Postcards from Sikkim- Where nature Smiles!

Sikkim, the mystic land Where Nature Smiles enthralls you in many unique ways. Replete with magnificent rivers, breathtaking valleys, massive lakes, ginormous mountain ranges, and fascinating culture, this tiny landlocked state in the northeastern part of India offers many opportunities for photography enthusiasts. While every season is the best season to visit Sikkim, we decided to give a visit during the Spring for the most diverse experience Sikkim has to offer. Read on as we bring to you through our lens, all the fascinating vistas that mesmerized us during the spring of 2022.

Sikkim is surrounded by Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Owing to its landlocked position, the most usual mode of travel to Sikkim is by road. Visitors usually take a flight or train to Bagdogra or Siliguri present in the northern part of West Bengal and from there hire a cab to reach Gangtok which acts as the epicenter to visit various tourist destinations within Sikkim.

The Rugged terrain in East Sikkim

One thing that was vividly evident as we entered the state of Sikkim is the importance the state gives to cleanliness and order. Be it the hoardings about Swatchh Bharath Mission seen across the villages and towns, the beautiful balconies and window sills of local homes ornate with colorful blooms and potted plants, or the lane discipline followed on road.

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmo in Ladakh

Gangtok City

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is the most populated city in the state. It wouldn’t probably be an exaggeration to claim that close to 50% of Sikkim’s population resides in Gangtok. Despite that fact, Gangtok has a unique charm of blending nature with civilization. The busy shopping streets, bustling hotels, educational institutions, government buildings, army camps, and residential properties are so seamlessly spread across the slops of the hills, that the concrete structures become a part of the grand hilly views Gangtok has to offer.

The commercial spaces of Gangtok seamlessly merge into Hills and and greenery

The actual beauty of Sikkim strikes you as you get away from the hustle of the city. As you drive eastwards from Gangtok towards the district of East Sikkim, you quickly gain altitude to reach the formidable Nathula pass located at around 14000 ft above sea level on the Indo-Tibet border. Due to its proximity to the Chinese border, this region is always under military surveillance which makes your journey through this region even more exhilarating.

The formidable Nathula Pass

Proceeding on the mountain terrain southwards takes you through the ancient silk route which once connected Lhasa in Tibet to Tamralipta port in West Bengal. While it is quite common to see zigzag roads meandering through the mountains in Sikkim, your journey through the 32 exhilarating hairpin bends surrounded by lush green mountains and deep valleys in Zuluk is a view to behold. The icing on the cake is the view of the Eastern Himalayan Ranges.

Maitreya buddha statue at Diskit village of Nubra valley

The hairpin bends of Zuluk Silk Route

Heading westwards from Gangtok, you enter the relaxing locales of Pelling in the West Sikkim District. What stands out in this region are the gigantic statues of Buddha and his incarnations perched on hills with panoramic views. The Buddha Park at Ravangla and the Chenrezig Statue with Skywalk at Pelling are a few places you should not miss visiting while in Pelling. This region also is the starting point to some of the popular treks in Sikkim.

Buddha park at Ravangla

One doesn’t fully arrive in Sikkim till they visit the North Sikkim District. Sikkim’s natural beauty amplifies multifold as you proceed northwards. Countless waterfalls greet you as you drive along the snaking road through the hills. The gushing Teesta river or site tributaries accompany you all along your journey till you reach Chungthang.

Lush green valleys of North Sikkim

Kalapathar is a place you should visit if you wish to see snow irrespective of the season you visit Sikkim. True to its name, the only colors you see here are white and green. The jagged peaks towering high, as if to kiss the blue sky offer breathtaking views all around you.

Mineral rich mountains on the way to Tso Moriri Lake

Kalapathar – North Sikkim

Your farthest destination in North Sikkim is Gurudongmar Lake which is no less than a gem in the crown of Sikkim. As you drive northwards gaining more altitude, you pass through a rugged moonscape often finding your own path in the high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas. The magnificent Gurdongmar Lake glistens in its bluest glory with the backdrop of the snow-covered peaks.

Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim

As you take a detour from Chungthan in north Sikkim, you enter the colorful valley of flowers called Yumathang. If you are here during spring, you will be blessed with a massive stretch of rhododendron blooms and delicate primroses. If pine trees, colorful blossoms, and snow-covered peaks are your thing, the Yumathang will be your Mecca.

Flowers in Yumathang Valley

Dzongu region located in the resplendent Eastern Himalayan region is one of the best-kept secrets of Sikkim. Home to the indigenous Lepcha tribe, the Dzongu region is a protected area and needs a special permit for visit. While here, you find yourself living in perfect harmony with nature. The unobstructed view of the Kanchenjunga range from the vantage points in Dzongu is worth all the effort you take to visit this nondescript region.

hanging bridge across Teestha River in Dzongu

Sikkim is beautiful and magnificent in any season you visit. While the pictures presented here are from the Spring time, the experience of traveling in Sikkim in the winter months of December, January, and February are next to none. If you wish to experience the magic of winter wonderland, Sikkim is your destination.

Have you been to Sikkim yet? Which season would you prefer for your Sikkim trip? Which would be your favorite destination in Sikkim. Do let us know, for, we are all ears!

2 Comments

poonamvoyageinde on December 8, 2022 at 11:50 am

Thank you for such a wonderful article. Its really informative.
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Ras Bahadur Rai on May 15, 2023 at 9:35 am

I had almost lost reading this beautiful and thrilling article. I must say that this is a picturesque post, gives a high level of satisfaction to the readers like me. Thanks for sharing. The Sikkim looks like it have lot to offer. Recently with help of Langtang Valley Trek Guide i tarvelled to nepal which was awesome like Sikkim

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