Sikkim, known to be a land palaces have the most astonishing views of the Himalayan range. Land of consisting of Bhutia race to be the most, it consists of many other ethinic race which resides in the state of Sikkim. Throughout it’s history, Sikkim has been a place where tourist destination spot, where people can view the mighty Himalayan range and the third highest peak in the world, “Mt. Kanchenjunga”.
One of the few additional places to visit Sikkim is the:-
- Zero Point – This place is often known as “Heaven On Earth”. With the majestic view of the scene which you get, with the dense forested area and waterfall from the small streams that flows through the mountains gives a look that you have reached in Heaven. This tiny yet majestic state also serves as a home to so many hidden and unexplored places. To reach here a drive must be made from Yumthang Valley, which would make you reach till here.
With district headquarters as Mangan, North Sikkim is the seventh least populous district in the country. Most of the people of the state reside near Mangan that is about 2000 feet above sea level. The high altitude makes it hard to sustain life as we move further north.
Being 15000 feet above mean sea level, the road of the Indian side ends here before it ,moves to the China side. The drive from Yumthang Valley to Zero point is through the curving mountainous amidst the rugged piece of land of geographic region and could be a lifetime experience.
Zero Point Sikkim is the place where three rivers meet with snow-clad mountains in the vicinity offering some thrilling views. There is hardly any vegetation in Zero point as it remains snow covered for the most of the year but still, you can see yaks grazing in the snow in search of vegetation. Due to the high altitude of Zero Point, oxygen in the air is low and there can be breathing problems for few.
It is to be noted that, because of it’s presence near the India-China border reaching here would be needing a special pass from the government of India. Such pass could be availed easily in Gangtok where a registered office would be there. Indian Travellers can avail such pass easily by just showing a valid Indian ID proof, where as for the foreigner visa documents would be needed the most. - Guru Dongmar Lake – Located at an altitude of 17,800 ft in the northern district of Sikkim, this lake has been loved by many adventure seekers because of it’s beautiful scenario and the snow peaked mountains at the sides of it. To reach the lake, the roads a paved with deep cuts of turns and steep cliffs. Guru Dongmar lake has a history of both the Buddisht side and that of that of the Sikh side, in which it is said that on one side of the lake never freezes through out the year, irrespective of the season even in winter. This makes the place a must visit in the bucket list as to find out what makes this part of the lake not to freeze at all.
- Nathu-la Pass- The Nathu-La Pass is a widely known famous pass in all over the Indian border. With the only border that links up to the Mainland China. This pass has a history which makes a part of the Silk route that links up to the city of Lhasa in Tibet during the reign of British in India. Now that, after independence it has been an important point for the Tibetans to use the pass for trade and businesses especially for using the sea port situated in Kolkata to be the closest. year by year, the tourists count increases as it the only place in India where civilians can go and visit the place giving them a chance to view the India – China border.
Due to it’s presence in the India – China border, a special permit must be made from the registered office in Gangtok for Indian travellers that must be shown to the Indian army.
- Namchi – Located in the South of Sikkim, this place of evergreen lush of beautiful gardens of tea and flowers Namchi has been an attractive spot for people to travel into it. Two of the most iconic places to visit in this city is the “Siddheswari Dham’ located on the west side of the town and the “temple of Guru Rinpoche”, located on the east side on the town atop of the hill.
Going at these two place is a must and should be there at your bucket list, as when the days are clear especially in the winter the months. The view of Mt Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world would bring an emotional feel for a sure.
How to reach?
Sikkim being linked to the Indian border, there are three ways to reach here through the following route:-
- By Air- The nearest Airport close to the state of Sikkim is Bagdogra, which is near the city of Siliguri. It takes a two hour drive to reach the Sikkim border state.
- By Train – The nearest railway station to be known is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. A three hour drive would make you reach the city of Namchi.
- By Road – The roads are well connected, and National Highway no. 31A is well linked up to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok.