Sikkim: The Himalayan window

Presenting you this blog on completing 2 years of Sikkim Journey. Sit back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and explore this beautiful journey.

Life is so alluring , you travel to live or you live to travel. Travelling is not a necessity but it is something that helps you recreate your life and add some colours to it. Now you must be wondering what’s so new in this blog ? Everyone has their own experiences and they narrate them in different forms.

I am always thrilled enough to go to the mountains and feel the serene breeze. Like most of us, I was always intrigued to take a glimpse of the beauty this world is from the Himalayan ranges. What a breathtaking moment it is to get yourself close to this nature’s gift and embrace its beauty. 

Back in 2018 April the Sikkim tour was planned. Every year at least once I travel to North India and there is nothing more peaceful than that in life. But what made me choose Sikkim ? I decided to explore Sikkim with my friend’s sister and her mates who travel frequently. The day arrived, we had our flights at 7:40 early in the morning with another connecting flight from Kolkata (there are no direct flights). We reached Bagdogra airport by 4:30 pm and we hired a cab to Siliguri.

I was truly blessed to see the fiery red sky welcoming us. By 7:45pm we were at our hotel, got freshened up and went out for dining. Had some delicious chicken momos and fried rice at a local cafe nearby followed by ice-cream for dessert. We hit the road by 7:00 am on day 2 to travel towards Sikkim and enjoyed the beautiful scenarios on our way. It was so calm and cold with this sparkling and green Teesta River flowing alongside. Reached Sikkim at around 3:00pm and checked into the hotel “VajraKila”. The room was quite spacious with an attached panoramic view gallery.

Mesmerising sunset views and mornings with full of mist that we could barely see on the road. It was day 3, we at Sikkim had our breakfast and headed towards our cab. Spent our day visiting and exploring some local tourist attractions. We visited the famous “Banjhakri Falls” and had some Maggie with a view. Having that piping hot Maggie when Sikkim’s chilly air is hitting your face is something everyone should experience at least once in their life.

It was so peaceful to visit the “Namgyal Institute of Tibetology” and a few monasteries on our way. Enjoyed our evening at the Sikkim market, explored some street food and shopping. Post our hectic shopping we went back to our rooms, had dinner and that was it for the day. On the 4th day we made our visit to the gorgeous Tsomgo Lake.

Super scenic roads maintained by the Border Roads Organisation made this journey relaxing. The final patch to this lake is phenomenal with steep snow capped mountains. As soon as we reached , the temperature dropped below 0° and there was no visibility at all. What an amazing experience it was , walking towards the lake making our way through a snowfield surrounded by snow capped mountains. I was mesmerized. Captured some beautiful pictures and spend some time by the lakeside. Next we headed to Ganesh Tok (Ganesh Temple)and Hanuman Tok (Hanuman Temple) and enjoyed the whole Sikkim City view from the top. We also visited the famous Tashi view point from where the Kanchenjunga Mountain range is visible. Unfortunately it was cloudy and we were not able to see it.

Got ready for the next day i.e. day 5th as we had to check out from our hotels for travelling to Lachen. Got introduced to fellow travellers from Bengal with whom the best of memories were created. The journey began, with singing songs, munching and introducing each-other. We reached lachen by evening and got climate acclimatised at 8,500ft asl. It was drizzling and the temperature dropped consistently. Also tried Tongba a local drink of Sikkim made out of grains and served in a “bamboo flask”. It was a nostalgic feeling but it helped me keep my body warm. Had some spicy egg curry and rice for dinner. That night was a bit horrible one, as there were insects all over the room, but somehow managed and rested ourselves.

On the 6th day we started our journey from Lachen to the most awaited destination of this tour, the sacred “Gurudongmar Lake”. The Chungthang Road which leads to the lake here is excellent with breathtaking landscapes on both the sides. It is India’s second highest lake and among the top ten lakes in the world due to its height of 17,800ft above sea level. Reached at the top and I was truly amazed to see the beauty of this lake which cannot be described in words, it gave me happy tears. Got down the mountain and started walking around this pristine blue lake capturing its beauty , what a blissful moment it was. Baby steps as the oxygen level here is too low with sub-zero temperatures and winds passing at a speed of 25km/Hr. I was called back as a friend started facing breathing difficulties, due to which I started climbing up in a hurry and was hit by acute altitude sickness, felt fainted and was unable to move forward. A man who saw this advised me to stay there and offered me a chocolate which helped me recover immediately. Got back to our cars, I wish I could have spent some more time at this place because it has an infinite power to offer. We had to visit the Army cantonment as my friend was not in a good condition. It was an Unforgettable experience to be the army cantonment.Thanking the army officials would be less for their hospitality.

On day 7th we headed to Lachung which is 9,600ft above sea level so as to explore the beautiful valley of flowers , the “Yumthang Valley”. I was awestruck by the view surrounded by pine trees, snow clad mountains and Tibetan prayer flags. Spent some time along the riverside in this valley and wondered how this earth is full of surprises and positivity. Next we continued our journey towards the “Zero point”. Took some coffee and had some boiled eggs and walked up the mountain. All of a sudden it started snowing but still we continued to climb up, as the temperatures started falling down it started snowing heavily. Enjoyed to the fullest but unfortunately we had to get down and head back before the roads get jammed by snow. It was quite late and tiring by the time we reached back to the hotel, got freshen up and had some moments with fellow travellers over a couple of drinks. It was just 2 days we had been together and it felt like months.

On day 8th we reached Kolkata, and had our lunch at the famous “JaiHind Dhaba” . Visited the pride of Kolkata , the “Victoria Memorial” which is a majestic empire making and Unesco site. Next we visited the oldest and most famous St.Paul’s Cathedral Church, trust me this place is so soothing. Day ended with some drizzling. On the morning of day 9 we tasted some delicious ice-creams at “MamaMia India Cafe”. Also if you are in Kolkata the street food here is not to be missed. Enjoyed having some Kathi rolls at the market area.

My school Friend joined us on 9th day. Next morning we all visited the famous leather market shop “Shree Leather” and got our hands on some really amazing accessories. It was also was our last night in Kolkata and so we all decided to make it memorable. Parcelled some food and got some drinks on way back home. Enjoyed the night cherishing those amazing 9 days with some drink and food. Such time cannot be bought back and I was happy enough to seize that moment.

Day 10 I had my flight to Bombay at night. Goodbyes are always hard but this tour was worth everything. From adventures to enthralling journeys , pristine lakes, historical monuments, delicious food, trying new things and meeting beautiful people. Everything turned out to be so special and wonderful. This journey will be cherished throughout my life.

Note: Lachen and Lachung at high altitude areas, so make sure you acclimatise properly at Lachen, keep yourself hydrated, some hot drinks, chocolates and dry fruits which will keep you warm.

Also carry some camphor in a small bottle and keep inhaling it which will help to breathe properly at high altitudes. Have light food before hitting the high altitude regions or else you may puke.

Carry necessary proofs to get permits at Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake as these are connected by the borders.

Be safe, enjoy each moment like it’s never going to come back, meet new people, share your experiences with others and travel more.

Thank-you for patience and love, I hope my words and photos made you eager to travel to Sikkim very soon.