Thursday 20 November 2014

SPLENDID SIKKIM

How to describe countless waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, beautiful flowers, mountain sides covered with trees, pebble scattered riverbeds, absolute silence broken with the sound of water falling from mountains or roaring in the streams.

You get this and much more in Sikkim.

Zero Point in North Sikkim
Zero Point in North Sikkim

Sikkim has always been an enigma for me and thus an eventual choice for our vacation.
In the midst of Himalayas, Sikkim is nestled between three countries - Tibet on the north, Nepal on its west, Bhutan on its east.

I did a 9 day trip starting from 8th November 2014 to Sikkim covering Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung and Pelling. What followed was an adventure, an experience which is beyond words and photographs.

Google Map of Sikkim Trip
Bagdogra - Gangtok - Lachen - Lachung - Pelling
We were two couples – 4 adults and a kid (3 year old) travelling to the extreme cold of Sikkim (compared to the weather in Mumbai).

The detailed itinerary is as follows:


Day
Place
Details
Night Stay At
Day 1
Sat
Mumbai - Bagdogra - Gangtok
Upon arrival at Bagdogra, proceed to Gangtok. Will reach late evening. Head to M.G. Road for dinner
Gangtok
Day 2
Sun
Gangtok
After breakfast proceed to:
1. Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)
2. Nathula Pass
3. Baba Mandir
4. Tukla Valley
Late evening for shopping at Lal Bazaar & M G Road.
Gangtok
Day 3
Mon
Gangtok to Lachen
Early morning leave for Lachen. enroute see :
1. Tashi View Point
2. Seven Sister waterfall
Lachen
Day 4
Tue
Lachen to Lachung
Early morning leave for:
1. Gurudongmar Lake
2. Chopta Valley
Post lunch head to Lachung
Lachung
Day 5
Wed
Lachung
Visit:
1. Yumthang Valley (22 kms from Lachung),
2. Zero Point (another 18 kms),
3. Mt. Katao (Optional)
4. Hot water springs and Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary (Optional)
Evening rest in the hotel.
Lachung
Day 6
Thur
Lachung to Gangtok
Early morning head to Gangtok. Post Lunch:
1. Rumtek Monastry
2. Hanuman Tok
3. Ganesh Tok
4. Enchey Monastry
Gangtok
Day 7
Fri
Gangtok to Pelling
Leave for Pelling Via Ravangla. Enroute see:
1. Bon Monastery
2. Buddhist Park
Pelling
Day 8
Sat
Pelling
See:
1. Pemayangtse Monastery
2. Rabdentse Ruins
3. Khecheopalri Lake
4. Kangehendzonga Waterfalls
5. Rimbi Water fall
6. Sinshore Bridge
Pelling
Day 9
Sun
Pelling - Bagdogra - Mumbai
Pelling to Bagdogra
Mumbai

Before starting the trip, I did an extensive research on Sikkim – Its geography, climate, people, culture, places to see, things to do, things to eat etc…

I will be covering my vacation in phases, giving you as much information as possible and sharing my experience of the trip.

To give you a head start enjoy the few clicks:

Himalayas from the flight
Himalaya Range from the Airplane

Buddhist Park at Ravangla
Buddhist Park at Ravangla

En route Gurudongmar Lake
Enroute Gurudongmar Lake

En route Nathula Pass
Enroute Nathula Pass

Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake

Tukla Valley
View from Tukla Valley

Bridge with prayer flags
Bridge decorated with colourful prayer flags

Teesta River
Teesta River

Thangu Village
View from Thangu Village
Detailed stay in Sikkim to follow….

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