lord Shiva.
Destination 3: Buddha Park – Ravangla
The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim.
It was constructed between 2006 and 2013, and features a 130-foot-high (40 m) statue of the Buddha, erected to mark the 2550th anniversary of the birth of Gautama Buddha, as its main attraction. The statue, built of 60 tones of copper.
It is a very peaceful place with serene beauty.
From there were headed to our hotel in Pelling (Pre-booked). And stayed at night comfortably.
Day 4:
After having breakfast in the morning, we headed to see the beautiful Wish Lake.
Destination 1: Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.
Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake, considering its location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill.
There is a Pond where you can feed fish as well.
There are lots of treks to try while you are there. Beautiful lake and place.
I tried one but and enjoyed a lot, you can watch the trek here:
Destination 2: Kanchenjunga Falls
At a distance of 10 km from Yuksom and 24 km from Pelling, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall situated in the beautiful hill town of Pelling, Sikkim. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Sikkim and among the prime Pelling Tourist Places.
Kanchenjunga Falls is a perennial waterfall situated around an hour drive from Pelling towards Yuksom.
It is believed that the pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world. It gushes down from a height of 100 feet into a pool. Kanchenjunga falls was not known to people and remained untouched till the 90s.
It only came into the limelight, when a local tour operator named Topjor Bhutia accidentally discovered it. Today this spot become one of the leading tourist spots in West Sikkim.
Destination 3: Chenrezig statue and skywalk
The Chenrezig statue and skywalk are a tourist attraction in Pelling, West Sikkim district, Sikkim. The complex houses a 137 ft (42 m) tall statue of the bodhisattva Chenrezig, the tallest Chenrezig statue in the world. The place is also the location of India's first glass skywalk. The site was inaugurated in 2018 and has since attracted significant footfall.
The glass-bottomed skywalk is situated at a height of 7,200 ft (2,195 m) above sea level, nestled in the Himalayas. It overlooks the Chenrezig statue and the flight of stairs leading up to it. There are golden prayer wheels on both sides of the stairs. The foundation stone of the Chenrezig statue was laid in 2009 and consecrated by the Dalai Lama.
It was an amazing feeling walking on these skywalks. A great place to see and visit.
Destination 4: Singhshore Bridge
Singshore Bridge, with a height of over 100 m and 240 m in length, is the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second highest bridge in Asia. It is truly a man-made marvel that offers the spectacular base view of immense greenery that makes it difficult to distinguish between the lowlands and the mountains. You can feel the thrill when you are standing in the middle of the bridge and the strong wind blows. The river flowing through the uneven rocks seems breathtaking along with the effusive sound of the waterfalls. It is one among the oldest bridge that connects two hills and shortens the travel time as well as the distance for the trekkers.
One vehicle at a time was allowed on the bridge.
From there we headed back to the hotel and rested at the night.
Day 5: Back to Home
From pelling we headed back to Bagdogra. It is approximately 5 hours drive. We managed to reach airport on time. It was the first time we were sitting in a small plane. That was exciting. Till Late evening we returned back to the old sweet home.
Hope you have enjoyed reading all. If you have any questions related to the trip, I would be happy to answer them.