Sikkim Trip | Travelogue | 30th Dec 2016 - 8th Jan 2017

It was just another day at office. We were discussing on where our next trip would take us and ideas started pouring out of our minds. The obvious one being Goa, which never gets planned. We really needed to get a long break out of our hectic schedule. The options are very limited for peaceful and scenic excursions - North eastern states. We had heard a lot about Sikkim and after some research from our end we finally fixed this destination. With 6 days leave and 4 weekends at our disposal we had a total of 10 days to plan. One challenge we faced was our visiting time to Sikkim. We had already pushed the plan to 30th Dec 2016 which is the peak winter season. During this time most of the places are cut off due to snow. It was a gamble but the game was on.

Our brief itenary was decided as follows :
Pune-Gangtok-North Sikkim-East Sikkim-West Sikkim-Darjeeling-Mumbai.
We were situated in Pune. Being in close vicinity to mumbai we had flexibility to catch our flights either from Pune or Mumbai. First thing we did were our flight bookings. We booked onwards journey from Pune to Bagdogra and return from Bagdogra to Mumbai as per our convenience. Next we booked our hotels. Next we found contacts of some local tours in sikkim for booking our north Sikkim, Local sight seeing and east sikkim package in advance. We went for Lama tours and travels which provided the package on comfy sharing basis at a nominal cost. For west Sikkim we booked a dedicated taxi for 3 days. While the D day was approaching we made sure we were loaded with all necessary items and clothings for the winter travel.

Detailed travelogue follows :

Day 1 (30th Dec 2016)
Our Indigo flight (Pune-Delhi-Bagdogra) was at 5am in the morning from Pune. We landed in delhi at around 7am and had a layover of 4 hours. Terminal 2 is an interesting place with lots of shopping and food options for passing your time. At 12pm our next flight departed and we reached Bagdogra at around 2pm.
Upon reaching we inquired at the prepaid taxi counter for cabs to gangtok and siliguri. But we opted to try an alternative of reaching siliguri and boarding a shared cab to gangtok from there. We realized getting a prepaid taxi from airport to Gangtok directly was a better option in terms of cost and time. The cab charged us ₹300 for 3 of us in a 5 seater hatchback till siliguri. The same cab driver arranged another dedicated car for us at siliguri for ₹1600 for drop till our hotel near MG marg. Taxis coming from Siliguri usually go till the Deorali taxi stand only and have to take another taxi or pay more to reach MG marg.

The entire journey was very scenic and this is when we first encountered the blue Teesta river.The total journey took around 5 hours and we reached our hotel Silverline on Tibet road at 8pm. Here in sikkim it gets dark by 5:30pm itself. After freshening up we deicided to visit MG marg. Most of the shops had closed by this time but we managed to find few stalls and restaurants open. MG marg is a lively place with lots of public and no vehicles are allowed on this road. After exploring for a while we decided to return back. There was music still being played somewhere near our hotel and found out it was Cafe live & loud. We decided to visit this place in upcoming days. We were back at our hotel and called it off for the day.

Gandhi statue on MG road

Day 2 (31st Dec 2016)
We woke up late and this affected our schedule. We had local sight seeing planned at 9am but with the delay it started at 11am. The driver said that as it was 31st the Rumtek monastery may be closed and gave us an option to visit Bakthang waterfalls and Gonjang monastery in place of that.

Our first point was ropeway. They charged ₹70 per person for the ride. The car took us from one point at Deorali to another and got us back to the same point. The journey is of about 1 km and two cars operate at a time to and fro. There are no seats in the car and can accomodate around 15 people at once. The view of the city, mountains and valleys from above is spectacular.

Ropeway

View from Ropeway

Our next point was Do Drul Chorten stupa. We moved around the stupa while rotating the 108 prayer wheels. We also came across an old monk and took blessings from him :)

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Prayer wheels

Monk

Next we visited the Ban Jhakri waterfalls. Enroute the same we saw paragliding activity taking place over the hill. We wished we could do the same but time was not in our favour. Anyways we did it on another day due to change of plans. Ban Jhakri falls is a nicely build park with a waterfall at its end. After exploring the falls we visited at the stalls near the gate for lunch and tried the delicious local dishes like chowmein and momos.

Park

Fountain

Ban Jhakri Waterfall

Ban Jhakri Waterfall

Cute kid at the cafeteria

Next was the Gonjang monastery. After entering the monastery we were offered with a basket to pick any items among fruits,buiscuits etc. by a monk. Just outside the monastery, we were welcomed by an eye pleasing scenery.

Gonjang monastery entrance

Gonjang monastery

Gonjang monastery interior

View from Gonjang monastery

After few minutes drive from Gonjang monastery was Tashi view point. This point is known for the view of Kanchenjunga. But the weather was not that great and hampered the visibility. The view was still beautiful.

Monument at Tashi viewpoint

Next point for the day was Ganesh tok. Which is a temple on a hill with a admirable view of Gangtok city. The Doordarshan tower can be seen from here.

View from Ganesh tok

Finally we visited th orchid sanctury. It had an entry fee of around ₹50 per person. It was off season but still had ample varieties of flowers inside. A counter outside also had seeds of flowers for sale.

We were back to gangtok city after sight seeing by 6pm and it was already dark. It was time to explore MG marg again. It was cold and we had our caps, glows and jackets on. We stopped at a food outlet and tried a delicious local dish called sel roti which is served with potato dish.

Sel roti

Our new year eve party was planned at a night club called Plur at Tara Palace. When we visited it around 8pm there was no crowd at all. We got ourselves stamped and decided to checkout other places till then and return back to this place before midnight. We came back at around 11pm and there was good crowd buildup by now. DJ was playing good songs and we danced our hearts out. It was midnight and we wished each other a happy new year. We left the place after a while and walked through the MG marg towards our hotel. It was a crazy crowd out there on the roads screaming and wishing a happy new year. Back at the hotel they had their own party organised. We danced a little and then called it off for the day 2.

Day 3 (1st Jan 2017)
After a rough night we were ready for the 3 days 2 nights north sikkim tour. We started out late at around 10am due to unforeseen delays. We quickly had our breakfast at Agarwal's on MG road. Our driver and guide Ashish (Bapi) arrived with his Xylo. We were a total of 5 travellers.
Our first day destination was Lachung. On the way our first stop was at seven sisters waterfall. The name comes from the fact that there are 7 levels or steps in this waterfall. We had refreshments here and continued further.

Seven sisters waterfall

Scuplted image of Buddha on a rock

Our next stop was another waterfall named Naga waterfall. We had reached there in the evening around 3pm. There is a small footbridge over the waterfall for tourists. We climbed down a couple of huge boulders to get into the water. Eventually the water flows into the valley on the other side of the metal bridge for vehicles.

Wooden foot bridge at Naga falls

Naga falls

Finally we reached our hotel Grand Lachung in Lachung at around 6pm. We freshened up and rested a little and set out to explore the village. It was already dark by then and the hotel staff was kind enough to lend us a torch. There was a river flowing nearby and we could hear its sound throughout. In search of food we reached a small house. They served drinks too. We had heard about a local drink known as chaang also known as tumba or bamboo. To our surprise they served this drink. This drink is served in a wooden/bamboo container with a bamboo straw and is made from fermented millets. The procedure to have it is very interesting, hot water has to be poured from the top around the straw which then percolates below and then the drink can be consumed. This refilling process can be done 3 to 4 times after which the drink loses its flavour. The drink's taste is bit on the sour side and tasted like diluted wine. One must try this one during visit to sikkim.

Chaang/Tumba/Bamboo

We were back at the hotel later for dinner and then hit the sack.

Day 4 (2nd Jan 2017)
We were all excited to visit the yumthang valley and the zero point today. I woke up early morning to see the sunrise. It was freezing cold outside and i somehow managed to reach an elevated point just behind the hotel. I was just mesmerized with the beautiful view of the mountains covered with snow. Watching the sun rays fall on the snow caped mountains turning them into gold was treat to eyes.

Mountain view at Lachung

Mountain view at Lachung

Mountain view at Lachung

Mountain view at Lachung

Our guide Ashish arrived at around 8am to pick us up and was dissapointed to see that we were not ready. We quickly had our breakfast and started our journey. On the way we got news that it had snowed a lot that day and the roads to yumthang valley have become inaccessible. We were heartbroken to hear that but decided to give it a try till the limit we can reach. The roads and plants around us were fully covered with snow and was very eye pleasing.

Road on the way to Yumthang valley

Road on the way to Yumthang valley

We reached an open area just before the uphill. It was covered with snow and few locals were renting out snow shoes. We got a couple of them and spent some time playing with the snow. We started our upward journey in sometime but after about few kms we stopped. We could see many cars waiting too. The road ahead was slippery and risky. We halted there for a while hoping for a miracle but then decided to return back. We checked for alternatives to visit and found Katao could be visited. Our guide took us to the police station for getting permit but unfortunately we could not get that too. We came back to our hotel in the afternoon and explored nearby areas. Just behind the hotel was a cliff which provided a mesmerizing view of river Teesta.

Enroute Yumthang

Halt at Snowland

Enroute Yumthang

Enroute Yumthang

River Teesta view from a cliff

From there we headed towards Lachen. On the way we halted at a commercialized waterfall known as Amitabh Bachchan waterfall (Bhim Nala) due to its height. We decided to have a glance from outside and continue our journey. We were accompanied by the beautiful blue river Teesta alongside. At a point we halted to view this river closely. It was a really mesmerizing view and felt like we were in some paradise.

River Teetsta

River Teesta

River Teesta Panorama

We reached Lachen in the evening and checked in to a hotel within the village. After a while we set out to explore the place. It was cold and we were looking for a place have some hot tea. We came across a small shop where a man invited us in. We sat in the kitchen which had a bit warm temperature due to the hearth placed in the center. The man introduced himself as Lagpa. His wife was busy preparing tea and maggi for us. The locals here have tea with salt and not sugar and will ask you the same before serving tea.We had a nice long chat with Lagpa and he also assured he would be available anytime if we needed any help. We continued to explore the place further.

Mr. Lagpa

Lachen Post office

It was time for dinner and we found a good restaurant by the road. It had a pretty good ambience and a good food menu. While we were having our food, the owner came shouting that it was snowing outside. We left everything aside and ran outside to experience it. It was an out of the world experience. Finally we returned to out hotel rooms.

Snowfall at Lachen

Day 5 (3rd Jan 2017)
After waking up we took a glance ouside and we could see everything covered up in snow. It was a treat to our eyes.

Morning view of snow filled Lachen

Morning view of Lachen

Morning view of Lachen

Morning view of Lachen

Morning view of Lachen

Our car covered in snow

Dog house

Lucky's pet dog

We visited the kitchen to have a chat with the owner and family. Breakfast was being prepared. Owners cute child Lucky was also helping her aunt in cooking. She posed with her cat for some photos too.

The kitchen

Lucky

Lucky

The kitchen

Dining table

Lucky with her aunt

Aloo gobi

After having breakfast we checked out of the hotel and headed towards Gurudomgmar lake. We were doubtful again this time as it had snowed badly. We still thought to give it a try. The ideal time to start for Gurudongmar is 5am in the morning so that you can return safely before dark. We already started late so our chances to reach there decreased further.
The journey was very beautiful, with snow capped mountains all around. At one point we were stuck as the snow on the road hardened into ice and the car slipped on the same. Almost after trying about 10 times we had given up and our guide decided to give a last try. We also helped by breaking the ice and planting stones on the slippery area to get grip. The car was finally able to cross this patch on the last attempt.

Enroute Gurudongmar

Enroute Gudongmar

Near the icy patch

Enroite Gurudongmar

The frozen stream of water

We moved further and crossed an army camp where photography was prohibited. After a while we entered a village where most of the houses were locked. It was Chopta valley. We stopped by a police station to register the permit but it was closed. It was 2pm by then and we halted at a small restaurant ran by a lady Pema. Gurudongmar was around 3 more hours away and did not seem feasible. So we decided to return back as we had to travel all the way to Gangtok.

Chopta valley

Chopta valley

Chopta valley

Chopta valley

Chopta valley

View from Chopta valley

We came across interesting places on the way. One of them was the blue water pond. We took a halt on the way for tea where we saw some game being played as it was some festival that day. The guide told us it is called Animore. There was a huge crowd to play this betting game.

Frozen waterfall

Bridge

Blue pond

Blue pond

Locals playing Animore

We reached gangtok back in the evening and checked in into hotel Potala. We rested for a while and went back to MG marg to explore. The day ended with good memories.

Momos

Chinese lamp

Day 6 (4th Jan 2017)
Today the east sikkim was planned and we were supposed to cover Tsomgo (Changu) lake and Baba mandir and Nathula pass. Early morning we got the bad news that the permit is not issued to us due to bad weather. So we had to go for a plan B. We decided to go for paragliding adventure. We hired a local cab and reached a paragliding agent on Ranka road. Fee was ₹2500 per head with ₹500 extra for video. We booked the adventure and a vehicle drove us to the top of the hill. The flight time was around 7 minutes. One should not miss this experience.

Paragliding

We had struck a good deal with the cab driver to visit other places like the zoo and Rumtek monastery. During the noon we visited the Himalayan zoological park. Let the pics do the talking.

Leopard

Red panda

Thar

Barking deer

Yak

Snow cat

Snow leopard

Goral

Our next destination was the well known Rumtek monastery. We reached there just before 4:30pm when it was supposed to close. There is a stringent checking protocol by the army at the entrance. There is a small pillar inside on which people toss coins and considered lucky if th coin stays there. Each of us got our share of luck and proceeded inside.

Rumtek monastery

Rumtek entrance and coin pillar

Inside Rumtek

Monks

Rumtek Dharma chakra center

We retruned back to gangtok city after the sight seeing and as usual back to exploring MG marg. For buying clothes and other household stuff you can visit Lal bazaar which is just along the stairs going down from MG marg.

Tornado potato

Lal bazaar

At last we decided go to Cafe Live & Loud. Unfortunately the live band show was cancelled but the crowd was happening and we danced a lot over DJ's music.

Cafe Live & loud

We were back at the hotel and ended the long tiring day.

Day 7 (5th Jan 2017)
Our journey to south/west Sikkim was about to start today. We had hired a separate vehicle for this tour. Our guide and driver Bikram was here early morning with his WagaonR. Due to cold weather small diesel cars are not preferred hence you will mostly notice cars like Alto and WagonR. Bikram got us some home made items for breakfast for us. - Khapchi and Jeeru.

Khapchi

We stopped on the way for some refreshments. We bought corn and buttermilk (mayee in their local language). We saw some new type of vegetables for sale, green one was called Iskusa.

Iskusa

Our next stop was Temi tea garden. We had a small walk inside and then continued our journey.

Temi tea garden

Next was Samdruptse Hill in Namchi having the worlds tallest statue of Guru Padmasambahava.

Samdruptse entrance

Guru Padmasambahava statue

Guru Padmasambahava statue

Flags

Lamps

Just next to it was Namchi ropeway. It is a 20 mins ride to and fro and they charge ₹120 per head. It takes you downhill providing a wonderful view.

Namchi Ropeway

Namchi Ropeway

Namchi Ropeway

After the ride we tried a local dish Thukpa and left for the next spot.

Thukpa

We reached Char dhaam in some time. It has replicas of all the char dhaam and also other famous temples. The weather was getting rough and looked like it was about to rain. So we quickly visited all of them and returned back to our car.

Rameswaram

Dwarka

Shiva statue

Just before reaching Damthang village we saw a car covered in snow. As we reached further the roads were covered with snow. We halted at Damthang for a while as we got news that road ahead was blocked. After sometime the traffic started flowing.

Damthang town

The plan was to reach Ravangla and visit buddha park but it was already dark by then and we decided to skip this one. We reached Pelling at night and checked in to hotel Floret. An adorable friend visited us and refused to leave :) . We got ourselves a heater in the room and were fast asleep.

Little friend

Day 8 (6th Jan 2017)
Realised that the location of this hotel was just so perfect, with Kanchenjunga in the background and a helipad on the front. The sky was clear and the Kanchenjunga range was clearly visible. As the sunrays hit them they slowly turned golden.

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga

Hotel floret and Kanchenjumga

Sunrise

Bamboo

Board outside helipad area

We had our breakfast with tables setup on the terrace. Could'nt have asked for more.
Today was our local sight seeing and we started at around 10am.
We visited Kechugiri lake and monastery first. There was a huge lake with lots of big fishes. They are sacred fishes and you can feed them biscuits.

Orange tree

 

Kechugiri lake

Bell

Fish

Fishes eating biscuits

Praying area

Stone balancing

Pathwaybto Kechugiri lake

Lamps

After this we visited the Kanchendongza water fall. This one too is commercialized with an entry fee but worth visiting.

Kanchendongza falls

Kanchendongza falls

Our next spot was Rabdentse Ruins. These are the ruins of 2nd capital of the kingdom of Sikkim. The trail to reach there is long of about 2.5 kms. On regular intervals signboards are planted to motivate you to reach the site. We could see some snowfall too on the way. We finally reached there and it was worth.

Motivational signboard

Stupa

Ruins

Bikram took us to Pemayangtse monastery next. It is situated on a hill and provides an awesome view.

Pemayangtse monastery

We were back to our hotel in the evening and decided to explore the market in the city of central Pelling. That brought an end to the wonderful day.

Day 9 (7th Jan 2017)
We got another chance to have a look at the Kanchenjunga. It was time to leave for darjeeling and we had to hurry up so that we can reach early and complete our half day sight seeing. After reaching Jorethang which is just near the Sikkim WB border we had our lunch. Sadly our driver was sick and not in a position to drive. So we had to find an alternative and take a shared taxi to Darjeeling. We reached Darjeeling in the evening and there was no scope for any sight seeing. We checked in to Hotel Broadway Annexe. We then decided to explore the Darjeeling market instead. There was a lot of crowd in the market mostly tourists. There was an open auditorium where children practiced dancing. Further ahead there was another market known as Mahakal market for winter clothing. We tried various food items and were back to the hotel.

Darjeeling chowk

Open stage

Day 10 (8th Jan 2017)
Our flight was scheduled at 3 pm from Bagdogra so to avoid being late we left off early from Darjeeling. On the the initial route was very beautiful with views of valleys. The toy train track runs parallel to the road and we encountered the train on the way. There is a station and place named Ghum enroute.

Darjeeling toy train track

Ghum station

Toy train

We halted at a place in the outskirts for breakfast. We passed through Sonada Tung and Kurseong town while the song Mero jeevan Ma was played in the car. We saw lots of vehicles passing by with baloons and speakers on them. On enquiring the driver told us that the locals go out for picnic to Mirik on weekends this way.

Roti sabzi

Chillies

We reached Bagdogra quite early and passed our time at the airport cafeteria. There was a layover at Guwahati. The flight from Guwahati to mumbai was quite a long one and we flew over Kolkata. We reached mumbai at around 8pm and were back to Pune to bring this wonderful journey to an end.

Guwahati airport

Itenary :
https://travefy.com/trips/632311/971344450