The small state of Sikkim is an ideal of tranquillity and one of the Himalayas ‘ best-kept tourist secrets. With its steep snow-capped peaks, green slopes, and small towns sprinkled with multi-colored prayer flags, this traveler’s paradise hides a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Barsey: Barsey is notable for its brilliant and colorful Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is located in West Sikkim. Trekking to the Guras Kunj trekker’s hut via this sanctuary (teeming with animals such as the rare Red Panda) is a thrilling experience. Enjoy a panoramic view of the craggy Singalila mountain while basking in the warm rays of the sun at this lovely cottage.
Gyalshing: Gyalshing is thought to have been the royal gardens of Rabdentse, Sikkim’s capital until the late 1800s. It is now a thriving town with a century-old local market and Sikkim’s most important monastery, Pemayangste. The Mendang, Sikkim’s holiest wall, was erected by King Chogyal Chador Namgyal, directly across from the Gyalshing market. The tranquil Khecheoplari Lake, which the villagers adore and treasure as a wish-fulfilling lake, is also nearby.
Kaluk: Kaluk, a picturesque Himalayan village with great natural beauty, is located in West Sikkim. Take a local stroll to Rinchenpong, which has clouds floating over the wooded mountain ranges and a beautiful hamlet monastery, giving the ambiance a dreamlike vibe. The overwhelming grandeur of the magnificent Kanchenjunga strikes a magical spell on every visitor to Rinchenpong, though.
Rawangla: The little settlement of Rawangla, nestled between the hills of Meanam and Tendong, is a beautiful delight. In the village of Temi, Sikkim’s lone tea garden offers a delightful drink of the mellow and aromatic Temi tea. The Ralong Monastery, one of Sikkim’s most important monasteries, is also located in Rawangla. The serene aura that surrounds the Rawangla’s incredibly gigantic golden Buddha statue lingers in one’s imagination for a long time.
Sumbuk: Sumbuk is a birdwatcher’s paradise, located in one of South Sikkim’s most unspoiled areas. Sumbuk is a unique site with its banks of the babbling Rangit River, various gladiola farms, age-old temples, and a unique peacock breeding woodland. Pick wild strawberries at Tamley Chaur in the upper reaches of Phooldara, take a walk along the Tarey Bhir near Sadam hamlet, or visit the lush Kitam Bird Sanctuary, which is home to more than 200 bird species.
Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake, at a height of 12,400 feet, is nestled in a valley against a background of harsh, snow-capped mountains, creating an aesthetically gorgeous sight. The Sikkimese regard the Tsomgo lake as sacred, and it is said that Buddhist monks used to analyze the color of the lake’s water to predict the future. Today, visitors to the lake may sip boiling hot tea and dimsums before taking a lakeside ride on a friendly, colorfully adorned yak.
Yumthang Valley: Yumthang Valley, at 3500 meters above sea level, is a beautiful alpine valley brimming with natural wonders, including the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The beautiful meadows in this valley, which also affords a stunning perspective of the high peaks of Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa, are ablaze with glistening wildflowers.
So, if you enjoy exploring an undiscovered territory, pack your belongings and head to Sikkim.