Sikkim

Description

Darjeeling Gangtok and Namchi

Sikkim is a small northeastern state which has this unique distinction of being bound by 3 sovereign nations Nepal, Bhutan and China. It also shares its southern border with the Indian state of West Bengal.

This tour starts from the city of Darjeeling, which is located in West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens, tea factories and toy trains. Some of the famous and memorable places to visit in Darjeeling are the M.G. Road or Mall Road where there are many places to eat and shop. You can enjoy local delicacies of the Darjeeling such as Momos, Thukpa and Dalle. 

Tiger View point is just breathtaking and this place offers the best sunrise view that you can get in India. Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. It has a 15ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha and also houses several Buddhist manuscripts and texts.

One of the most historic places in Darjeeling is HMI (Hindustan Mountaineering Institute) which is a full-fledged mountaineering institution founded by Tenzing Norgay, one of the first persons to summit Mt. Everest. The campus also has a museum where you can see personal artifacts of Tenzing. You can indulge in some adventurous activities while you are here such as rock-climbing which is sure to pump up your adrenaline.

After Darjeeling, you’ll be entering the state of Sikkim where you will get to experience the raw natural beauty of the mountainous vistas around you, one of the places being Nathula pass. It is a mountain pass which lies in the Eastern side of Sikkim surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of 14,140 feet above sea level which makes it one of the highest mountain passes in the world which is accessible to humans. The view is quite majestic as you would expect from a high mountain pass and the place is away from the hustle and bustle of the touristic places which makes it one of a kind experience. 

A visit to “Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir”  is also on the cards which is a temple made to honour Late Indian Soldier Harbhajan Singh. He was martyred in 1968 near Nathula, which is near Eastern Sikkim. There are many legends about him, some of which state that his soul protects the Indian army contingent near the place and warns them about impending danger. There is a holy shrine which draws many people and people get their wishes granted here.

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, a beautiful city located amongst majestic mountain valleys and River Teesta flowing by it. Gangtok lies in the eastern Himalayan Range at an elevation of 5,410 fts. You can go for a stroll at M.G. Road which is a clean open air-mall where there are good hangout spots, places to shop and eat your heart out with many shops, cafes and restaurants located there.

Rumtek Monastery is known for its calm and serene atmosphere and also for the Buddha statue inside the monastery. Ban Jhakri waterfalls provide an escape from the city life of Gangtok to a waterfall which is located amidst the forests. Namgyal institute of Tibetology is a beautiful museum which is dedicated to Tibetan culture and Vajrayana Buddhism. There are many souvenirs and books which you can find in the monastery. Tashi View point provides a panoramic view of beautiful mountain vistas of Sikkim.

 Namchi is located in South Sikkim and the name Namchi means “Sky High” is Sikkimese language. It is located at an elevation of 1,315 mts. One of the most famous places to visit in Namchi is Siddheshwar Dham which is also known as Char Dham. It is located at Solophok Hill which is located 5kms from the town of Namchi. It is one of the most well known and auspicious places for Hindus. There is also a 108ft tall statue of Lord Shiva which draws visitors from all around. This place is great for learning more about Hindu religion and culture.