Sikkim: The last Shangri-la
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Standing sentinel over this ancient kingdom is the magnificent and much revered Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Aptly called 'Myel Lyang-the land of hidden paradise' by the original inhabitants-the 'Lepchas', this enticing gateway to the North-east India, is an undiscovered paradise wrapped in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas.
The drive through the mountains into the capital-city of Gangtok will leave you with unforgettable imprints- the narrow winding roads, the crisp chilly air and the gushing waters of the Teesta River. Catch a glimpse of continually changing landscape- from dense woods and river valleys to pine forests and orchid-dotted groves, all in the backdrop of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges.
Gangtok rises in tiers along the sides of a high hillock, set between two deep valleys. Each tier of the hill becoming narrower and narrower speckled with assortment of stupas, monastries houses and temples. And beyond it all, in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, colourful prayer flags flutter into the bright blue Sikkimese sky.
Wander up the lush green mountain trails, with mighty Himalayas rising majestically on the horizon, watch the gurgling mountain streams and cascading waterfalls or walk along the gently rising roads. The bazaars of this Himalayan town offer you an opportunity to mingle with smiling hill folks, bathed in colours of the ethnic costumes.
Get acquainted with a culture of the people who love to celebrate according to centuries-old traditions; be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations on the occasion of the New Year. And if you're fortunate you could persuade the Sikkimese to offer you sumptuous Tibetan food or mouth-watering Sikkimese momos…
As you travel off the beaten track, in this undiscovered haven, you can immerse yourself in solitude, amidst a tranquil silence and astounding natural beauty.
Its forest riches include stunning varieties of orchids and rhododendron, bamboo groves and cardamom, and in springtime, the meadows are alive with exotic wild flowers- the blue Poppies that envelop the valley. Complimenting the rare flora is a menagerie of unusual fauna. Sikkim is abode to some of the intriguing endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep and Musk Deer.
Sikkim with its numerous nature trails, vast mountain ranges and the fast flowing rivers is a delight for trekkers and rafters. Adventure tourism is becoming one of its biggest draws, as more and more new places are opened up for discovery.
Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow. Its dramatic topography is a feast for the senses.
Once regarded as one of the last Himalayan 'Shangri-la' because of its ancient Buddhist monasteries, pristine lakes, superb mountain terrain, and remoteness, Sikkim is a must see for those in search of un-spoilt nature, innocence and warm hospitality of people or spiritual tranquillity.