Most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim

The reason behind the fact that, Sikkim is being called as Hidden Paradise can only be explored to someone when he visits there. I got this chance last year, when me with my friends left home for a week to experience that heaven. Believe me, what ever they said about it is less. Although, it took around 15-18 days to fully cover Sikkim, but if you don't have that much time you can choose the most popular destination described below which can be covered by a week.[...]

We reached NJP at 10 am, as Padatik Express was late for an hour. We took a cab and started the journey towards our first destination, Pelling. 

River Teesta on the way to Pelling

 137 Km journey took around 6 hours. River Teesta and later Rangeet gave us accompany on the way. We crossed Kalingpong, Melle, Jorethang, Legshyip one by one and reached Pelling around 5 at late afternoon.

Pelling is a small town located at West Sikkim. 

Lower Pelling 

The scenery at upper Pelling is more attractive as you will see the mighty Kanchanjhanga just next to your window. But lower Pelling is also competing with its green shaded hills.  The most I like in Pelling is its weather and its magical fresh environment. 

There are 8 places to visit in Pelling  named as Khechipuri Lake, Kanchanjhanga falls, Rimbi falls, Sewaro Rock Garden , Pemayangtse Monastery, Singshore Bridg and Sangay Falls, which take two days to cover. We didn’t have two days for Pelling so next day morning we have to choose the first 4 and moved to Gangtok at the same day after sight seeing.

Kanchanjhanga False

Although, none of the four places disappointed us but Kanchanjhanga falls is the best among them, it is really delighting to watch that white water falling from such a height and creating a magical sound. I like the people there helping tourist to reach the bottom at the falls and yes, liked their hot momos too.

Khechipuri Lake

Next, you have to walk through the green shade of trees, and amazing whispering of the birds, and then you will see a crystal clear lake in front of you. This lake is considered as a sacred place among local Buddhist and Hindus. The word Khechipuri means holy. People says even a leaf never fall into the water as the birds here take it away from it and this is the reason it is that much clear.

After visiting the other two, we head for Gangtok. Our car passed by Legshyip, Rabangla, Pabong, Tadong and when reached the capital of Sikim , the Sun was leaving for the day.

Moving through clouds

We became  bit disappointed at next morning as weather seems not so friendly and the clouds were preparing for their operation. But, we still didn’t loose hope and went to see Tsongmo (Changu) Lake. As we gradually climb up the surrounding covered with heavy fog and we were unable to see anything at even 10 feet ahead. But it felt nice when we understood that we were actually passing through the clouds. 

Changu, the source of river Lungtse Chuis located at East Sikim at 12400 feet above sea level surrounded by rough brown mountains. This lake also has religious

Changu Lake

 significance. The spectacular view here helped us to forget the tough journey today. After spending a couple of hours we moved towards Nathula Baba Mandir. This is a temple of a soldier Harbhajan Singh who vanished years back. Indian soldiers believe he still stays among them and helps them in many ways to survive and protect our country in that rough and remote place.

A painting by Nature

We were eager to see Nathula pass, the India – China border but weather became worse. We had no choice but had to return to Gangtok. The road condition was pathetic here, if you look down from your window seat you will see straight down to thousands of feet. Some people says right that you will enjoy this place more when you come back safely J.

Next morning, we left Gangtok and move towards North Sikkim.

Seven Sister's Falls

We halt at seven sisters’ falls for half an hour, then resume the day long journey to Lachen. On the way many other unknown water falls said hello to us, crossed number of streams, watch smiling children, heavy Yaks, beautiful birds, tall Pines, Rododhrendron and of course the amazing mountain views. We found ourselves above the clouds here.

 Lachen: Road is bad here, and sometimes it is worse, some times it is narrow, and

sometimes a bit wide and flat. Lachen is a small village at North Sikim, people are poor here but extremely hearty. Life here is very primitive and slow. Solar electricity is available now but less expect network signal for your cell phone(only BSNL).  
Considering the altitude, the place is very cold.

Temperature degrades to negative numbers at night so prepare with clothing if you are planning to visit North Sikkim. We reached at evening and were much tired after the long 107 Km and 7 hours journey.

 Night at Lachen is dead silent. I was sitting at the barandah of our lodge and enjoying beauty of the nature and freezing cold. Dawa, our driver reminded, we need to leave at 4 in the morning, for Gurudangmar Lake, so had the dinner and went for sleep.

Chopta Valley

We woke up around 3 am, got ready and left the lodge right at 4. Journey towards Gurundangmar Lake from Lachen was a real fun. It was dense dark at start. Dawa was moving slowly as the road was damaged.  Soon after, the first ray of sun touches the mountain peaks. I can’t describe that amazing beauty of those snow peaks shining at the dark. We stopped at Thangu for breakfast and tea. View here is nothing less than before. We had some noodles, took photographs and resume the journey. Soon we reached at Chopta valley. No sign of life here. Not even a small plant. This place reminds you about Ladakh. 

 We continued another one hour and finally reached the heaven,  Gurundangmar Lake.

This was simply amazing. We became speechless with the scenic beauty here. Rishi Gurudongmar did tapaysa here, so by then it is named after him. The panoramic view here can beat many well known places in the world. There is also a trek route from Lachen to GurudangmarLake.

Note: Its freaking clod here and air is very thin because of 17000 feet. Many people experience breathing problem due to lack of oxygen. People with asthma, aged or kids below 5 years are not recommended visiting here. Tourist from outside India is not permitted to visit. 

We spent at Green Lake about an hour and then return back to Lachen. We had our lunch and then set sail for another point of interest in North Sikim, Lachung. Well, again a tiring but wonderful long ride of 37 km through the greens and mountains.

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