GANGTOK
The opening of the documentary of ‘SIKKIM’, the grandeur of the Kanchenjunga range lit up by the sunlight moving into the dense forests and small bushes and flowers along the roadside left me awestruck with its beauty.
The breathtaking view of Sikkim advertised by Sterling resort left me spellbound. Pakyong Airport in Sikkim is the first green field airport in north east of India. The beautiful city of Pakyong attracts visitors from a long way and wide with its stunning climate and natural splendour. Those who visit the area, return home with a good memory and a cool mind, and a promise to visit again.
It was a thrilling experience before I could buckle up the seat belt I landed up on the lap of the mountains. Instantly a message went to my brain, how would I leave this place!
Winding through the deep forests and the gorgeous mountains finally we arrived at the Sterling resort. The moment we entered the Sterling resort, “ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུྃ” (om mani padme hum) resonated into our ears filling the atmosphere with calmness. We arrived at the dining room for tea which opens up the whole Kanchenjunga range, the pretty bushes and mountainous trees.
Sikkim’s marvellous landscape is dotted with high altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colourful rhododendron groves, azure rivers, milky waterfalls, beautiful monasteries and unparalleled views of Mt.Kanchenjunga/Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world.
TSOMGO LAKE (CHANGU LAKE)
A winding, road with hairpin bands will take you to the Tsomgo Lake also known as the Changu Lake. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake located at the altitude of 12,400 feet in the eastern Sikkim. Tsomgo means ‘the source of water’ in Bhutia language. It is around 40 km from Gangtok and the drive is full of the serene natural landscape. Tsomgo Lake is known for its color-changing patterns in every season. In winter the lake is frozen while in spring there is a riot of colors because of the abundant flowers near the lake. The sacred Tsomgo Lake is believed to have healing qualities hence to offer prayers Jhakris (faith healers) congregate every year on Guru Purnima which coincides with Raksha Bandhan as well. Snowboots, Gumboots, Traditional dresses are available on rent. The site also has some traditional food stalls. One can also enjoy a ride on beautifully decorated Yak. ‘Tsomgo Lake’ – an ethereally beautiful glacial lake. ‘Tso’ means ‘lake’ and ‘Mgo’ means ‘head’ – ‘source of the lake’.
NATHULA PASS
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim. The high altitude pass doubles up as the Indo-Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China. Nestled at an elevation of 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass ranks amongst the highest passes accessible by tourists via road.
This mountainous pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India. The silk route, ancient trade route used to pass through here. Currently, the Nathula Pass is marked by entrance gates of both countries (India and China) and military bunkers on both sides of the gates. It is one of the most noted attractions in Sikkim.
At an altitude of 4,500m above sea level, Nathu La was on the legendary Silk Road route, between India and Tibet. On a clear day you can see this route winding down the valley. To your east lies the magnificent Chomolhari peak of Bhutan. You have to climb up a long stairway to get to the fenced Indo-China border. The guards on the Indian side are quite friendly, behaving almost like tour guides, answering all the questions coming from pesky tourists. The Chinese side, in contrast, is quiet, with hardly any tourists around. They obviously take their border more seriously than treating it as a mere tourist spot.
Being an important pass on the intersection of the Indo-China border, historic Nathula Pass forms a part of an offshoot of the Old Silk Route. Nathula is a mountain pass located in Eastern Sikkim that serves as the trade link between India and China. Nathula is about 56 kilometer away from Gangtok. It was the place through which the well known Silk Route used to operate until 1962. Lines of mules were used to carry gold, silk and many other valuable items from Tibet to India. Actually, the Old Silk Route passing through Lhasa, Sikkim and Eastern India used to go through Nathula Pass. Chumbi Valley of Tibet is the other side of the Nathila Pass. The place is marked by Entrance Gates of both countries – India and China and military bankers are deployed on the both sides of the gate. If you look on to the Indian side, you would see some fortified military bankers, an army exhibition center and a war memorial.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE
One of the most beautiful, pristine lakes in Sikkim, Gurudongmar lake sits in close proximity to the Tibetan and Chinese border in the north. Nested amidst the mountains at 5,183 meters, the freezing alpine lake is amongst the major sources of the river Teesta. The lake takes its name after the eminent guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have traversed this region during his visit to Tibet.
At an elevation of 17000 ft, Gurudongmar Lake is probably the most astounding lake on the planet. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is enclosed all around by snow-secured mountains, the holy lake solidifies during the winters with the exception of at one spot, which the ardent conviction has been particularly honored. The Chinese Tibetan fringe is only a couple of kilometers from the lake. The flavored water of the lake is accepted to have the wonderful intensity of giving kids to issueless couples. Strangely, the fantasy of Gurudongmar Lake is accepted as respectfully by the Hindus as by the nearby Buddhists. The name Gurudongmar is gotten from the name of the Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have visited Tibet through this zone. The region is said to be honored by Guru Padmasambhava. There is a sanctuary of the Guru other than the lake. Lover sightseers just as the army staff offer supplication at the sanctuary.
The spectacular Gurudongmar Lake, is known as ‘the Jewel of Sikkim’.
That calling this pristine lake that is not an exaggeration is a realization you reach only after visit it yourself. Absolutely stunning and peaceful, the sacred lake is possibly one of the most majestic places you will ever visit in your lifetime. The aquamarine waters of the lake shimmer under the early morning bright sunshine while the clouds above it race with their shadows while you watch the stunning snow-capped mountain peaks including Mt Siniolchu and Mt Khangchendzonga forming a truly spectacular backdrop to the lake. The lake is usually viewed from the parking area but if you are up for a little adventure, you can climb down to the base of the lake using the cemented steps on the left side of the parking area. The steps are lined with prayer flags on either side and lead you to the base of the lake from where you get an even better view. While climbing the stairs back to reach the parking area, do take it very easy! There’s an unreal sense of calm at Gurudongmar with fluttering prayer flags indicating the speed of the chilly wind. Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world and has been a major tourist magnet and pilgrimage site of Sikkim ever since tourism started in the state. The devout, it is said, get to see the future in form of letters or scenes on the lake water after required prayers and offerings have been made.
‘Gurudongmar’ literally means ‘The Red-Faced Guru’ and sounds similar to ‘Guru Dragmar’, which means the red-coloured wrathful form of Guru Padmasambhava. While some attribute the lake’s name to Guru Nanak, who is believed to have visited the place, others claim that it is named after Guru Rinpoche. The lake thus remains a popular pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Sikhs.
There’s an intriguing tale surrounding Gurudongmar Lake. It is said that Guru Nanak Sahib visited the lake on his way to China and Tibet. The shepherds of the place gathered before the Guru and pleaded before him about the problem of non-availability of drinking water in the region. Due to the extreme cold climate, the water in the lake would freeze and the shepherds had to melt the ice to get water.On hearing their plight, Guru Nanak took his walking stick and touched the frozen lake with it. The area melted into water and has not frozen ever since, even when the temperature in the area drops even lower than -30°C. It is after this miraculous event that the lake came to be known as Gurudongmar Lake. The water of this lake is considered sacred till this day.
ENCHEY MONASTERY
Enchey Monastery is approximately 200 years old and is located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric art adept in Buddhism with flying powers. It is believed that initially a small Gompa was established by him after which he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site. The literal meaning of ‘Enchey Monastery’ is ‘the solitary temple’. It is also said that the Monk built a small hermitage at the site of the monastery, after he came here flying from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim.
The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku (1909 1910). Enchey Monastery today is a home to around 90 monks belonging to the Nyingma sect. It houses a number of images of Gods, Goddesses and religious objects. The Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava are the three important deities worshipped in the monastery. Every year special prayers are held at the monastery, on the18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the dates during January, February each year. January is the time for the vibrant and colorful “Chaam” or religious masked dance held at the Monastery. As the literal meaning of Enchey Monastery i.e ‘the solitary temple’, this sacred Buddhist pilgrim is the mystical wonderland surrounded with splendid natural beauty. The tall pine trees, the exhilarating whiff of flower-bedecked meadows and the scenic view of the Kanchenjunga Hills infuse the devotees with the feeling of being amidst a serene and blessed environment. The large metal roofed prayer hall inside contains several images of God, Goddesses and other Tantric murals. There are wheel of law on the porch that gurgles in perfect symphony with the monks chantings.
Other than its surreal location, Enchey Monastery is most popular tourist spot in Sikkim because of its very famous Chaam dance; a special prayer offering by masked monks, which is organized on the 18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery also celebrates the Pang Lhabsol festival that brings together the Bhutias and the Lepchas by swearing of blood-brotherhood keeping the mighty Khangchendzonga as its witness.The path to the monastery, like most others, is lined with prayer wheels. Here, unlike many other monasteries, a board explains the importance of the prayer wheels and the meanings of the chant engraved on them. The monastery itself is built in the Chinese style, with pagoda-like roofs and windows. It is an extremely serene and peaceful monastery, a definite must-visit in Gangtok. There was a Feluda story called ‘যত কান্ড কাঠমান্ডুতে’(Joto Kando Kathmandutey) where Lalmohan Ganguly is seen holding a small piece of paper in his left hand and the praying wheel in his right hand. He suddenly said ‘হুম,হুম,হুম’, he spelt it three times. The writing on the piece of paper was written in Red ink in English –‘You have been warned. Lalmohan Ganguly sat down on a chair and said ‘ওঁ মণিপদ্মে হুঁ-হুঁ-হুঁ’. I was reminded of this story when I was walking past the big praying wheels lined up on the two sides of the pathway leading up to the monastery.
SIKKIM HANDICRAFTS
Handwoven Textiles and Décor
The most commonly bought handicrafts are products made of ‘thara’ or a textile woven by the traditional Lepcha weavers. It is said that centuries ago, the indigenous Lepcha tribe of Sikkim used to make yarn from the stinging nettle plant (sisnu). The use of cotton and silk was introduced later. Woven on a vertical loom (of narrow width) with a back strap, the cotton and silk yarn is used to make textiles that are later stitched to make clothes, scarves, bags and purses, curtains, table cloths, etc. Colourful traditional designs make these products unique. Although the traditional Lepcha hat, made of bamboo and cane, is rarely worn these days, it is worth picking up from the many shops that line Gangtok’s MG Road. Sikkim is also known for its colourful hand-knotted carpets decorated with attractive traditional motifs.
Thangkas
Thangka or painted scrolls are held in high esteem among Sikkim’s Buddhist community. Artists take utmost care to produce these thangkas, which usually have an image of a deity, such as Buddha or Tara, or the Wheel of Life, as its central theme. Other objects, figures or symbols may be drawn around it. The paintings are usually drawn with natural dyes on a canvas of cotton or silk. They are often framed with a silk or brocade border. Thangkas, being sacred objects, kept at homes and monasteries, can be of many sizes. Some monasteries have special thangkas, which are displayed during festivals.
WOODWORK
Visitors to Sikkim are often fascinated by the low wooden tables, painted with ornamental motifs and seen at most hotels and homes. These foldable tables are known as ‘chokste’. Usually, three types of wood — ‘tooni’ (toona celiata),’rani chaap’ (macalia exelsa), and ‘okher’ (walnut) – are used for wood carvings. The craftspeople also make a square wooden table known as ‘bakchok’.
Decorative screens, lamp stands, masks and lucky charms made of wood are excellent souvenirs too. The wood carving legacy of Sikkim is unique and intensely rich, being deeply rooted in this Himalayan region’s unparalleled geography, culture and tradition.
Cane and Bamboo
Craftspeople also make vases, tumblers, decorative items and fashion accessories out of bamboo. Cane, though found in limited areas, is also used to make household goods like moorahs (small stools), and pen stands, picture frames, baskets and dust bins. You can also pick up eco-friendly products made out of cane and bamboo like fruit and vegetable baskets, beer mugs, hair clips, and flower vases.
Masks
Wooden masks, traditionally used for religious ceremonies, represent various deities or animals. Usually, these masks are made of a wood called Zaru, which is found in the higher reaches of Sikkim. The masks are often identified by their colours and designs. For example, the mask of Khangchendzonga is always red in colour.
Carpet Weaving
Sikkim is best renowned for beautiful products like hand woven woollen carpets with conventional Sikkimese motifs. The Bhutias are deemed to be expert carpet weavers and it is weaved in a frame loom. Sikimese traditional designs as well as Buddhist Iconography and geometrical patterns are the main subject. Woollens of different colours are used to make it colourful.
Wood Carving
Wood carving is a symbolic art of Sikkimese people and it is performed by skilled Bhutia artisans, the wood carving includes the process of molding of timber and ores of timber which could be found in plenty. The wood carving could be seen in monastery and construction work beside that the mask you would see is made out of timber and carving work is amazingly carried by local Bhutia people. For sole exemplification we would suggest traveler to step in at Pemayangtse Monastery, which could be considered as fine specimen of carved wooden sculptures and wood carving. Altars, furniture’s, etc are other superb outcome of wood carving.
Thangka Paintings
Thangka Paintings are unique to the state of Sikkim. Initially, these paintings were the only medium to preach the highest ideals of Buddhism. ‘Thangkas’ are usually made on cotton canvas with a frame of silk. These paintings portray images of different Gods, Goddesses and philosophies related to Buddhism. Originally, paintings were made by priests and monks, later the skills got passed from generation to generation. Today, commercialisation of this art is helping monasteries and practitioners to earn a living.
Choktse Tables
It is a cultural table associated with religious pyramids; in Sikkim it is the most famous thing that you would find in house of almost every Sikkimese. The tables are made in different design and dimension and elements required in it could vary some crafts it through teak and timber while expensive one is made out of rose wood or sandal sometimes.
RIDGE FLOWER PARK
Ridge Park is floral heaven. The latter is a flat stretch of road exactly above Gangtok Town and if you’re into floriculture, an hour or two will pass by in the blink of an eye. Sikkim’s weather conditions are conducive to orchid cultivation and you will lose count of the number of varieties you spot at Ridge Park. A gazebo for travelers to rest while walking this stretch is a great addition for those simply wanting to get a feel of Gangtok.
The Annual Orchid Show takes place below the Ridge Park at the Flower Exhibition Centre (FEC).While the greenhouse might look modest in size, once you step in you are lost among a variety of colors. Flowers pop up in every nook and corner.
Sikkim produces some of the rarest and best quality flowers in the country. The flowers of Sikkim are a real treat to the eyes. Over 4000 varieties of flowering plants grow in Sikkim, including 600 species of Orchids and 30 types of Rhododendrons. If you want to take a look at some of these blooms, it is a good idea to visit the Ridge Park and the Flower Exhibition Centre.
The Ridge Park runs along the Ridge Road that skirts the Chief Minister’s residence. It is a beautifully landscaped garden, complete with fountains and a traditional gazebo. In May, the beautiful green of the place recedes, making way for a merry troop of colorful flowers.
A little below the Ridge Park is the Flower Exhibition Centre where you can find flowers from every part of Sikkim. An annual flower show held in May transforms this humble greenhouse into an exotic hub of flowers. Azaleas, Anthuriums, Orchids, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Gentians, Hydrangeas, Liliums, Poppies, Rhododendrons, Roses, Tulips – flowers of every hue, shape, and size greet the visitors. Ridge Park is floral heaven. The latter is a flat stretch of the road exactly above Gangtok Town and if you’re into floriculture, an hour or two will fly by in the blink of an eye. Sikkim’s weather conditions are favorable to orchid cultivation and you will lose count of the number of varieties you spot at Ridge Park. The Annual Orchid Show takes place below the Ridge Park at the Flower Exhibition Centre (FEC). While the greenhouse might look modest in size, once you step in you are lost among a variety of colors. Flowers pop up in every nook and corner.
Sitting right at the head of Gangtok, Ridge Park is a garden that offers some of the most scenic views from the flatland. This Park has a White Hall situated right next to it and a Pagoda top standing tall and proud over the flatland in the park. This Park is home to an extensive number of vibrant and rich flowers that includes some stunning species of plants, flowers, and shrubs. The best part about Ridge Park is the annual Orchid show that it hosts. It is definitely one of the stunning places to visit in Sikkim.
BAKTHANG FALLS
The Bakthang waterfall is only 20 minutes drive from Gangtok town to a place called Swastik, adjacent to the army cantonment area. A serene waterfalls cascades down the rock forming a small pool down below. It is located along the 31A National Highway connecting to North Sikkim. In local language ‘Bak’ means a forest and ‘thang’ meaning meadow or place. The natural spring water source of this falls originates from the dense vegetation above this site which is preserved as a Smriti Ban by the Forest Department. This site is little away from the crowded market place and hidden from the urban sprawl. The place offers a cafeteria for tea and snacks and local photography services to take pictures with local costumes and dresses for visitors. Some of the adventure enthusiasts can also try rappelling down the cliff on a prefixed rope which is organized by the local tourism committee of the area. The local taxis conducting daily sightseeing tours of Gangtok include this spot as one of the points of interest to visitors.
The exhibition centre is a greenhouse that is home to flowers of various species. Walking into a room and being greeted by a large gathering of cheerful flowers is something that must be experienced.
In the State of Sikkim, there are many places to visit. Bakthang Waterfalls is one of them. This lake is located near the Gangtok. The distance of this lake is 3 km from Gangtok and only 20 minutes drive from Gangtok. This lake is one of the best attractions of Gangtok. There are many attractions in Gangtok. The ideal duration of this place is 1-2 hour. Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, English, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar languages are used in this place. The Bakthang waterfalls originate from Ratey Chu, which is the main water source of the city. It is a great place for photography buffs, Adventure Seekers and nature lovers. The location is completely free from the pollution of city life. There are many attractions in this place and one of them is rope sliding.
It was time for departure. As the car sped towards the Pakyong airport, the trees stood there silently watching me leave. I had a strange feeling that I wanted to get merged with this musical and exquisite beauty that opened up its golden gates of heaven to me.