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bisaria · 6 years ago

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The Beautiful Mountain Teaches The Lessons Of Cleanliness, Rules And Regulations Will Be Astonished You. »

Every item is given in the paper envelope only. If you open ice cream, chocolate at the shop, the shopkeeper takes a wrapper from you and puts it in the dustbin itself.

Read in Hindi

Sikkim in the far north-east attracts you by not only for its beauty but also in the rituals of cleanliness and citizen awareness. A large statue of Gandhiji on the Mahatma Gandhi Road like it is offering to every visitor a ritual to keep these curved paths clean... A busy road on which hundreds of vehicles are running, only then the signal goes to red and every vehicle standing behind each other, without blowing the horn, Then who will not be overwhelmed by seeing this scene?

Yes, this scene is Sikkim's capital, Gangtok. Gangtok is a quiet hilly city without noise and without dust-smoke. Hindu and Buddhist people are in abundance here. Playing horn here and smoking on the public place is strictly forbidden. But Anyone can drink liqueur (alcohol), anytime, anywhere. Most people rely here on tourism. Gangtok is the eastern district of Sikkim's four districts. There is a large statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Mall Road (MG Road). For which a large square platform of stone has been built. There are furnished shops on both sides of this road and many new and old sparkling buildings. Greenery on dividers in the middle, benches for sitting, and dustbins at every fifty meters can be seen.

At the beginning of the Mall Road, there is a tourist information center where tourists can get information to roam. There are two veg restaurants on this road which are a great relief for the vegetarian people. Near the end of MG Road, a little below there is a Lal market. Despite the lack of space, the shops and the pavement looks full of stuff. Polyethylene bags are completely restricted here. Every item is given in the paper envelope only. If you buy ice cream, chocolate etc. and open at the shop, then the shopkeeper takes the wrapper from you and puts it in the dustbin itself. It is a direct example that every citizen in Sikkim considers himself responsible for cleaning his city and state. The clean market starts closing at eight o'clock in the night.

The capital of awareness citizens, in Gangtok Seven or eleven points, can roam in a one-day local tour. Among them, There are some view Points, Ganesh Tonk Temple, and some waterfall. The hotels around MG Road are quite expensive but as soon as you will be away from the city, You can find good accommodation for less rental. However Taxi looks a bit expensive, but they run on the kind of ascent and winding roads it is not possible to run on foot. Nathula pass, India China border East Sikkim is located at an altitude of 14740 feet, 80 kilometers away from Gangtok in Gangtok district. Shared and private both types of Taxis are available to go here. These taxies are booked by tourist agents of almost every hotel. To go to Nathula pass, at the first a permit has to be made. For this, a copy of identity card and two photos are to be given at the time of booking.

Now the journey of mountains and trenches is about to begin, as soon as you crossed the border of the city, your vehicle runs on the open hill path. On the one side of the road, there are high mountains, looks like they are rising their head up with proud in the sky then on the other hand, deep trenches giving exemplification of their humility. Falling from the altitude, the mountainous springs attract you. Water bottles and food items are expensive as You go upwards. It is not easy to reach near those waterfalls which looks very close to the side of the road. Local people take special care of cleaning these waterfalls because this is the main source of water for them. The paid toilet can be found everywhere in the whole Sikkim. Apart from this, the drivers refuse to stop the vehicle. It is a great thing to give priority to the cleanliness of your state over the matter of your tourists.

By the way, the exceptions are seen all over the place and also people out of habit. The clean streets in the safety of the soldiers, the blue sky, and the safety of the military area, these are the things seeing this you would like to walk on foot. On the way, there are army camps in many places where photography is prohibited. The vehicles have to stay for a little more time to check the permit. Where there was a small space between mountains, there were tin sheds and barracks. Vehicles are equipped with weapons. There were many places on board in the Chinese surveillance zone. A soldier with hot closed neckcloth was busy with their work. Constant cold winds had darkened the skin of the face, but who is concerned about this?

The first stop on the journey was the Changu Lake, which is at an altitude of 14310 feet. The mountains have also slipped back here to give a place to this natural lake, surrounded by hills. At such high altitude, the vegetation was reduced to the mountains. There are fish in the lake but 51 feet deep, this lake is completely freezing in winter. Here, local residents urge you to do photography with decorative yak. When you move upwards, you often see the lake. The reflection of the mountains on the clean, stable water attracts the mind. The shallow surface stones can be seen even from the top of fifty to sixty feet above. Then the beauty of the untouched nature is felt deeply. Nathula pass between the two countries was coming closer. The cold was growing. The mobile and camera were not allowed in the hand even in the car. At almost every turn near the four-by-four cabins, there was a large number of soldier armed with machine guns. Probably this was to prevent people from taking photos. This area comes in the Chinese surveillance area, so it is necessary to cautiously. The border is just about 2,500 feet away from the parking lot. Here the cold is very much increased and the lack of oxygen in the air starts to feel.

We were allowed to stay for a maximum of one hour or else there was a fear of getting worse. Many women and children were gasps. Many people were in insufficient warm clothes, and many of them did not wear them properly even after wearing enough clothes. Jacket's zip was open. The head was not covered and the scarf was not even wrapped on the face. In spite of breathing difficulties, people were climbing with children. The distance between the doors of both countries is just fifteen to twenty feet. There is an open terrace to see this view. The wall on the terrace is such as that a wall between two roofs. Two Jawans keep watching at the enemy country, while five to six Jawans were keeping an eye on Indian tourists. The cold in which we were barely roaming and were about to go back an hour later, at the same place the debates with the people of the soldiers, by seeing this our head went down by shame. Civilians need a lot to learn Civic Sense. Only by using expensive clothes, shoes, and cars can't be called decent. There was silence in the China border. Tourists rarely come to that side. Medical help and canteen, two types of the tent have been made by the army for the convenience of tourists. Hot samosas and momos can be enjoyed in the canteen.

Now Next stop is the Baba Mandir. Baba Harbhajan was in the army, who was flown in a mountainous spring when supplying the rations and his body found two kilometers away from the incident site. It is said that he had given his colleagues visions in a dream and told the condition of his body. Army sees the arrangement of the temple. A large waterfall flows behind a large Shiva statue installed on a nearby hill. The places appeared very close in the mountains are really very far in reach. Many colorful flags of Mantras appear on the many places at the hill, which are used by Buddhists. It is believed that when these flags waving in the air, the mantra written on these flags reaches far and wide with winds. There were white flags set in a row on a mountain. When someone dies, his family members set 108 white flags in his name. The Mantra written on them is for the peace of the departed soul. Colorful flags are set for peace of home. Life in Buddhism is easy but death is very expensive. According to the time of death, the decision is taken place that how many days after the deceased will be cremated. Three, five, seven or eleven days or sometimes after one month. By then the dead body remains in the house and the mantra is recited daily by the Buddhist monk. Two to five or seven monks come daily. The costs of One monk for one day is two thousand to five thousand. But the wedding expenses are not so high. Marriages happen in the house or a monastery. It is okay to stay together until they want, otherwise, change your partner or be separated.

In Sikkim, Buddhist festival is celebrated in December, In which Yak's meat and other dishes are made. Local residents speak and understand Hindi, English, Bengali, and Bhutia. The Trip Package for North Sikkim is three days and two nights. This area is known for colorful cats. Private or shared taxi can be availed by making permits here too. There is a night stay in Lachen and Lachung in this package. This is a very beautiful untouched district. The rare populated, small villages Settled far and wide, the ways passing through between high mountains, the thick forest, and many waterfalls. A waterfall after every turn, water as clean as glass and a water mill under the waterfall near the township, which make the electricity. Under the trees on the mountains, Barely on some day of the year, the sun will reach for a few hours. Animals in the forest are very less. There are no snakes, but lots of cats. Brown, white, black, yellow cats are seen near the roads.

Roads are fine, but continuously work going on due to landslides. In many places, we saw large collapse mountains, even some marks of 2011 earthquake also appeared. In some places we saw that the stone dropped from the hills was being broken by women labor with the help of a hammer. There are lots of shops in Yuksom ahead of Lachung, where boots, gloves are available on rent. Every vehicle's shop is set for the tea-breakfast included in the package tour. Teesta River flows down the way. As we move upwards, the vegetation changes and then only the Christmas tree is visible all around. The most damage was done here due to the earthquake. Many mountains collapsed completely and the path of the Teesta river was blocked. So it became a lake. Now the ducks have come in that lake which was not before. The attractive groups of ducks show that the devastation can also make a residence for anyone.

Many people here are taking photographs with their professional cameras. This area is under the supervision of the Indian Tibet Police. There is a China border ahead of Zero Point but people are stopped before long. At a turn, snow-covered mountains start appearing. They seem so close, and small. You will want to climb it up. But they were not as small as you think. The white snow falling in the night brings a supernatural sight with sunlight. This is the origin of the Teesta river. Therefore, the Teesta river was like a small Hill river, but the frown of its flow was alerting. By crossing a raw bridge we reached the ice. Due to the moisture throughout the year, the soil remains covered with moss (a type of vegetation), which does not cause mud, and in spite of such movement, ice is not dirty. As we climb up on the ice the cold air becomes severe, along with this the waves of the voices also start to be heard more. Where the mind remains stuck. The other day we reach Lachen by night. Gurudongmar lake is the attraction of here, You have to complete the journey of one hundred and a half kilometers for reaching there. which starts at 3 o'clock and returns by eleven to 12 in the day.

The journey in the cold winter night is definitely hard But when you reach the destination and see the unique view by incorporating the reflection of the blue sky above the mountains then the pain of travel becomes fascinating. Those who do not want to travel so hard can stay in the hotel in Lachen. In the morning, the village is almost empty and quiet. Here is a wonderful experience to stroll through the streets and sit in peace in the monastery. Return from North Sikkim fills with sadness. You come back to yourself but your mind stays there stunned at the top of any mountain, drenching in the fountain of any waterfall or waiting for you at the turn of any road to come back again.

How to reach You can reach at Gangtok via private or shared taxi from New Jalpaiguri railway station or the nearest airport Bagdogra.

Distance 120 km from New Jalpaiguri

Time - About four hours

For lodging:: Far from the City, There are many hotels available at a lower price.

Special things- keep drinking water. Eat light food as snacks, popcorns, sattu etc. at breakfast. Always keep warm clothes as cap muffler and gloves along with you. Wear many layers of cloths. Before stopping at the mountains, breaking the flower, and touching the vegetation, always get information from drivers or locals, it can be toxic or dangerous. Keep peace in the Monastery, Church, and Temple.

Kavita Verma

Posted By: Pratibha Kumari

#sikkim #gangtok #sikkim cleanest city #cleanest state in india #travel #destination #tourism

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lamoille-house · 5 years ago

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Dharamshala, A Perfect Place for a Weekend Getaway

India has some beautiful hill stations that are surrounded by mountains and valleys. You want to experience, one of the best hill stations in India you need to put Dharamshala in your travel bucket list. Dharamshala is one stop before McLeodganj which boasts of a plethora of activities and places of tourist attraction. Dharamshala is located in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama a Tibetan spiritual leader, has made the town a popular tourist destination both for the Indians and the foreign tourist.

Dharamshala is a destination that offers natural beauty with several adventure opportunities. Dharamshala is divided into two parts, one is the upper Dharamshala and the other is lower Dharamshala. Both are known for the scenic landscape and monasteries.

You will be able to experience the peace at Dharamshala. There are ample of things to do in Dharamshala that engage travelers regardless of their age. Youngsters love to go on a camp in the open air and stargaze whereas elderly people find peace and spirituality visiting colorful monasteries and temples. Paragliding, trekking and a lot more will keep you in high spirits.

To create a memorable stay in Dharamshala here are ten great places and experiences to try.

Sightseeing in Dharamshala:

Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Dharamshala because of its natural architectural and spiritual landmarks. As the fragment tea garden soothes your soul, the same way the colorful monasteries like Namgyal will soothe the mind.

McLeodganj is also referred to as Upper Dharamshala. To learn more about Buddhism and experience a peaceful atmosphere one must visit McLeodganj. This town is called “Little Lhasa” because of the large population of Tibetans. McLeodganj is an enchanting hill station sitting in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. The picturesque landscape, spirituality, and serenity of McLeodganj form a beautiful collage that attracts tourists from across the world.

Dal Lake and Nadi are located in the Kangra district. Adventure seekers should not let this visit go in vain. It is a popular picnic spot as it is surrounded by thick deodar and juniper forests. Dal Lake offers a trekking expedition. Overall Dal Lake is a relaxing eco solace where you can enjoy nature, feed the fishes in the pond and explore a different view of the hills. There is also Shiv Mandir making it a sacred spot. Boating is a popular activity here and one of the best things to do in Dharamshala.

War Memorial is situated in the pine forest near Dharamshala town. It is worth seeing it. This is the memorial which is situated at the entrance point of Dharamshala in the memory of the soldiers who fought for saving our motherland.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the best in the country. It is situated at a great height and is beckoned by the snow-clad mountain ranges surrounding Dharamshala. Due to its natural backdrop, the cricket stadium is one of the most attractive in the world, even if there is no cricket match scheduled in Dharamshala during your visit, you can visit the breathtaking landscape. The stadium is open to tourists even if there are no matches scheduled.

Outdoor activities in Dharamshala:

Camping:

The forested hill soaring up above the clouds and the breezy environment will urge you to ditch cemented walls and pitch your tent for the night. It awakens one’s soul and refreshes the body. It is a real paradise staying in a tent. The best place for camping is Triund, Kareri Lake and Indrahar Pass. Thus, a trip to Dharamshala shall never be complete without the taste of primitive living.

Trek to Triund Hill:

Go trekking or hiking to Triund Hill to feel the crisp mountain air. The trail is around seven kilometers in both ways. It is situated at a great height and provides mesmerizing views of the Moon-Peak-Indera Pass. There are many small villages and cozy cafes. The view from the top will leave you awestruck. You can spend a night in Triund and trek further to the snowline and caves the next day. This is an ideal spot for picnics.

Rock Climbing in Dharamshala:

Rock climbing is an adventure sport which is an exhilarating and thrilling activity and then to return without falling. Rock Climbing requires a lot of physical strength, stamina, and will power. One can witness the beauty of nature, and the surrounding view.

ParaGliding in Dharamshala

Paragliding is one of the best activities in Dharamshala. Paragliding is fun yet thrilling adventure sport in Dharamshala which attracts tons of travelers and adrenaline junkies. There are many service providers in the city well-trained. Bir Billing is known across the globe for hosting the world’s first paragliding world cup, and therefore tourist’s also from all over the world come here to experience one of the Indian’s finest paragliding sessions. Once in the mid-air, the view of the surrounding valley looks stunning for all adrenaline junkies.

Adventure: you can choose from rock climbing, zip-lining, hiking, fishing, and cycling

Cycling around the town is the best thing to do to explore at your own pace. It is more fun when you’re cycling amidst the Himalayas. To find the best routes around the town, you can rely on GPS. The best place to stay: the club Mahindra Dharamshala Resort is a heaven on Earth. The resort features a state- of- the- art bar, spa, restaurants with multiple cuisines and a separate gaming zone to keep children occupied.

The best time to visit: summer is the best month to visit as the weather is pleasant. If intending to visit during the festival then you should be here in February to March to celebrate the Tibetan Losar Festival or the New Year.

Cuisine

Cuisine: you will find various food options like Italian, Belgian, Chinese, Korean, and Himachal and of course Tibetan Cuisines like noodles, vegetable soup, steamed or fried momos, veg beans, and rice dishes. Bakery products are quite famous among the hilly region. There are plenty of bakeries that will make your travel memories about Dharamshala even sweeter. Another specialty of this place is honey ginger lemon tea which is a refreshing drink.

Travelers and backpackers from all around the country come here to experience the serenity and to be in nature’s lap. Make the most of this destination by visiting the top places. It is the perfect destination for your much-awaited family holiday.

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foodreceipe · 6 years ago

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Top 10 foods to try when in India

The Insider Story - Feb 09, 2017

India consists of 28 states and seven union territories. However, that is not what sets it apart from the other countries of the world. India is a nation that is so vibrant and diverse and every state exhibits a different culture, tradition, a way of life, language and cuisine.

So, whether you are spending a few days up north in Kashmir or vacationing down south to Kerala, you will witness striking dissimilarities in the kind of foods people savor. This is what makes India one of the much-loved countries by gourmet foodies the world over. To give you a better insight into the food scene of the nation, below is a listing of a few Indian states and their special dishes, so that when you are in the country next, you can focus on trying out the best local cuisines!

1. Punjab

Makke ki roti and sarson da saag. [Photo Source: Pinterest]

This northern state is especially popular for its amazing local cuisine that is relished throughout the country. Try the makke ki roti and sarson da saag, which is a popular combination of a Punjabi flat-bread and gravy made of mustard leaves and spices. Also, the popular chhola-bhatura, rajma-chawal, amritsari machhli (fish) and lassi (sweetened buttermilk) find their roots in this region.

2. Gujarat

Dhokla [Photo Source: Pinterest]

Traditional Gujarati food is adored for its distinctive flavor that maintains an interesting balance between spices and sweetness. Try the dhokla, which is a well-known snack or breakfast item that is both healthy and delicious. Other popular delicacies include the thepla (flat-bread made of fresh fenugreek leaves and flour), khandvi, dhansak and Gujarati kadhi.

3. Maharashtra

Vada Pav [Photo Source: Pinterest]

Maharashtrian cuisine covers a range of dishes that go from being too mild to very zesty. Throughout the state, you can find amazing restaurants serving typical local food. The most cherished is the vada pav, which is a potato fritter stuffed between bread buns, served with piquant chutney and green chilies. Other prominent dishes from this region include, pav-bhaji, shrikhand, thalipeeth, puran poli and modak.

4. Bihar

Litti Chokha [Photo Source: Pinterest]

People don’t know enough about the typical cuisine of Bihar even though it is excessively rich in taste and austere in the way it is prepared. The most admired delicacy of the state is litti and chokha, which consists of roasted wheat balls stuffed with a special filling and mashed potatoes with distinct flavors. Also worth trying are the sattu parathas, jhal murhi, khaja and tilkut.

5. Rajasthan

Dal Baati [Photo Source: Pinterest]

This state is not only illustrious because of its vast deserts, beautiful palaces, and vibrant history—it is also famed for the scrumptious indigenous cuisine. The region presents a variety of delicacies when it comes to food. One of the most appetizing dishes is daal-baati, which consists of hard balls made of wheat flour and additives fried in ghee, and a special daal made of different types of pulses. It is usually served with churma, a sweet dish prepared by crushing baatis and adding ghee and sugar. Also try the pyaaz kachori, malai ghewar, gatte ki sabzi and kalakand.

6. West Bengal

Doi Machh [Photo Source: Pinterest]

Bengal is just the right state for those who have a sweet tooth or those who love fish. That might be a strange combination—and yet in India, you will find famous Bengali sweets and Bengali restaurants serving the traditional cuisine in almost every city you visit. One popular dish is the doi machh, which is Bengali fish curry with rice. Other well-known delicacies include the sandesh, daab jhingri (a special mustard prawn curry), rasgulla and mishti doi.

7. Sikkim

Phagshapa [Photo Source: Pinterest]

The cuisine of this state is influenced by the northeastern part of India and Nepal along with a high Nepalese population. One of the must-try delicacies in Sikkim is the phagshapa, made of strips of dried pork fat cooked with turnips, radishes, and chilies. Also, momos, thukpa, gundruk and sael roti are quite popular in this region.

8. Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabadi Biryani [Photo Source: Pinterest]

This is the state that has given the world one of its most savored dishes: biryani. Andhra Pradesh deserves a visit, especially for the authentic Hyderabadi biryani. Biryani is made of layered rice which is cooked with any type of meat, chicken or a combination of vegetables. Other popular food options in the state to take in are mirchi salan, ghongura pickle and korikoora.

9. Jammu and Kashmir

Kalaadi cheese [Photo Source: Pinterest]

The northernmost state of India brings forth one of the most delicious cuisines to be found anywhere in the country. The rogan josh, dum aloo, yakhni, haak saag, gustaba and tabak maaz are some of the well-liked dishes served in this region. One incredible delicacy to taste is the kalaadi cheese, which is a traditional local hill cheese (usually made from cow’s milk) native to this land.

10. Tamil Nadu

Masala Dosa [Photo Source: Pinterest]

The taste of India cannot be complete without a mention of the dosa and idli. This state is the origin of the most famous South Indian cuisine that is eaten around the world. There are a variety of dosas available around the region—but the most popular is the masala dosa, in which a fermented crepe made of rice batter is filled with potatoes and served with sambhar and coconut chutney. Also, one must try the idlis, appam, rasam, chettinad chicken and pongal when in this state.

June 5, 2015

http://www.india.com/food-2/10-indian-states-and-their-special-dishes-409095/

http://theinsiderstory.com/top-10-foods-try-india/

#Indian States Special Dishes #India

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echutti-blog · 8 years ago

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A trip to Sikkim

A TRIP TO PARADISE OF BOTANISTS- SIKKIM

Have you ever imagined walking through the snowfall and never be tired of it? Have you ever fallen in love with the cold and the snow that covers the beautiful landscape? Have you ever seen so many colours and the prettiest of flowers, all in the same place? Or have you ever wanted to come out at night to eat ice creams with your girlfriends without the feeling of insecurity to haunt you? Make it a dream come true by visiting the attractively mesmerizing hill station-Sikkim-which will leave you awestruck with its magnificent beauty and would soothe your eyes as you surrender yourself to its spellbinding greenery! In a world of mental and physical pressure, Sikkim could be an appropriately suitable escape from the pollution of cities and judging eyes of your neighbours or colleagues and family members.Sikkim is a North Eastern state of India, bordered by Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. It is also known as a “brother” among the “seven sisters” of North East India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya- yet other places which would leave you breathless). The state has a dramatic landscape which ranges from India’s highest mountain, Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) to the landscape of Yumthang Valley with its beautiful spring flowers. For nature lovers, Sikkim is a must-to-visit place as it is home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. The state has a rich history of kings and lords and monarchs ruling over it. It also has a history of freedom fighters and revolutionists fighting for the rights and justice of the state and its people. This is one place which many tourists like to visit for some peace and to spend some quality time to with their loved one. One such plan was made by my family in the winter of 2014. It was a four day trip with a family of my father’s friend. This trip was one of the best things that happened to me in the fall of 2014. The place is etched in my heart and mind and will always remind me of the splendid journey I had. Sikkim is not just a place, it is a feeling! Go climb the mountains, ride the Yak through the snowy paths and explore its mouth-watering dishes!

Here are some of the best places you can visit in Sikkim and Gangtok (Directly from my travel journal to your laptop screens)- Day 1- The excitement of “changing landscape”!We took a train from Tinsukia (in Assam, since I am from Assam) to New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) in West Bengal (which took us two days and one night). From there we went towards Sikkim. My father’s friend, who stays in Sikkim, came to pick us up from the train station. It took us around 5 hours to reach our booked destination. On our way we stopped at a Dhaba to have lunch (the name of which I don’t remember now, but all I could remember is that there was this cute dog who kept on coming towards me and sticking closer to my legs). I remember how exciting it was when we kept moving upwards towards Sikkim. It was a change from plains to mountains. The tress became denser and greener, the roads became narrow and we were more frequently encountered by the Teesta River which became distinctively clear as we went higher. On reaching Sikkim we went to Mahatma Gandhi Marg (MG Marg) which is a Gangtok tourism road. This area is free of litter, smoke and vehicles, and is a pedestrian zone only. Locals would immediately ask you to stop smoking if they find your smoking in this area.In the evening we took a local tour of M.G. Marg and later had dinner at on the rooftop of the hotel we were staying at, called, Hotel Golden Pagoda. They have a beautiful Dinner hall. From the rooftops one could see the mountains and little lights shining from them. The best time to visit MG Marg is in December when the “Gangtok Annual Food and Culture Festival” takes place (when many different food stalls are set up at the Titanic Park in MG Marg). While there are various restaurants and cafes in this road, some of them are very well popular among the tourist. They include:

PUB25- A popular pub which plays some truly amazing music. The service is very well as its staffs are very attentive. You can also entertain yourself by reading the funny anecdotes about beer and drinking attached to the walls of the restaurant.

Baker’s Cafe- They serves some yummy pastries, patties, momos and other snack items. Do not forget to try its coffee!

Golden Dragon- It has a lovely dinning environment and spectacular market view. We went there for breakfast, but the food was so good that we went back for lunch and dinner.

Chopsticks- It has a scene of a family restaurant. The service is welcoming and warm. It’s a very good place for a proper family dinner.

Allen’s Kitchen-If you want to listen to some lovely music with some delicious food on your table, than you should visit Allen’s Kitchen in MG Marg. This restaurant provides a wide variety of food. Also, the owner, himself, takes care of customers so personally.

DAY 2- EXPLORING THE LOCAL BEAUTYThe next day after a warm breakfast we decided to go for a local tour of the area. We heard a lot about Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok and so we made sure it is the first place we visit in Sikkim. We booked a cab from MG Marg to Rumtek Monastery, which took us around 30 minutes. Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharmachakra Centre, is a Tibetian Buddhist temple. Once you are at the base gate of the monastery you realise that it is true of all the facts told about it. From the base gate it requires an uphill walk (about 15 minutes) to reach to the main monastery. This monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and has a unique infrastructure, which resembles the infrastructure of the original one in Tibet. This monastery has one of the finest architectures in the world. Once you visit this place, you get a sense of peace about yourself as you just let the silence surround you. Also, there are vantage points from where you get to see some beautiful sites of the whole Gangtok!After a two hours stay in Rumtek monastery, we came down to the town and I had thupka(a local soup dish) for lunch. We toured around MG Marg the whole evening as it is a very convenient place for evening walk and shopping. The place is very clean and is a paved street with shops lining both the sides. There are benches fixed throughout the road where you can sit down and talk when you are tired of walking. If you get hungry, there are ample of options you can rely upon. The whole street is lined with restaurants, bars and cafe. In the evening, we went for some shopping and ate some amazing local street foods (the names of which I don’t remember). After a long day we came to our hotel rooms and freshen up for one-amazing-night. At around 8pm we all got dressed up for dinner and went to Allen’s Kitchen where we were served some amazing starters, beverages and sweet dishes.

DAY 3- A TOUR TO 3,753 METRES HEIGHTThe next day we backpacked for Lake Tsomgo also known as Changu Lake which is located at an elevation of 3,753 metre. The Lake is associated with many myths and legends and is referred to it by the Sikkimese as “sacred”. The Lake is covered with snow in winters. On our way to the lake, there was an instant change in the scenes and temperature. Soon we realised that the streets were covered with snow and we were driving through the clouds! We stopped our cars for a while and clicked some photos and experienced the much awaited snow fall. The landscape was covered with snow, even the houses and shops (though it was very sparsely populated). The place had a beauty of its own. The cold was freezing but satisfying. I still remember a story that my father told us which still fascinates me. It goes something like: A long time ago the mountains had wings and would fly away to anywhere they wanted and would settle there. The people went through a lot of trouble for this behaviour of the mountains. They complained to Lord Vishnu, the regulator of the Universe. Lord Vishu decided to cut off the wings of the mountains so that they can settle in one place. Though today the mountains cannot fly, but the love of the mountain and its wings was eternal. Therefore, the cut- out wings took the form of clouds and still hovers near the mountains.After playing for a while in the snow we started off to descend from the mountains. On our way back we stopped at a shop where we ate hot soup and tea. It was the best combination in the cold weather. On our way back we stopped at Gonjang Monastery which is as beautiful as a mystery! I would strongly recommend a visit to this monastery and pray for the good will of one’s loved ones. DAY 4- LACHUNG, LACHEN AND YUMTHANG VALLEYMost part of our Day 4 was in the villages of Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley. Visiting these villages is a onetime experience. There was thick snow in the mountains and we spend much time playing in the snow. From there we made our way to the “zero point” where we got a spectacular view! Standing in this point one can understand about “God’s creation”. This is a place where you are so close to nature and you get a sense of belonging and acceptance that you wish to stay a little longer and than a little more. But then your father calls you back to the car because it’s already time for you to leave, and as you leave you become so emotional because you know you are going to miss this place. All the way back to hotel all I can think about how much I was going to miss this place, and it was indeed a magical experience.

Thus the last day of the trip came to an end. Soon I found myself backpacking to leave for my home. But Alas! That one trip left me with so much of emotional attachment with the place and with such peace and tranquillity in my mind! It is true that “Wonders do come in small packages!” and thus to witness this you must visit the second smallest State in India-Sikkim- and let its prismatic beauty and mesmeric charm work wonders with you!

June is a wonderful time to be in Sikkim. While most of your trip should move as per plan, you should always be prepared for surprises. For more info join traveller club and find your trip partner on eChutti.

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