Himalayan environment, gurgling streams, Snowcapped Mountains, Richness of culture and Monasteries; the most alluring features of Sikkim makes you want to visit this energetic and refreshing place. I also made up my mind to enjoy the untouched natural beauty and freshness and headed for Sikkim holidays. On arrival at the Bagdogra airport, I was driven to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim state. The first place was the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which is literally known as source of the lake.
It is situated at a height of 12000 ft on Gangtok Nathu La highway and falls in the restricted area for which a permit is required. A small temple of Lord Shiva is forged on the lakeside. Going upwards the hills, the next destination is Nathu La Pass. Also known as the Silk Route, Nathu La is situated on the borders of India and China. It is at an elevation of 14450 ft and one of the highest motor able routes. One needs special permit to visit this Pass. The place is extremely cold and temperature drops below freezing point.
After this Sikkim attraction, coming down the Pass way lays the legendary Baba Mandir. It was built in memory of a soldier in the 23rd Punjab regiment. The temple is believed to have wish- fulfilling powers and the water kept in the shrine gains healing property. It is believed that he is still doing his duty on borders even after his death some 3 decades back!! The whole roadway has a picturesque backdrop of Kanchenjunga range. After this tour, my next on itinerary was Sikkim monasteries; the 1st being Rumtek monastery.
It is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim built in the 16th century. The main temple is 4 storied with a golden sculpture and is decorated with traditional colorful murals. The shrine hall stands on strong red pillars with silk banners and ancient thankas suspended from them. Next in Sikkim tour was Bakthang Waterfalls- the most beautiful falls in Sikkim. It is along the national highway 31A. It is a completely crowd free place to enjoy the scenic views; ideal for picnicking and photography.
Then next place to visit was Ganesh Tok. It is a very small temple located on the Gangtok- Nathu La road. The temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha. It is so small that it can just accommodate only one person at a time; one must crawl to get into the temple. Being situated at a height, one can get a clear view of the whole town.
My trip concluded with a shopping spree in M G road, which is the most famous in Sikkim. Lined with bustling shops and colorful activities, one can find a wide range of items here to choose from. With this my Sikkim tour came to an end. Though small but beautiful, Sikkim is a prominent destination for every travel enthusiast. Steep heights and plunging gorges, stretches covered in snow- this is what sums up Sikkim.
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| Rumtek Monastery Sikkim |
After this Sikkim attraction, coming down the Pass way lays the legendary Baba Mandir. It was built in memory of a soldier in the 23rd Punjab regiment. The temple is believed to have wish- fulfilling powers and the water kept in the shrine gains healing property. It is believed that he is still doing his duty on borders even after his death some 3 decades back!! The whole roadway has a picturesque backdrop of Kanchenjunga range. After this tour, my next on itinerary was Sikkim monasteries; the 1st being Rumtek monastery.
It is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim built in the 16th century. The main temple is 4 storied with a golden sculpture and is decorated with traditional colorful murals. The shrine hall stands on strong red pillars with silk banners and ancient thankas suspended from them. Next in Sikkim tour was Bakthang Waterfalls- the most beautiful falls in Sikkim. It is along the national highway 31A. It is a completely crowd free place to enjoy the scenic views; ideal for picnicking and photography.
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| Ganesh Tok Gangtok |
My trip concluded with a shopping spree in M G road, which is the most famous in Sikkim. Lined with bustling shops and colorful activities, one can find a wide range of items here to choose from. With this my Sikkim tour came to an end. Though small but beautiful, Sikkim is a prominent destination for every travel enthusiast. Steep heights and plunging gorges, stretches covered in snow- this is what sums up Sikkim.
