The small land just above West Bengal, which is very easy to miss out, is Sikkim. This is the smallest state of India, after Goa and is hidden, apparently. It is a hidden gem!
When I thought of writing about Sikkim, it was not a very easy choice, as this state is anyway a mysterious place to the rest of the country, let alone the rest of the world.
Sikkim got her name from combining two Limbu words “Su” meaning new and “khyim” meaning palace or house, this name was given to her because of the palace which was built by the first ruler Phuntsog Namgyal. From Beyul Demazong (Bhutias call her, ‘hidden valley of rice’) to Nye-mae-el (Lepchas call her, ‘paradise’), Sikkim has been lovingly called by a lot of names. But if I was to give her one, I would have preferred calling her ‘Land of thousand clouds’.
I went to Sikkim on a long drive, from Kolkata in West Bengal via Darjeeling, during May. The steep winding roads, where the Sun played hide and seek, with the greenery that kissed the mountains, was a lovely sight. The drive was a little risky and I will never encourage you to take that risk. Only local drivers can drive in those roads, the precision of each turns and the timings of using a brake, its solely their cup of tea.
We reached Sikkim around 8 p.m and it was drizzling then, yes sadness! Rain in the mountains is not cool, not at all. The chances of landslides as well as cloudy weather, makes the situation worse.
But, here, we are talking about Sikkim! This small state has the capability to give big surprises, like a bright sunny morning followed by such a night.
Next day the Sun,actually, woke us up. Followed by the nice walk on the mall road to the nearby momo shop, where we had our breakfast, the day started on a good note!
Like I have already mentioned Sikkim to be a ‘hidden gem’, there are places in Sikkim, which are unexplored and needs attention for that wanderer in you!
Aritar
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| Aritar |
How would you feel, if you are to wake up to a cute dog barking and when you come out he pulls you by your skirt and takes you to witness the most lovely sight ever, beginning of a new day!
Yes, that was my first morning in Aritar.
We were staying in a house, which belonged to a local farmer. His wife, Rita, makes the best thukpa, I ever had. Her tiny little eyes with that wrinkled smile and a bowl full of piping hot thukpa, the most awesome breakfast combination. Aritar, is a small village in East Sikkim. The main attraction of this place lies in the landscapes and the greenery. Lampokhari, which is one of the oldest natural lake of Sikkim is recently renovated to allow boating facility, is one of the greatest tourist places in Aritar.
The best time in Aritar was spent trekking. Early in the morning we used to start with no place in our minds, aimless and unplanned. Walking under those green meadows, surrounded by the great Himalayas in an amazing weather, I don’t think you need a plan to enjoy such beauties.
Gurudongmar Lake
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| Gurudongmar Lake |
A few hours ride from the capital, Gangtok, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes of the world in 17,800 ft. The lake is surrounded by huge mountains and is believed to be sacred by both the Buddhists as well as the Sikhs. There are many legends associated with this lake. The water of this is said to have miracle properties and thus accepted to be sacred, by the locals. The uniqueness of this lake lies in the fact that one part of the lake never freezes, which serves as a source of drinking water for the locals. The lake is in the middle, with absolutely nothing around and thus calmness of this place makes it a perfect destination for someone a little ‘peace of mind’.
Located at such a high altitude, a lot of tourists had breathing issues due to lack of oxygen so it is advisable to carry a small oxygen cylinder.
Singhik
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| Singhik |
A wonder in its own, located at the northern part of Sikkim, Singhik is the starting point for several trekking routes. You can stay in the Singhik Bungalow, which has four rooms facing Mt.Kanchenjungha. But we preferred staying at a homestay. Now staying with the local people gives you a better knowledge about the place.
Like, the owner of my homestay told us about the unexplored Tosha Lake trek, which is one of the most remote treks of Sikkim. Singhik is the last and the only point where you can take this trek from.
The best way to reach this place is from Gangtok, which is 56 km away.
Phodong Monastery
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| Phodong Monastery |
30km away from Singhik is Phodong Monastery, which was built in the 18th century. This monastery lies very near to Phensang and Labrang monasteries, which lies on the North Sikkim highway. The monastery is of Kargyupa sect and was built by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal.
Though the old monastery was rebuilt and renovated, but the old paintings and murals were preserved. The monastery celebrate its ‘cham’ on the 28th and the 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.
If you are in Phodong, I will suggest you visit the other two monasteries as well. These monasteries are enriched with the Buddhist culture and also offers a calmness to the soul.
Moreover, spending some time with the young monks is an experience of its own!
Sikkim does not get over like that. The state is a treasure of beautiful places and should be on any traveler’s top list. It has every quality to satisfy your wanderlust.
There are of course a lot to discover in this hidden gem which includes the unexplored ‘silk route’ and some amazing holiday destinations.
Enjoy!
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