Lonely Planet awarded it with “The best region to visit in 2015”. It is one of the cleanest states in India. The pride of the North-east-yes it’s the beautiful and peaceful state of Sikkim.
A train journey to NJP from the Guwahati railway station which is about seven to eight hours will only bring you through half the way. One requires travelling another five hours in a sumo to reach the mesmerizing capital city of Sikkim that is Gangtok. The main attractions of the city might be the famous ‘Mall road’ or various waterfalls and monasteries in and around but the most breath taking part is that it is surrounded by gigantic mountains all around which act like the guardians of the people.
Travellers are usually taken to two major places- the first one is Lachung which is about eight hours away from Gangtok. One could visit various sightseeing places in between which includes the high peaked ‘Amitabh Bachan Falls’ named after the famous tall Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachan. On reaching Lachung, you are required to stay one night in a hotel and the next morning, as early as 5am, you are taken in for the journey to Yumthang valley where you get your hot and delicious bread butter breakfast and gloves and boots on rent. The final destination is then started to Zero point which is covered with snow all over. The temperature there dips down to -40 degrees in winters.
The second place to visit in Sikkim is the ‘Nathula Pass’- the Indo China border which takes about four-five hours from Gangtok. One could feel goose bumps as you enter the Indian army cantonment at an altitude of 14450 ft where hundreds of army men live to protect the border. The “You are under Chinese surveillance now” board does create anxiety in the minds of travellers but on reaching the point, the Indian army’s cooperation and warm greetings make up everything. The other attractions in this area include the Baba mandir and the lake area where one could enjoy Yak rides.
Sikkim is a traveler’s paradise. Be it be the clean and peaceful environment, the delicious momos or the chilling cold mountains, one would not help but want to come back again.
How to Reach: Train journey from Guwahati to NJP (7-8 hours) plus Sumo ride from NJP to Gangtok (5 hours)
Best Time to visit Sikkim: From March to June and From September to December
Snowfall: In specific areas like Lachung.
Travel tips: Though the temperature is moderate in Gangtok, other areas of Sikkim requires travelers to carry heavy woolens. Also, carry your government approved ID's required to make passes to visit certain areas. Advised for: Those who can bear long road journeys and can survive without their cell phones for a day or two.