Sikkim

1. Non seasonal snow on Sikkim’s Silk Route:

In recent years Silk Route, in East Sikkim, has developed into a major tourist spot, with thousand of tourist thronging the area for spectacular high altitude lakes, amazing views of Kanchenjunga and the feel of the ancient trade route. There are a different types of package depending upon the travellers time and budget. Starting from a single day hurricane tour to three day two night leisurely package ending at Gantok. Read more…

2. Aritar and Lam Pokhari Festival, East Sikkim:

Aritar (1498 m) in East Sikkim is a lunch pad for the high altitude Silk Route tour. Aritar itself is a beautiful scenic village with a touch of history. An extra day in Aritar will provide an interesting insight with an unique mix of history and nature, along with a much needed rest for the high altitude tour through a rugged landscape. Aritar is not just about a rest or an acclimatization stop for the silk route trip, Aritar is also the home to the Lampokhari Festival. Read more…

3. Sikkim Silk Route during Monsoon:

It was still dark and freezing cold and Mt. Kanchenjunga remained behind the clouds, but the white snow on the slopes of Mt Kabru and Mt. Kumbhakarana (or Janu) have turned golden with the rays of the rising sun. It was an early September morning and we watched the sunrise from the famed sunrise point of Lungthung, on Sikkim’s Silk Route. As I watched the the white massif turn golden, I was reminded of my previous visit to the Sikkim Silk Route. Read more…

4. British War Memorial, Nathang (Gnathang), Sikkim Silk Route:

The history of the Silk Route (also known as the Old Silk Route) in East Sikkim, is not restricted to the silk trade only. The high altitude rugged mountains was also the battleground between the Tibetans and the British in 1888. A memorial stands at Nathang (also called Gnathang) in memory of the British soldiers, who were killed in the battle. Toady the memorial complex can still be seen in Natrhang (Gnathang), consisting of two memorials and 15 graves. The old marbles plaques have been replaced by new granite plaque. Read more…

5. Birding Tour along Sikkim’s Silk Route:

In recent years Silk Route, in East Sikkim, has developed into a major tourist spot, with thousand of tourist thronging the area for spectacular high altitude lakes, amazing views of Kanchenjunga and the feel of the ancient trade route. Apart from the amazing views of Kanchenjunga and the feel of the ancient trade route, the Silk Route of Sikkim offers an amazing bio – diversity. It is a paradise for bird watchers and wild life spotters and an amazing place for wild life photography. Read more…

6. Chalamthang and Yuksam, a family trip of South and West Sikkim:

A family vacation to the Himalayas was long due. In fact our last Himalayan vacation was our honeymoon a decade and half ago. Although I have been in the Himalayas quiet a few times during this period but could never manage a trip to the Himalayas with my family. This was also the first Himalayan holiday for my nine year old daughter. It was a six day seven night tour (including journey) and included a three night stop at Chalamthang (South Sikkim) and two night stop at Yuksam (West Sikkim). Read more…

7. Chalamthang Homestay, South Sikkim, a home away from home:

So imagine a place in Sikkim offering a grand view of the meandering Teesta River thundering along the rolling green hills. The scattered towns and villages dotting the lush green hill scape and last but not least the snowy landscape of the Nathula Pass. Yes Chalamthang in South Sikkim near Singtam offers such a view and since there is no Kanchanjunga there is no crowd also. Chalamthang literally means Orange Farm in Lepcha language. The Chalamthang Homestay is located on the edge of a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Himalayan foothill.. Read more…

8. Walking tour of Pelling:

Apart from a few, most of the tourist attraction are located within or near Pelling and can be covered on foot in just half a day. If you are staying near the helipad in upper Pelling the walking route covering the statue of Chenrezig, Sanga Choeling Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins and Pemayangtse Monastery according to Google Map will take about two and half hours. So if you are starting at about 8 in the morning you would be back in the hotel for a late lunch. Read more…

9. Yuksam, first capital of Sikkim:

Yuksam, is the first Capital of Sikkim. The coronation of the first king of Sikkim happened in Sikkim in 1641. The throne on which the coronation took place is known as Throne of Norbugang and can still be seen in Yuksam. Yuksam also houses the oldest monastery of Sikkim the Dubdi Monastery, located on a hill top over looking the town. It also happens to be the last motorable point for the popular trek to Goechala (via Dzongri). Read more…