The SECRET lies in SIKKIM

It’s been exactly a month since I started by journey to one of the unexplored parts of North Eastern India.

I have always believed the saying that “the most beautiful places are those which are less travelled to”

To state a fact, this is the first state to ban plastic in India and has now become the first fully organic Indian state. This small landlocked state has done what other states couldn’t.

It feels as if this tiny state nestled in the Himalayas has captured my soul. This place is my idea of a paradise which held me so close to heaven.

I don’t think I will ever be able to justify Sikkim’s beauty in words or you can say my experience was such that I would fail to do so.

This trip was my dream come true. A place which I could only dream of till then and when finally I could I actually experience those picturesque creations of GOD, I was left stunned.

For the first time in my life I realised what it feels to be lost. Lost in nature’s beauty. Living only for those moments when I am spellbound by the scenic landscapes around me.

For all I must tell you that I am a person who loves my city above anything and loves night life to the core who can’t live without all the latest trends and comforts we get in cities.

But after exploring the not much explored SIKKIM I have realised that there’s one part of me who loves to be connected to this different side of the world where I get a chance to discover myself as an individual of what I really like to do or how I am. Now I have made a point that I will be travelling more often and I won’t wait for a chance instead I will make time and will definitely pursue my dream of travelling.

ITINERARY FOR MY TRIP

I stayed at Sikkim for 5 nights & 4 days and explored East & North Sikkim

Days 1: Fly to Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok-

On this day you will arrive at Bagdogra Airport. A private transfer to Gangtok should cost between INR 3000 and INR 3500. This cost goes down significantly if you choose a shared transfer. For shared taxis, it is advisable for you to go to Siliguri first and then move forward to Gangtok at just Rs.200.

However, the good news is that a new airport in Sikkim has opened this October 4, and this will certainly make it easier for travellers who plan to visit the city. It's located at about 33 km from Gangtok so travel to Gangtok will come down from 5 hours to just one.

Accommodation- I chose to stay in a hostel as my experience with Hostel stay have been really good and to cut down the cost and spend more on exploring the place is my idea of having a great trip.

Tagalong Backpackers is the right place to stay as it’s nearby to the main market i.e MG Marg and they’ve got amazingly clean dorms room and with a phenomenal host Manisha.

Day 2: Nathula pass, Tsogmo lake, Baba mandir & MG marg

Nathu La is a pass which was the part of the ancient silk route between China and India. During the Indo-China 1962 war it was closed and opened again during late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's reign. Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet. If you are traveling during tourist season make sure you go early and get a pass else you can be stuck in the traffic for a long time! We had a long story of how we managed to visit Nathula. And this was definitely where my SECRET worked and I was just amazed by it.

The cost of Nathula tour can vary depending on season. During high season (like April to June, and October to November) shared vehicle would cost about Rs. 900 - 1,000 per person for Tsomgo lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula including permit fee. Tour operators usually operates on sharing basis. Nathula remain closed on Monday & Tuesday.

On the way back, make sure you stop at the gorgeous Tsomgo (or Changu) lake.

Baba mandir has its own respectable history which got me goose bumps of how one soldier is still alive to save his country even when he’s no more.

After coming back to hostel we went for a visit to M. G. Marg. Again, it was simply stunning. With the lighting and decorations everything seemed planned. Did some shopping and had a very good Punjabi dinner at one of the restaurant.

Sikkim is one of the state for Spirit lovers. So don’t forget to buy Liquors / Beer. It’s a tax free state so prices are much lower than that of your hometown. You should definitely try HIT BEER by Danny Denzongpa. This beer is the best beer I have ever tried. You will forget Budweiser and Bira too.

Day 3: North Sikkim tour

Lachen

Let the fun (and back aches) begin!! For the next 3 days, you will be spending over 12 hours a day in your rental car on roads that aren’t worthy of being called roads, so make sure you’ve stocked up on snacks, some music, and optimism!

An early wake-up call followed by scenic 8 hour drive will bring you to Lachen. Lachen is a small village, which is the perfect place to break the journey between Gangtok and Gurudongmar Lake. The drive to Lachen is laden by nature’s marvels – stop for photographs with waterfalls, or just sip on a cup of tea at a small eatery that offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Roads in North Sikkim are in bad shape, so the drive is bound to leave you exhausted. But frankly speaking I didn’t feel exhausted at all maybe because I was too busy experiencing and enjoying the nature’s beauty.

Accommodation- Stayed at Delight Royal Lachen at a very reasonable price that included Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 4: Visit Gurudongmar Lake and stay at Lachung

The journey takes about 5 hours from Lachen. The mountain views around you will hypnotise you into oblivion. As you near Gurudongmar Lake, bright blue skies and crisp mountain air will beckon you into submission. This particular road will make you feel like you are on a different planet altogether and you’re just riding in some rover. If you don’t believe me literally plan your trip soon and experience that on your own.

Before you know it, you will be at 18000 ft above sea level and staring at a glistening water body, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. This is it. That’s the moment where I felt blank and just so calm that everything around me took a pause. That feeling when you earned something.

I finally encountered of what wonders nature does to you

Gurudongmar Lake is spellbinding and the definite highlight of a trip to Sikkim.

Accommodation- Stayed at Delight Royal Lachung at a very reasonable price that included Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 5: Yumthang valley and back to Gangtok

Yumthang Valley is particularly resplendent during the month of April when it is covered with purple flowers. At other times of the year, it offers some stunning panoramas.

On your way back to Gangtok, stop and stare at the dozens of waterfalls along the way.

The one we especially enjoyed was Bhim Nala Falls (also known as the Amitabh Bachan Falls)

We also visited one of the many monasteries Gangtok has.

Day 6: Gangtok to Darjeeling

As there was some big misunderstanding in our return train timing, we had to modify a bit and had to complete sightseeing around Darjeeling in a day.

We missed the sunrise at Tiger hills because that was planned for the next day (the day we had to leave as our train was scheduled) but we covered almost everything we could.

The most exciting thing about my trip was Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak), the glimpse of it you can see all around the Darjeeling but the fact being is that actually this peak is in Sikkim but the view of it you get to see from Darjeeling.

From this I got reminded of my Sikkim’s driver’s dialogue (who dropped us to Darjeeling)- Ye Kanchenjunga humara hai but Darjeeling wale kamate hai view dikhake)

I was behaving like a kid every time I could behold the view of Kanchenjunga from my cab and when I finally reached Tiger hill I actually stood up there for a little longer and was just imagining of how mesmerising these mountains could be, how giant they are.

Covered sightseeing starting from Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Tea garden, Japanese temple, Ghoom monastery and finally coming to an end to the most awaited joy ride in a toy train which was a childhood dream just to travel in that someday.

The most special thing about travelling is the people you meet on your journey, these are the ones who makes the places more memorable.

Just like to thank each and everyone with whom I got a chance to meet and interact with

Beginning with Manisha (our host), Pallavi, Untamed traveller, Ronn from Tagalong

The best of drivers we could ever ask for- Sachin, Bhaichung (Genuine and one of the most generous and sweet driver), and lastly Mangal (Particularly this guy have left us with so many crazy memories, awesome Nepali songs, and he actually sang one song for us- Mumbai se aya mera dost, and lastly his funny dialogues and his WhatsApp stays goes like this- “Under 18 no GF”

PS- Glittering glacial lakes, waterfalls at every turn, quiet monasteries, and scenic drives along with the bumpiest rides made my travel an adventurous one I will never forget

One thing I have learnt is travel actually opens up your door of imagination which I lost somewhere while growing up

It leaves you as a stranger in your own land after traveling strange places.

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