Extremely alluring nature, fluttering Tibetan flags, snow clad mountains, land of momos and the majestic Kanchenjunga- what more can you ask for ?
We started our full day excursion with Nathula Pass - The Indo-Chinese border at 14000 ft high. Passing through the very famous Changu Lake also known as Tsmogo lake, surrounded by snow clad mountains that just gave a perfect ecstatic view. To make it even more interesting, there is Yak ride for you!!
Changu Lake
We headed towards the Baba Mandir, a shrine build at Samadhi of Baba Harbajan Singh, a saint who guarded lives of soldiers at border. Then we finally reached Nathula. Climbing the snow in -6 degrees, grasping our breath we reached the top. Saluting the Indian tricolour guarded by the soldiers & reciting the National Anthem just filled our eyes with extreme Pride. What an wonderful experience!!
Nathula
Following day was reserved for local sightseeing in Gangtok. We started with Ganesh Tok (Temple) which accommodates only 1 person at time, that offers a spectacular view of the mountains, then covered Hanuman tok situated at 7200 ft, maintained by Indian Army.
Ganesh Tok view Point
Next was Banjhkari Falls & Energy park- a wonderful picnic spot providing a scenic relaxation. The water falls from a height of 100 ft. The park is made of man made lake, paved pathways, footbridges & the sculptures that depicts the Jhakri culture. Later we covered the Cottage industry, Tashi view point and Flower exhibition centre - depicts numerous varieties of flowers across Sikkim. Best way to spend an evening in Gangtok is walking on MG road - central shopping hub made as walking plaza which list a number of shops with variety of artefacts.
Banjhkari Park and Water Falls
Sikkim offers a list of historic monasteries that you just cannot miss - Namgyal Institute of Tibet-a repository of Tibetan works of tradition and culture. Rumtek Monastery - One of the oldest monastery with finest architecture. Pemayangste Monastery- a treasure of various Buddhist scriptures, sculptures, antiques.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
We then headed to Peeling - small town that greats with captivating view of Himalayas and Kanchenjunga peak. We were privileged enough to get a hotel room that gave us an alluring view of the Kanchenjunga. Imagine waking up at 4am, having kulhad ki chai, witnessing the clouds parting away to give us breathtaking view of the Majestic Kanchenjunga, rising above the clouds!! Oh my, what a beauty!! All we did is simply relaxed in the balcony, capturing and fulfilling our eyes with this wonderful creation of nature.
Majestic Kanchenjunga
Later on the list was Kanchenjunga falls - where water falls through rock, providing a scenic view. Then the very famous Rimbi water falls - another treat for the eyes.
We also happen to visit Namchi - a small town in south Sikkim that offers various picturesque sightseeing places. Tendong Hill - An epic Hill that has a giant statue of the Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)the patron saint of Sikkim. Char Dham- a temple complex that replicates 4 main Shiva temples of India and offers the most peaceful environment. More options to explore are the Ropeway, Ngadak Monsatery, Rose and Rock garden.
Samdruptse Monastery at Tendong Hill
Char Dham Complex
The local food here is simply amazing. Thupka - noodle base soup being the main dish, there is also Gundruk, Phagshapa, Rice, all sorts of tasty momos and off course Maggi!!
The traffic in Sikkim is very well regulated - No honking, no overtaking, just following basic traffic rules. As simple as that! Our special salute goes to the heroic Cab drivers here, for the excellent driving skills amidst fog, rains on these extremely narrow, steepy ghat roads.
After being blessed with this excotic nature for a week, it was unfortunately the time to head back. Alas!! We finally bid goodbye to this beautiful place taking along with us the wonderful memories and capturing it's beauty in eyes.