Apr 21, 2003 03:24 PM
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(Updated Apr 21, 2003 03:24 PM)
The following review is dedicated to all the soul wearied city dwellers of the MS community. Let me take you to the land aptly referred as the last Shangri-La, a journey to which will surely act as a perfect stress buster for you. The reason: It is Tranquillity all the way!
A Jewel embedded in snow clad mountains, Sikkim is bound to make you feel one with nature, be romantic and an explorer in search of Eldorado where one dreamy day blends into the next. So what are you waiting for??? Come with me for a journey that will captivate your body and soul.
We head for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Drive into Gangtok through some superb roads courtesy of the Indian Army. You will have the Teesta river and some of the most interesting road signs accompanying you throughout the journey. An example: Married!!! Divorce speed.
Gangtok is a small bustling town but if you are serious about exploring this pristine land treat the city as an entry into Sikkim! You have to travel as many places as possible within the few days that you have in hand. Places like Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Yumesamdong, Pelling, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta, Gurudongmar Lake, Tsongo Lake, Nathula Pass, Kupup and Menmecho Lake wait for you. Welcome to the land of flowers dotted by lakes, glaciers and waterfalls and Kanchendongza shedding their endless charm forever. I will give a short description on my picks later in the review.
Sikkim is the Treasure Island of fabulous flora and fauna. Over 4000 species of plants and flowers are found in this state. Visit the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary ready to enchant you with varieties of alpine flowers like Poppies, Primulas and Rhododendron, magnolias, junipers, blue poppies and gentians turning it into a botanical odyssey.
For the wild life fans it is variety all the way. Nearly 40% of the species of birds found all over India and the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet have their home in Sikkim. The most well known and maintained sanctuaries are Kanchenjunga National Park, Fabong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary etc. Most of them are close to Gangtok and are easily accessible from the city. The animals that are found are leopards (including the elusive and the almost extinct Snow Leopard), Himalayan Black Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr (a kind of goat), Goral, Musk Deer, etc.
Sounds like a Trekking paradise? The answer is yes. Some of the best trekking routes in India are in Sikkim. Trek through the state cloaked in the mystery of remoteness, well perched in the hills in a horseshoe formation, with mountains varying in altitude and cut off from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
Some other adventure sports activities include Yak Safari, organised from Dzongri onwards by Sikkim Tourism. Mountain Biking, river rafting and Gliding facilities are also available.
Two of the coolest places in Sikkim:
Pelling: This little town offers some scintillating views of the awesome Kanchendongza. Well connected by bus and jeeps from Gangtok/ Shiliguri this is a place you cannot afford to miss. It is culture, nature and history blended into one. At an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers good view of entire mountain ranges including the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others. It is as close as you can get to the mountains without sacrificing too much material comforts. Enjoy the views including the spectacular sunrise and sunset from your room during your stay to this placid town.
Yumthang valley: Popularly known as the valley of flowers is going to enthrall you. During April- June the flowers are in full bloom and you would walk on a road that will have a carpet made of flowers rolled for you. It is a hours drive from Lachung where you can halt for the night. The road from Lachung is picturesque and has rhododendrons on both sides. If you are travelling from Gangtok you will marvel at the spectacular gorge over the Rang Rang suspension bridge.
Sikkim is a haven for those who love the architecture and colours of the monasteries. Monasteries are an integral part of this land and there are about 200 monasteries or gompas. Some of the more famous are the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre ( 24 kms from Gangtok), Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling, Enchey Monastery, Duddul Chorten, Phensang Monastery and the Labrang Monastery.
Accommodation: During your short stay in Gangtok go for Nork-hill and Tashi Delek. If you are looking for medium budget hotels opt for the Mt. Simvo in Tadong, away from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok. Good modern hotels are available in Lachung and Pelling.
Food: Local delicacies include Momos and Thukpa. My favourite though is the Phagshapa, which is a strip of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chillies. For the adventurous there is Chang, a local beer made by fermenting millet-using yeast. It is sipped from a bamboo receptacle using a bamboo pipe. But be careful. It can prove to be too strong for some of you.
Explore Sikkim. Would love to hear from you.
