Top Of Hill!
By: Susmitha Subramanya
Tags: Travel Writing, Sikkim, India Travel Stories, India Travel, Traveling

Let's go to Yumthang Valley to watch the flora, that's how the conversation started with my partner when we were thinking of a plan for our vacation in December. I had no idea where it is but somehow this name of the valley was struck in my brain and I used to keep repeating it now & then. After browsing and reading a hundred articles and pooling in a few of our like-minded cousins we were a gang of 6 people to explore this beautiful state called “SIKKIM”

Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, and is wedged between Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal but encompasses an astounding range of pristine natural beauty of the Himalayas. The state is famous for dazzling waterfalls, virgin forests, Tibetan style Buddhist Gompas, alpine meadows, rhododendron flowers and more. Kanchenjunga (also Kanchendzonga) at 8598 m is the third highest peak in the world and lies in Sikkim.

We started our travel from Bangalore to Bagdogra airport which is approximately 2 hours 45 min flight as we took an early morning flight we could see the spectacular sunrise through our window which gave a good start to the journey.

Sun Rise through the flight window!

MG Marg, Gangtok

We took a car from Bagdogra airport to reach Gangtok, the capital state of Sikkim. Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique ambiance that derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries. We also visited M.G. Marg one amongst the litter & spit free zone in our country. People here exactly know how to dress well, keep surroundings clean and eat lots of momos!

Must try: Thupka, Chocolate Waffles ( my best till date), shopping for winter attires be the best.

Other places to check near Gangtok: Bhagtang Waterfalls, lots of Monasteries which chants om mani Padme hum. The blend of the enchanting sound of the sacred words and the whirring of the prayer wheels made a spiritual impact on the mind and body in any of the monasteries located in any corner of Sikkim. The spiritual monks dressed in their religious attire of red robes and chanting the sacred Buddhist religious hymns make an enchanting environment that is so peaceful and soothing to the mind. The land of Sikkim is the home to more than 200 big and small monasteries and Gompas.

Somewhere near Nathula Pass

After a day tour in Gangtok, we were all excited to visit the most important part of our trip Nathula Pass and Tsomo Lake.

Nathula Pass is located 54 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The only way to reach the pass is through a drive from Gangtok. Sturdy vehicles such as Innova, Bolero, and Scorpio are available for rent in Gangtok. You can also share a cab till Nathula Pass with other tourists. The road from Gangtok to Nathula Pass is steep and slippery. The Nathula Pass height is 4310m and one has to take permit prior to visit this border and also photography is strictly prohibited!

Tsomgo lake from Ropeway!

Do you want to feel breathless? ( my travel gang must be recapping what it means:P), Please visit Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim and located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. The name Tsomgo means ‘Source of water’. Embedded in steep and rugged mountain terrain, the lake is covered with snow cover from early winter to late spring. Don't miss the Ropeway & Yak ride here. Also, people who have altitude sickness please be careful and take necessary measures!

Sikkim Style, Tashi Viewpoint

River Teesta

On our way back from the high altitude journey we also covered Tashi Viewpoint and wore a quick Sikkimese attire, Dikchu Dam & NagaWaterfalls. In most of our travel in Sikkim, we had river Teesta as our companion which was a cherry on the cake for the stunning scenery.

After the peaceful night, it was the time to visit the extreme cold village and the toughest road path called Lachung. It will take you 6-8 hours to reach Lachung from Gangtok. The time taken completely depends upon the weather and road conditions.

Lachung

Joseph Dalton Hooker had labeled Lachung as the ‘most picturesque village of Sikkim’ in ‘The Himalayan Journal’. Perched at an elevation of 8,600 ft. above sea level, Lachung finds its place on holiday itineraries of almost every traveler visiting Sikkim, especially those who are en route to ‘Yumthang Valley’ or ‘Zero Point’. The charming little hamlet, with its scenic wealth of stunning fruit orchards, sparkling streams and gushing blue rivers flowing against the mesmerizing backdrop of snow-crowned Himalayas loomed over by azure blue skies. I shall never forget the night staying in this village which made me realize that nothing is wilder when nature goes wild. Extreme cold and lack of basic amenities gave a lifetime experience to learn & cherish. You know it is this part of learning which travel gives is why I am addicted to travel!

Planning where to go? Pack your bags to this tiny state of wonder.