Sikkim Delight

Sikkim DelightSIKKIMSmall but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. Spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts) the third highest mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7300 sq kms and measuring approx. 114 kms from the north to south and 64 kms from east to west the elevation ranges from 300 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level.Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks lush valleys fast flowing rivers hills Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow.KABI LUNGTSOKThis historical place is 17 kms. from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.SINGIEKThe place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.CHUNGTHANGChungthang on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river teesta has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids plants & wild life is 95 kms. from Gangtok 23 kms. from Lachung 29 kms. from Lachen and is predominantly a Lepcha region.YUMTHANGYumthang at an elevation of 11800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Yak and Yeti Travels organise 'Alpine Package Tour' for 2 nights and 3 days and also for 7 nights 8 days and the night stay for the tour is at Lachung a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.NAMTSENamtse meaning sky high nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500 ft. commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. it is also the HQ of the south district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms. from Gangtok and 100 kms. from Siliguri.TENDONG HILLAbove Damthang overlooking South District Headquarter town Namtse there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft.surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill. Historically this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. One can also proceed to Namtse by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Such trekking is also possible throughout the year except during monsoons that is if one is scared of ubiquitous leaches.RAVANGLAAt the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South Sikkim and West Sikkim. It is also an upcoming tourist spot and transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu" one of the holiest caves in Sikkim.WHITE HALLThe White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.RIDGE GARDENThe Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official residence known as the Mintogang meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a Pagoda rooftop on the other end. A statue of Nehru the late Prime Minister of India adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture. The Ridge is lined with plants and trees which when bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.RABDENTSE RUINSThis was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 A.D. the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.PELLINGPelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6800 ft it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.