Sikkim – Gem of North East

For most of the Indian newly weds, Goa, Kerala, Manali, Ladakh, Kashmir etc first come in mind, when planning for their honeymoon. But, truly speaking people have overdone these destinations. I am always in the lookout for offbeat destinations while planning for any trip. Our honeymoon was no different. Both me and my wife are fond of the mountains and so we zeroed on Sikkim.

About Sikkim

Sikkim shares its border with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau rising from its northern border. It was once a Himalayan monarchy and part of the fabled Silk Route to China. Its merger with India in 1975 has offered a window to the world to discover the treasures of this hidden land.

There are many names for Sikkim. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land called it Nye-mae-el `paradise’. The Limbus named it Su Khim or `new house’ while to the Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong `the hidden valley of rice’.

It’s tiny size geographically belies the profound diversity it offers. The state has the steepest rise in altitude over the shortest distance and has within its 7,096 sq. kms the entire climatic range, from tropical to temperate to alpine, bestowing on the land an intense natural heritage. Lush and thick forests, flush with blooms of exotic flora, hilly expanses embellished by Sikkim’s two main rivers, the Teesta and the Rangeet, the picturesque villages, hot springs and waterfalls have a compelling appeal.

Gangtok, Capital of Sikkim

Gangtok is unlike any other state capital city in our country. It’s picturesque, peaceful, sparsely populated, beautiful, and resplendent with vibrant culture. Just the kind of ‘something different’ any Ladakh fan would want. Do it before it becomes Ladakh, I suggest.

Bagdogra Airport

You can arrive Sikkim either by train through New Jalpaigudi, 148 kilometers from Gangtok or by air through Bagdogra Airport, 124 kilometers from Gangtok. We arrived from New Delhi to Bagdogra by flight and from there took a cab for Gangtok. Sikkim does not allow  to plight West Bengal registered cabs. From Gangtok we had to take another cab. The capital city is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town  provides the perfect base for travel through the state.

MG Marg

MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to chill out. This marg does not allow any vehicular traffic. It is the country’s first litter and spit free zone. You can sit at the Titanic Park or at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. Shops line The Mall on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure.

MG Marg is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival held in December each year when Sikkims multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances are showcased. This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.

Ganesh Tok

For a view of Gangtok and all its surrounding, one can go to Ganest Tok situated on a ridge at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok. From this spot one can get a view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. The view from here is truly breathtaking with snow peaks providing the perfect backdrop for a panoramic view of Gangtok town.

Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa

The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibeten Buddhism, in 1945. Inside the stupa, there are complete mandala set of Dorjee phurba (Vajra Kilaya), a set of Kang Gyur relic (Holy Book), complete ‘Zung’ (mantras) and other religious objects. Around the Chorten, there are 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels). These are turned by devout Buddhists while chanting ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ (O Jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. It is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava.

Enchey Monastery

Lama Druptok Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying blessed this site for building the Enchey Monastery. It is an important seat of the Nyingmapa order. This 200 years old monastery has in its premises images of gods, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January, “Chaam” or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare-for two days.

Gonjang Monastery

1981 was the year of establishment of Gonjang Monastery near Tashi View Point. The founder is H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. A 15th century Nyingmapa Terton- Yolmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo incarnated as Rimpoche. The monastery follows Jangter tradition of Nyingmapa school of Tibeten Buddhism.

Hanuman Tok

Lord Hanuman is the main deity of Hanuman Tok temple. A blissfully calm and quiet hilltop at an altitude of 7200 feet houses it. The temple is popular as a wish fulfilling temple. The resident units of the Indian Army maintain it through contributions from the local people. The location is completely free from the pollution of city life.

Apart from the clear view of the peaks surrounding Mount Khangchendzonga, some portions of Gangtok town, one also gets a bird’s eye view of the Selep water works, which supplies drinking water to Gangtok.

Tashi View Point

Situated along the North Sikkim Highway, Tashi View Point is only 8 kms from Gangtok. From this point one gets a breath taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. An Observatory Tower, Cafeteria and Public amenities have also been recently added. Ideal time to visit is early in the morning. One can also catch a glimpse of the Phodang and Labrang monasteries on the opposite hill. There is a park just above the View Point where one can have a little picnic or visit the cafeteria for hot coffee, momos and other snacks.

Banjhakri Falls

Banjhakri Falls stands out as being exclusive. The place has a nature in all its majesty, greenery and vibrancy with diversity and richness of the Sikkim Himalayan flora and avi-fauna. Its beauty and serenity are some of the unique attributes the park offers to the visitors. The park comprises of the water falls, beautiful landscapes and well laid out trails to wander about. Gazebos in local design are scattered around the location from where one can marvel at the view of the falls and stream waters gushing by. There are foot bridges in Sikkimese style spanning the meandering stream and connecting one enchanting spot to another.

Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is the most prestigious research institute of its kind in the world, NIT is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha,  Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (colourful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. As far as its collections are concerned, it is only next to an institute in Tibet.

Rumtek Monastery

Situated around 23 kms from Gangtok, in the hill facing Gangtok is Rumtek, a quiet getaway and home to the Rumtek Monastery, seat of His Holiness, The Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The drive to Rumtek snakes through typical Sikkimese villages and many paddy fields. The paddy fields resemble a green carpet from July to September and later in October-November, the entire place is a sight to behold with golden paddy swaying in the breeze.

The lush green hilly terrain, a breathtaking topography and misty mountains makes Rumtek an ideal place for some quiet time. Rumtek offer a host of sightseeing opportunities. These include local sightseeing within Rumtek, one day tours to places around Rumtek, monastery tours and adventurous exploits such as white water rafting and trekking.

Nehru Botanical Garden

Just ahead of the Rumtek Monastery is the Nehru Botanical Garden which has a mix of tropical and temperate plants and trees as well as a big greenhouse of exotic orchids.

Samdruptse

Samdruptse literally means ‘wish fulfilling hill’ in the Bhutia language. Situated near Namchi in South Sikkim. It is at a distance of 75 kms from Gangtok. Samdruptse holds atop a unique, awe inspiring and gigangtic 135 feet high statue of Guru Padamasambhava. It is the highest statue of Guru Padamasambhava in the world. His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the statue in October 1997. It took nearly three years to complete the statue.

Guru Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche had blessed Sikkim more than 1200 years ago. The statue is therefore a fitting tribute to this patron saint of Sikkim.

Solophok Chardham

Solophok Chardham has a main temple of 108 feet height on which is based the 87 feet high statue of Lord Shiva in the sitting posture. Apart from Shiva statue, this Pilgrim Centre also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Lord Shiva incarnated as Kirateshwar in Indrakeel (Present Sikkim). Therefore, local people of Sikkim worship him as Lord Kirateshwar. The complex also houses a 16 1/2 feet heigh statue of  of Lord Kirateshwar.

In order to attain Moksha, the Hindu belief is to perform pilgrimage to all the existing four Dhams. Thereby, replicas of these four Dhams, namely Badrinath, Jaganath and Dwarka dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva is also constructed.

The pilgrim centre is constructed on top of the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim. It is about 5 kilometers from Namchi town over an area of 28.958 Ha of land. The built up complex covers an area of approximately 7 acres and is accessible by a smooth road.

The profile of the hill suggested that the main Shiva complex with the main statue be placed at the highest commanding point in the west direction and facing east. The entire complex is divided into four main elements besides Nandi bull, Sai dwar, Kirat dwar, Shiv Dwar.

1. Shiva Statue with 12 Jyotirlingas.
2. Four Dhams.
3. Sai Baba Temple.
4. Kirateshwar statue.

Temi Tea Garden the Only One in Sikkim

The one and only tea estate existing in the State is Temi Tea Garden. It produces one of the top quality teas for the international market. The tea garden spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill. It provides a magnificent view of the surrounding villages.

There is sooooooo much more to explore in Sikkim that the above account of our journey was just the prelude. Less than 2 months ahead of our visit a significant earthquake which shook Sikkim. The worst affected area was the North District and the high altitude lakes. So we could not visit there and missed the grandeur of Sikkim’s Glacial Lakes. But we can not express our experience in words. Don’t wait just plan your unplanned trip to Sikkim. You shall not regret that’s for sure…