Sikkim is a gorgeous place. It is neighbored by Bhutan, China as well as Nepal and is known as Himalayan Shangri-las. Permits are required to access Sikkim that is why it is still less visited. It is one of the most rejuvenating and exciting place to be. The peace and calm of this place is accompanied by the mountainous beauty as well as the old Tibetan Buddhist Heritage.
1. Monasteries
Sikkim is an amazing place for peace and meditation. One will find about two hundred monasteries spread all over the hilltops. The monasteries that are frequently visited by travelers are Rumtek which lies on the opposite side from Gangtok on the valley, the other one is Pemayangtse which lies close to Pelling in West Sikkim, the third one is Tashiding situated in West Sikkim. Other monasteries worth paying a visit are Karma Kagyu, Enchey and Sanga-Choeling. Karma Kagyu which is situated in Phodong in North part of Sikkim. The Karma Kagyu monastery has two hundred years old murals. The Old Sanga-Choeling monastey can be accessed only on foot from Pelling.
Several festivals are celebrated at the monasteries maily around Losar in the months of February and March. The Enchey monastery hosts a festival in the months of December and January known as Chaarm.
2. Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail
Sikkim is heaven for trekkers. The most popular trek here is from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak. And if you are up for the challenge and thrill then trek further on to Goecha Peak. This trek takes you through untouched forests, beautiful shrub gardens and mighty rivers. If you are a foreign national then you need trekking permits. Permits can be obtained from Tourism offices in Gangtok itself and even from Sikkim House in New Delhi. If you prefer going on an organized trek then you will find plenty to begin with here.
3. Teesta River rafting:
The route taken during rafting is Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo. Over here rapids of two to four grades are interspersed with smooth patches and accompanied by serene white beaches for camping during the night. To add to the excitement you will find high cliffs as well as gorges running all along the boulder scattered river beds. The Rangeet River with its tumultuous water offers challenging rafting opportunities for advanced rafters.
4. Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries
Sikkim is well known for its stupefying variety of birds, fauna, and flora. Mora than 450 varieties of birds, 400 varieties of butterflies, 450 kinds of orchids, and 40 varieties of shrubs can be seen here. The places to experience the matural beauty in Sikkim are the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in southern Gangtok as well as the Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary at an hour’s distance from Gangtok enroute to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
5. Nathu La Pass and the Old Silk Route
If you are an adventure freak then you have to journey along the early Old Silk Route to Nathu La. It takes three hours from main Gangtok on the China border. This border comprises of lonesome barb wire fencing. Looking at the Chinese soldiers on the other end will induce excitement as well as nerve chilling experience inside you. The only drawback is that only Indians can travel this far that too on Wednesday,Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. A permit is needed by Indians to trek to this place.
