High up in the eastern Himalayas lies Sikkim, a land of ethereal natural beauty, fascinating culture that showcases an amazing blend of traditions, practices and cuisine of the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese people who have inhabited this wonderland for centuries.
Sikkim has been one of the most popular holiday destinations of the eastern Himalayas for decades due to its natural beauty and culture, but on our trips you will get to experience much more! Apart from exploring the usual places in an unusual way you shall also get to absorb the true essence of its culture, cuisine, customs and traditions and you shall also get to experience travelling on the ancient Silk Route!
PLACES YOU SHALL VISIT
Gangtok
Gangtok, the vibrant capital city of Sikkim with just about 1.5 lakh inhabitants is ubiquitous to great food, natural sceneries and beautiful Buddhist monasteries, which include Rumtek and Enchey. Situated at a height of about 5500 ft above sea level , spread over forested hills facing the mighty Kanchenjunga peak is an all-climate destination. With everything in just the right amount, from a mix of cultural identities to the daily hustle-bustle, Gangtok is one of the liveliest towns of the northeastern part of India.
What’s in store for you here?
Gangtok has something for everyone. While the popular Mall Road, which is now only a pedestrian zone, with several eateries, pubs and shops can spice-up your evenings, just a short walk away from here you can be in the midst of tranquility. The Mall Road, lined with beautiful Victorian lamps and benches is litter and smoke free and turns into a mesmerizing carnival zone in the evenings. Gangtok in many ways is the launching pad for exploring the rest of Sikkim. Visit to the famous Rumtek Monastery, the Handicraft Centre and Flower Hall which are the prominent tourist places around this town would be part of your itinerary here.
Tsongmo (Chhangu) Lake/ Nathula / Baba Ka Mandir
Perched at a towering height of about 12000 ft. above sea level, this is easily one of the most spectacular lakes in the Himalayas. You are likely to find snow here even in the peak of summer. This lake has different colours in different seasons so often it is also referred to as the chameleon of lakes! A short distance further is Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple which was erected in the memory of this brave soldier considered as a legend, whose spirit is believed to protect the soldiers in this area. Further down you shall visit the high pass of Nathu-la which connects Sikkim to China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
What’s in store for you here?
Apart from visiting the most sought-after places around Gangtok by the tourists, you shall enjoy a breathtaking drive and some fun in the snow!
Kupup & Zuluk
Kupup is a tiny village situated at an altitude of 13000 feet providing breathtaking views of the famous Elephant Lake, which got the name from its shape that resembles an elephant. It is surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains that stand as sentinels above this village and its beautiful lake called Bitan Choo. Zuluk is another hamlet you shall visit on this trip. It is located at a height of around 10,000 feet on the rugged terrain This small village accommodates a population of just around 700 people! Zuluk is surrounded by wild virgin forest where sightings of deer, wild dog, Himalayan bear and the red panda are not very uncommon.
What’s in store for you here?
Apart from visiting the Abundance of unspoilt nature. The Yak Golf Course at Kupup is considered to be the highest golf course in the world. This entire stretch starting from Nathula was once part of the fabled Silk Route of ancient times! Exploring this part of Sikkim would be an experience you shall treasure for a long time.
Lachung ( North Sikkim )
Located in north Sikkim, Lachung sits at 8,610 ft amidst sky-touching peaks, gurgling streams and beautiful apple, peach and apricot orchards. Nestled on the banks of the Lachung chu (river) which divides the village into two parts, Lachung is also the base for exploring the magical Yumthang Valley which is also referred to as The Valley of Flowers’ of Sikkim.
What’s in store for you here?
A drive through the fairy-tale landscape, interaction with the warm and friendly locals and a lazy stroll through the lanes of this beautiful tiny town with houses made from pine wood and an excursion to the awesome Yumthang Valley. What makes Lachung truly unique is the fact that the village still lives by the old Sikkimese traditions. It is the only place in the state which continues to follow a unique system of self-governance called the Zumsa, where disputes of the villagers are resolved by an elected body headed by the Pipon.
TRIVIA
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Sikkim is green, clean and ‘all organic’ since 2016. It is the first state of India that implemented fully organic farming.
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This state is home to Mt. Kanchenjunga – the highest peak in India and 3rd highest in the world.
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With a population of just about 6.5 lacs, Sikkim is the least populous state of India.
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It has not one, not two but 11 official languages!
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It has some 552 different species of birds & 5000 species of flowering plants.
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Sikkim has 227 high-altitude lakes The state is the second highest producer of cardamom in the world after Guatemala.
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It is the first and only one open defecation free state of India.
PLEASE NOTE
Foreign nationals need Inner Line Permit ( I.L.P ) to visit Sikkim. Assistance in procuring these shall be provided by us.
