Travel To Sikkim
Awareness
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan Mountains. The state shares its borders with Nepal to the west, China’s Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south with Gangtok as its capital.
This state provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. It is a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. Rich scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at enjoyable, joyous and fascinating. Many trekking routes are present in this state for those travelers in love with trekking.
Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world is the crowning glory of this lovely state. With magnificent snow and ice scenery it is often regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world.
People of this state are very friendly, helpful and religious. This state is rich in forests and nearly 81 per cent of the area of Sikkim comes under the administration of its forest department.
Permit is required for Indian Citizens and foreigners, travelling to the areas closer to the border like Nathula, Nathang and northern sikkim like Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang and other places of north sikkim. Travelling any other parts of sikkim does not require permits.
Obtaining Permits
Permits are usually arranged by the tour operators or hotels by paying an amount and filling up a prescribed form attaching current passport size photo of each individual along with identity proof. There are offices in Gangtok and Rongli from where these permits can be obtained.
Kaluk
Kaluk is situated in western Sikkim is a tiny village about 2 kilometers from Rinchenpong. It is situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. It is known for its peaceful and tranquil ambience and majestic view of Mount Kanchenjunga. You can get a glimpse of the entire Kanchenjunga range from this beautiful village.
Tourists who wanted to be close to nature and far from crowds, while basking in the pristine beauty of nature and witnessing the breathtaking views of sunset and sunrise over Mt Kanchenjunga.
By Air: Though the nearest airport is Pakyong Airport but due to climatic conditions very few flights operate from this airport. The next nearest airport is Bagdogra. Hired taxis are available to Kaluk. One can hire a shared taxi to Jorethang and from there shared or hired taxis are available to Kaluk.
By Rail : The best way to reach Kaluk through rail, is to reach New Jalpaiguri Railway station. This station is well connected from the rest of India. There are lot of trains from Howrah and Sealdah. It takes nearly 5 to 6 hours by local taxi to reach Kaluk from NJP station. It is always better to reach NJP in the morning so that ample time is available for travelling to Kaluk.
The availability of hired taxis to Rinchenpong or Kaluk is not that frequent. But tourists can avail a hired taxi by a little extra.
By Road : Kaluk is well connected by roads to the rest of Sikkim. One can reach kaluk by road from Siliguri, though some patches of the roads are bumpy. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Kaluk and road is filled with lot of twists and turns. So tourist having motion sickness should have vomit tablet handy with them. One can also hire a taxi from Pelling.
There are midrange hotels and resorts available at Kaluk.
Hotel Mandarin: Located in the main Kaluk market just a road leading to this wonderful hotel. This hotel is run by a family. Hotel staff is very gentle and polite with wide range of delicacies. They take care of all the necessities. Though Mt Kanchenjunga is visible from all the rooms but rooms at the first floor are preferable. All the rooms are named after birds. They have a garden in front. Rooms have hot and cold water facility. Rooms neither have fan nor AC. The weather is so soothing, that these are not required.
Ghonday Village Resort: This hotel is located just above hotel Mandarin on the same road. The rooms are well decorated and named after mountain peaks. They have a wide variety of dishes in their menu. Mt Kanchenjunga is visible from each room. Rooms have private balcony. The staff is friendly and polite.
Green Hill Resort: This resort has spacious cottages each with a view of Mt Kanchenjunga. Food is nice and staff is polite. Each cottage has wooden flooring.
Dentam Valley: Located about 8 kilometers from Kaluk, this is a picturesque valley in the lap of mountains.
Singshore bridge: This is a suspension bridge, the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second highest bridge in the Asian continent. Covered with mist this bridge provides a great spectacle of the valley.
Buddha Statue: Located high above a hilltop, this statue overlooks Kaluk and Rinchenpong. The view from the statue is magnificent.
Rock Garden: This is a newly carved garden amidst a waterfall. Flowers and rhododendron are plenty. There are aerial view towers from where tourists can sit and relax. There is a swimming pool up above the garden where locals enjoy swimming.
Aritar
Aritar located in East Sikkim district is a quiet and peaceful small town amidst the Himalayas. Imposing view of the Mt Kanchenjunga range is visible from here. This town is filled with imposing landscapes, delighting waterfalls and pristine lakes. The place is also the gateway to the silk route journey. This is a serene place with lovely helpful people with pleasant weather.
By Air: Though the nearest airport is Pakyong Airport but due to climatic conditions very few flights operate from this airport. The next nearest airport is Bagdogra. Taxis for Aritar are available on hire.
By Rail : The best way to reach Aritar through rail, is to reach New Jalpaiguri Railway station. This station is well connected from the rest of India. There are lot of trains from Howrah and Sealdah. It takes nearly 4 to 5 hours by local taxi to reach Aritar from NJP station. It is always better to reach NJP in the morning so that ample time is available for travelling to Aritar. Taxis and jeeps are available from NJP to Aritar.
By Road : Aritar is well connected by roads to the rest of Sikkim. One can reach Aritar by road from Siliguri, roads are smooth with some bumpy patches. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Aritar from Siliguri.
Lampokhari Village Resort: This resort is run by a family and has three main cottages. This is located within the compound of Aritar Lake. They have a nice sitting area in front. The lake is clearly visible from all the rooms. Rooms are well furnished and has attached bath with hot and cold water facility. Food is delicious but needed to order early. The reception is helpful and provides all the guidance.
Hotel Aditya: This hotel is on the outskirts of road leading to the Aritar Lake. Rooms are well decorated with amenities. Homely atmosphere awaits tourists at this place. Rooms have attached bath with hot/cold water. Food is delicious as well.
Hotel Chittiz: This hotel is close to Aritar Dak Bungalow. Few rooms have balconies attached to the rooms. The rooms are decent and have an attached restaurant that serves Sikkimese food as well other choices. Rooms come with attached bath and contain the necessary amenities.
Lampokhari Lake: This lake is oldest lake of Sikkim. The water is greenish with fishes. Surrounded by a garden and has a boating facility. Parking facility is available with a a charge.
Dak Bungalow: This is an old British style bungalow. This is the place where Sikkim police was raised in 1897.
Kali Khola falls: Situated on the Rorethang – Rongli road this is a natural water fall about 100 ft high and never dries out.
Aritar Gumpa: This monastery is considered to be the holiest and oldest in Sikkim.
Yuksom
Yuksom is a nature’s paradise located in the Western Part of Sikkim. This is the gateway to Mt. Kanchenjunga. The entire range is visible from this serene place. Yuksom has lot of history associated with it. Three monks came from Tibet in pursuit of the fourth person, as the current three lamas represented three directions of North, South and West and Padmasambhava’s vision had predicted the requirement for a fourth person. They found a man churning milk. He offered them some refreshments and gave them shelter.
So impressed were they by his deeds that they realized that he was a chosen one. So Phuntsog Namgyal, became the first King of Sikkim. Yuksom is the home to many trekking trails. It is a paradise form trekkers.
By Air:Though the nearest airport is Pakyong Airport but due to climatic conditions very few flights operate from this airport. The next nearest airport is Bagdogra. Only hired Taxis for Yuksom are available. It takes around 6 hours to reach Yuksom.
By Rail :The best way to reach Yuksom through rail, is to reach New Jalpaiguri Railway station. This station is well connected from the rest of India. There are lot of trains from Howrah and Sealdah. It takes nearly 6 hours by hired taxi to reach Yuksom from NJP station. It is always better to reach NJP in the morning so that ample time is available for travelling to Yuksom. Hired Taxis and jeeps are available from NJP to Yuksom.
By Road : Yuksom is well connected by roads to the rest of Sikkim. One can reach Yuksom by road from Siliguri or from anywhere in Sikkim, roads are smooth with some bumpy patches.
Hotel Red Palace Hotel & Resort: This features 24 hour front desk and newspaper and provides complimentary breakfast. Hotel has big room and some of the rooms have mountain views. Staff is helpful and polite and serves tasty food.
Tashigang Hotel: The rooms are well decorated and big, have the basic amenities with good food.
Vamoosetrail Yuksom: This is a home stay and offers relax atmosphere for guests and they can relax in the garden of the property. This home stay is surrounded by lush green trees and closer to nature.
Travelers looking for real trekking adventures amongst chestnut, maple, pine, rhododendron and wide range of Himalayan trees leading to spectacular Mt Kanchenjunga range. This is the place to start their adventure. Inner Line permit is required for this trek that can be acquired from Yuksom. The best time for the trek is summer and autumn. During winters there is lot of snow and the trek is closed.
Yuksom-Dzongri trek is a 5 days trek; the first day trek starts from Yuksom to Tshoka amongst meadows and dense forest of rhododendron and magnolia. The second day trek from Tshoka to Dzongri is pretty inclined and stiff. Tourists should take ample amount of water and dry food. Spend the third day at Dzongri, acclimatizing in the camp amongst mountainous peaks of Kanchenjunga range. All the peaks of the range are clearly visible. Fourth day traveler can head down from Dzongri to Tshoka and spending the night in camp at Tshoka. Fifth day trek back from Tshoka to Yuksom.
Yuksom-Dzongri trekking excursion brings tourists close to the nature and during the journey you can explore the virgin peaks. It is must trek destination.
Uttarey
Uttarey is situated at an altitude of 6600 ft in the west of Sikkim and is a hidden paradise. It is a peaceful and tranquil village known for its natural beauty and diverse variety of flora and fauna. Kagju monastery is one of the oldest monastery in Sikkim located amongst dense greenery. This is a paradise for travelers indulging in trekking. There are almost 20 trekking routes starting from Uttarey. Some are hard trek routes and some are moderate.
Full range of majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga is visible from Uttarey and mesmerizes traveler.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Obtaining Taxis for Uttarey is a bit difficult from there. One can take a taxi to Jorethang and from there shared or hired taxis are available to Uttarey.
By Rail :The best way to reach Uttarey through rail, is to reach New Jalpaiguri Railway station. This station is well connected from the rest of India. There are lot of trains from Howrah and Sealdah. It takes nearly 7 to 8 hours by local taxi to reach Uttarey from NJP station. It is always better to reach NJP in the morning so that ample time is available for travelling to Uttarey. One can take a taxi to Jorethang and from there shared or hired taxis are available to Uttarey.
By Road : Uttarey is well connected by roads to the rest of Sikkim. One can reach Uttarey by road from Siliguri, though some patches of the roads are bumpy. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach Uttarey and road is filled with lot of twists and turns. Uttarey can also be reached from Pelling.
Nagbeli Hotel: This hotel is located about half kilometers away from Uttarey valley. Located in an Eco-friendly area, brings traveler closer to nature. Rooms are spacious and they also provide cottages. Hotel has a garden that is splendid. Rooms have TV with hot water. There is no internet or Wi-Fi. Only Vodaphone and Airtel network is available here.
Monal Home Stay: This home stay is run by a family and are very co-operative, friendly and accommodating. They serve organic and local foods. They also have full wooden cottages. They also arrange for treks for travelers.
Travelers looking for real trekking adventures amongst chestnut, maple, pine, rhododendron and wide range of Himalayan trees leading to spectacular Mt Kanchenjunga range. This is the place to start their adventure. during the journey you can explore the virgin peaks.
Maainbaas Waterfalls Trek,
Phoktey Dara Trek,
Barshey Rhododron Sanctuary Trek
Dzongri Trek.
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