Irresistible Sikkim: The travel tale

Have you ever lost yourself to the clouds? I got lost amidst the irresistible beauty of Sikkim. Being lost is happy sometimes. I was lost among the surreal world of clouds, lush subtropical woodlands and rhododendron groves and locals. I was not in Sikkim for monasteries, momos and monuments. I was looking forward for some crazy clouds dancing on my head, beautiful valley which will keep visiting my dreams reminding me of the beautiful country we live in.

Sikkim is the window onto the Himalayas. The little colourful window  from where you get a panoramic view of the Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Thingchinkhang, Mt. Jopuno , Mt. Pandim and Mt. Rathong. The snow laden mountain, weaving stories for me, seems alive. As soon as I landed the Bagdogra Airport, the cold wind pricked on my nose and gently waved me ‘Hi’.

Sikkim, the state worth falling for, is destitute of lustrous roads. Bagdogra, located on the border of West Bengal and Sikkim, is 123 kms away from Gangtok. Considering the potholes and the unadopted roads of the state, it would have took more than 5 hours to reach Gangtok. The bird’s eye view of the river Teesta carved out of verdant Himalayas is the only relief during the journey. Since I was running out of time, I decided on helicopter service provided by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) which is a division of Sikkim state government, which reduces the travel time from five hours to 30 minutes. The panoramic view of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok will make your ride worthy.

Bhaichung Bhutia, the striker of Indian Football Team, came as a complete surprise. He officially introduced me to his state. From river Teesta to local cuisines, the thirty minutes session was more about Sikkim less about football. The footballer was delighted and proud while introducing me to the state heritage and environment. A star without stardom looks even more sexy!

The taxi swathed among the tangled roads leading to Hotel Hungy Jack. The hotel located at the prime location, most importantly opposite to the taxi stand, seems to be one of the oldest hotels of Gangtok. The rooms with wooden look and modern facilities are eligible for the backpackers. The hotel is located at NH31A is always lively and brimming with tourists.

If you have to see how beautiful Sikkim is, wake up early and sit on the incomplete construction of private taxi stand. The ochre clear sky, clouds floating and dancing around the colourful canopied huts and sun getting high. What you get high on is the heavenly view of the lush green Himalayas.

Sikkim shares international borders with Tibet Autonomous Region of China on its northeast and hence become more vulnerable to trespass. While you are travelling to Sikkim, do not forget to carry your identification card (passport, voter ID card or Aadhar Card).  My travel for North Sikkim started early at 9 am. Kushal Chettari, our cab owner, got all the Protected Area Permits (PAP) for Yumthang Valley from the Sikkim Tourism Office located at NH31A.

The journey to Lachung, at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers, both tributaries of the River Teesta, the nearest village to Yumthang valley, is worth travelling. The seven sisters’ falls and the Bachchan fall are amazing tea-stop. The road heading to Lachung from Gangtok is in bad shape leading to an exhausting journey. We reached Lachung at 6 pm. The cute little wooden house was our home for chilly night. Temperature dipping as low as 2 degree gave us some major craving for tea. The home stay with basic facilities and warm hospitality (as warm as the blankets they provide) overlooking the valley and river Teesta is perfect for nature lover.

Early morning, after some photo session at River Teesta, we headed to Yumthang Valley. I had never seen valley so lively and colourful. As if they were narrating their story of love, pain and agony. The valley has all the possible colours. The yellow leaves mixed with a splash of red and green, the red flowers amalgamated with orange and blue- the valley is riot of colours. The hide and seek of sun rays and clouds made the valley look more gorgeous. Yes, gorgeous is the word!

We enjoyed finger licking breakfast at Yumthang Market. The shops sell local products, woollen clothes, travel essential and souvenir. After a breakfast break, we headed to Zero Point. River Teesta was our travel partner and travel along with us till zero point. The river was frozen, calm and cold. The cold wind sent chill down the spine. Enjoy the 360 view of snow with partially frozen river.

  

  

Sikkim is a hidden gem and perfect for a travel junkies who believes to travel the roads less traveled. 
Pack your backpack, and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. Getting little lost in the serenity and tranquility never hurts! 

Points to note:

Inner Line Permit: For foreigners. This can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 30 days duration Permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two passport size photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 30 days initially.

Protected Area Permit: For those interested in going for trekking in the interior region of the state, which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a registered travel agency.

Protected Area Permit (PAP) for various places in Sikkim

• Tsongo –Baba Mandir
• Nathula Pass
• Dzongri Trek
• Singalila Trek
• Yumthang
• Yumesamdong (zero point)
• Thangu-Chopta Valley
• Gurudongmar

Motorist guide:

• Passport size photographs of applicant and co-rider
• Identity proof of documents of applicant and co-rider
• Driving license
• Pollution Control documents of motorbike
• Insurance documents of motorbike
• An affidavit authorization from the owner for hired bike
• Application form with supporting document should be submitted one day in advance to Home Department for permit.