Up until recently, India's east has been the nation's most underappreciated tourism destination. But as word spreads about how stunning these little states of India are, an increasing number of tourists are visiting them to take a much-needed vacation from the everyday grind.
One of the states that has recently gained popularity for all the right reasons is Sikkim. This location provides you with a tranquil beauty with a backdrop of the Himalayas that appears to be wallpaper. The winding roads that lead to these stunning locations are just as gorgeous as any major route. One of the most compassionate people I have ever encountered on any of my travels is in this state.
The Planning
Everything began when I brainstormed ideas for a Christmas trip itinerary with my folks and wrote them down on paper. At first, I had planned to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Subsequently, following extensive brainstorming, we decided to move the country from its extreme west (Mumbai) to its extreme east (Sikkim).
We just had a week to organize this vacation since it may have been too late to begin making travel arrangements. The first travel company I would want to work with when I arrange a vacation is TRIPOTO. Thus, I quickly got in touch with Tripoto's travel partners to ask for assistance in planning the ideal winter vacation for my parents, who were seeing snow-capped mountains for the first time.
A package with two itineraries (4N/5D Sikkim plus Darjeeling and 3N/4D Sikkim alone) was sent to me. We limited our coverage to Sikkim this time due to time constraints.
The Travel
Our journey from Mumbai to Sikkim was yet another obstacle that we had to conquer. We chose to use both ways after comparing the costs of the train and the flight. From Mumbai, there isn't a direct flight. As a result, on December 24, we boarded a flight from Mumbai to Delhi, arriving at 10.30 a.m.
We left New Delhi in the evening of the same day and arrived at the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station at 12:30 pm on December 25.
You are picked up by a cab at the NJP station to travel to Gangtok, which is around a five-hour (150 km) drive in the absence of traffic.
Day 1 : Gangtok
Following a demanding two-day journey and a much-needed break, we prepared for our first stop in Sikkim's capital city.
The first place we go is Tsomgo Lake, which the locals refer to as Changu Lake. This is one of India's greatest glacial lakes, encircled on all sides by the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Many visitors are wanting to perform Yak rides on this lake. A full circuit around the lake costs ₹1000, while a half lap along its shores costs ₹500. Try on traditional Sikkimese attire for ₹150, which is one of the additional activities available at this lake.
Following a breathtaking experience at the lake, we travelled to Nathula Pass, which marks the Indo-China border. We have to present our permits at a checkpoint before we can go on to Nathula Pass. Five km before to the pass, private cars must halt. After that, we have to transfer into a seven-seater Jeep that will drive you to the Pass. Since Nathula Pass is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level, it is usually not included in the itinerary and must be paid for separately thereafter. It totalled ₹4000 for a household of three.
The oxygen content in the air decreases as we approach Nathula Pass due to the chilly breeze and temperature dip, and our breathing patterns alter as we ascend a few steps to enter the border region. Therefore, it's advisable that we always drink enough of water and occasionally bring chocolates and camphor for our sense of taste and smell.
Pro Tip: Since tourists are not permitted after 2 p.m., arrive at Nathula Pass before then.
A breathtaking scene of clouds moving at the same altitude as us and giving us the impression that we are on cloud nine greets us as we descend 14000 feet from Nathula Pass. We celebrate this beauty by having a special meal of traditional Sikkim cuisine with eggs as a side dish.
We spent our last hours exploring Gangtok's MG market, which has branded items in addition to all the necessities. In the market, there is also a souvenir shop where you may purchase reasonably priced Sikkimese items.
Day 2 : Lachung
Day 2 was supposed to be spent at Lachen. However, due to roadblocks, permission to enter Lachen was revoked during the latest floods in Sikkim in October. So, the other day, we set off for Lachung, another little town in the state that is located nine thousand feet above sea level.
We had the full day to appreciate the splendor of this tiny state nestled among tranquil scenery, having left Gangtok at 9 a.m. We arrived at the first checkpoint of the day on the route to Lachung after a two-hour drive. To prevent any medical problems at the summit, they make purchasing a little oxygen cylinder (₹500) necessary at the checkpoint. It is enough to have one oxygen cylinder in each automobile.
Once we get the oxygen cylinder and register at the checkpoint, we go on yet another thrilling journey through Sikkim's narrow streets. Although the floods left certain areas of the state severely devastated, efforts were in progress to rebuild the state and restore it to its pre-disaster status.
We arrived at the last checkpoint before Lachung after another two hours of driving. It took us five hours to get to Lachung after this checkpoint.
We experienced all the rollercoaster rides on this day until we arrived at our destination.
Day 3 : Lachung
At nine in the morning, we depart from our accommodation and go to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, which are located at elevations of 12,000 and 16,000 feet, respectively, above sea level.
Zero Point, the final location for civilians in the eastern province, was our first trip of the day. This location resembles something from an SRK film, complete with his heroine dancing in a chiffon saree. This location made me think of all the Bollywood romance films that feature beautiful, bucolic settings. This is the ideal location for building snowmen, having snow fights, and ice skating on ice patches.
Later, we went to Yumthang Valley, a happy flower-filled valley that is home to a variety of flowers, including the state flower of Sikkim, the rhodendron. The valley blossoms in the spring. During the winter, this area was desolate, with a lovely river running through it.
We return to our hotel at 5 p.m. after a day filled with living my dream, allowing us to relax in our small but comfortable rooms.
Day 4 : Back To Gangtok
Today is the first day of the trek back, first to Gangtok.
We paused to take in the splendor of the Nala Falls on the way back. We take a brief snapshot and then carry on with our adventure.
We made a little diversion to Romtek Monastery, which is 45 minutes away from the city and Water Garden, before arriving in Gangtok. This successfully concludes our day and our travel.
The Return Journey :
The next morning, the cab arrived at the NJP station about 10.30 am, far ahead of our train's scheduled departure time, having picked us up from the hotel at 5:30 am. After a seven-hour delay, we boarded the train at 7 p.m. on January 30, even though it was scheduled to arrive at 1.30 p.m. When we arrived at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 4:45 p.m. the next day, the train's seven-hour delay had been cut to a five-hour delay.
We eagerly awaited the next train to Mumbai, which left at 4:55 p.m. and arrived at Mumbai Central at 8:30 a.m. on January 1.
The Rajdhani Express from NDLS to NJP and the Tejas Rajdhani Express from NDLS to Mumbai Central were the trains we rode.
Despite all the challenges and roadblocks, this trip was one of the greatest I've had recently. Living in big cities makes us believe that life is hard, but when we travel to tiny communities like these, our outlook on life and its challenges is altered. Thus, travel is a means of learning about different cultures and ways of life in addition to being a kind of recreation. Let's work together to enable everyone in our nation to reach greater heights and create an INCREDIBLE INDIA.
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