Experience to return in the land of Created on the Earth
The clouds play a dramatic symphony as the vapour boils up silently out of the deep valleys, taking fantastic shapes – a sight to behold. As you stand in awe, the silence is broken by the sound of bells, signalling a monastery ahead. The smell of burning juniper marks a village and then, gently the swirling mist reveals the threshold of a holy monastery – one of 67 in Sikkim . This is the experience of Sikkim .
Sikkim is a perfect destination for travelers in search of enchantment, tranquility or adventure. A jewel embedded in snow-clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else. Its rugged and dramatic terrain has elevation variations ranging from 284 m. to 8540 m. This land of mystery and myths casts an enchanted spell that holds visitors enthralled. A land so rich in tradition and steeped in religion, it is truly one of the most special places on earth.
Sikkim is located in the eastern Himalaya , sitting between Nepal and Bhutan , while to the north lies eastern Tibet . It is a mountainous kingdom, well known for providing stunning views of Kanchenjunga (8598m), the world’s third highest mountain which straddles the border with Nepal . It is also a land rich in flora and fauna and has a diverse ethnic mix with rich cultural traditions. The people are predominantly Buddhist and there are many active monasteries where traditional and ancient rituals are practiced in an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
Our trek starts from Yuksom (1770 m), the trail climbs through dense semi tropical forests, before changing to rhododendron, pine, azalea, and giant oak. The trekking is not difficult and follows delightful trails. Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga , Pandim and other peaks of the Singalila ridge, separating Sikkim from Nepal , are visible for the entire trek. We then trek back to Yuksom and visit Gangtok, Sikkim ‘s hilltop capital. Eventually, we spend two delightful and relaxing nights among the tea gardens in nearby Kalimpong.