North East India is indeed Paradise unexplored, as touted by the Government of India's Incredible India campaign. It's natural scenic beauty is just amazing!
These are the places in this region where I have been to:
There are plenty of hotels in the city of Gangtok ranging from budget hotels to premium ones. The best among the lot are Hotel Dew Pond (3 star, situated on P.S. Road near city centre), The Oriental (3 star equivalent, situated on Mahatma Gandhi Marg), Hotel Tibet (3 star, situated on Paljor Stadium Road near the bus stand), Hotel Tashi Delek (4 star, situated on Mahatma Gandhi Marg near bus stand), Hotel Central (3 star, situated on the National Highway near city centre), Nor Khill Hotel (4 star, situated on Paljor Stadium Road near bus stand) and Hotel Fortuna Lachung (near Blooing Petrol Pump).
These are the places in this region where I have been to:
1. Gangtok, Sikkim
Located at an altitude of 5410 feet, the city of Gangtok is the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. Lying in the Eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok is bestowed with loads of natural beauty and a year round mild temperate climate.
- Getting There
By Plane
The nearest airport is situated at Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri in the neighbouring state of West Bengal's Gorkhaland region. From the taxi counter at the airport, one can hire taxis to reach Gangtok.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri. It is connected to all major Indian cities by rail. You can hire taxis from the NJP station to reach Gangtok.
By Road
You can take taxis/ share taxis/ state corporation buses from Siliguri bus stand. It is nearly a 4 hour journey to Gangtok. It is also well connected to the major cities in the region such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Pelling.
- Stay
There are plenty of hotels in the city of Gangtok ranging from budget hotels to premium ones. The best among the lot are Hotel Dew Pond (3 star, situated on P.S. Road near city centre), The Oriental (3 star equivalent, situated on Mahatma Gandhi Marg), Hotel Tibet (3 star, situated on Paljor Stadium Road near the bus stand), Hotel Tashi Delek (4 star, situated on Mahatma Gandhi Marg near bus stand), Hotel Central (3 star, situated on the National Highway near city centre), Nor Khill Hotel (4 star, situated on Paljor Stadium Road near bus stand) and Hotel Fortuna Lachung (near Blooing Petrol Pump).
- Places to visit
The nearby places to visit are Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Mandir and Rumtek Monastery.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake around 40 kilometers from Gangtok. It is located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. The best time to visit is in around April to early May when you can see the snow around the lake melting and flowing into the lake. You need to take a permission from Sikkim Police to visit the lake. Alongside the lake is a small Hindu Temple having the idols of various Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh among others.
Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Ever heard of a Temple of an Army man? This Temple is exactly the same! This shrine is dedicated to “Baba” Harbhajan Singh, who was a soldier serving in the Indian Army. He attained martyrdom near the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim, India. It is believed that even after his death, he patrols the Indian borders and informs the Indian Army personnel about any security loopholes.
The shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains with gushing waterfalls at various place and dotted by multi-colored shrubs. En route, one crosses various beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located at an altitude of 14450 ft, it is around 56 kms from Gangtok. The road to Nathula passes by the Tsomgo lake. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and is richly surrounded by alpine flora. You can go close to the international border from where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire. Nathula is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get a permit from the Indian Army to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognized Travel Agency. Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Nathula and photography is strictly prohibited in the region. One can find an ATM facility here which is the world's highest Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is located around 22 km from the town. It is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, the monastery fell into disrepair. The current structure dates to the year 1959.
Ghoom Monastery
Samten Choling Monastery, also known as Ghoom Monastery, is located 7 km away from the town of Darjeeling. One can visit it on one's way back from the Tiger Hill. Its main attraction is the 26 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha. If you visit the monastery early in the morning or in the evening during the prayer time, the chanting and the humming sound made by the young lamas and the monks inside creates a great spiritual atmosphere. You can be with them as long as you want during the prayers. The monastery has great collections of Buddhist books and Manuscripts.
The surrounding gardens have a variety of beautiful flowers. One can click pictures of oneself in traditional Gorkha dresses here.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake around 40 kilometers from Gangtok. It is located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. The best time to visit is in around April to early May when you can see the snow around the lake melting and flowing into the lake. You need to take a permission from Sikkim Police to visit the lake. Alongside the lake is a small Hindu Temple having the idols of various Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh among others.
The roads in this mountainous terrain provide an adventurous ride. You have to pass by several narrow old bridges to reach the lake. The narrow road is also affected by landslides during rains.
Ever heard of a Temple of an Army man? This Temple is exactly the same! This shrine is dedicated to “Baba” Harbhajan Singh, who was a soldier serving in the Indian Army. He attained martyrdom near the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim, India. It is believed that even after his death, he patrols the Indian borders and informs the Indian Army personnel about any security loopholes.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located at an altitude of 14450 ft, it is around 56 kms from Gangtok. The road to Nathula passes by the Tsomgo lake. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and is richly surrounded by alpine flora. You can go close to the international border from where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire. Nathula is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get a permit from the Indian Army to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognized Travel Agency. Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Nathula and photography is strictly prohibited in the region. One can find an ATM facility here which is the world's highest Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is located around 22 km from the town. It is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and head seat of the Karma Kagyu school in Sikkim. Originally built in 1740, the monastery fell into disrepair. The current structure dates to the year 1959.
2. Darjeeling, Gorkhaland, West Bengal
The city of Darjeeling is situated in the Eastern Himalayan
ranges of West Bengal at an altitude of 6710 feet. It is well known for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Getting There
By Plane
The nearest airport is situated at Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri in the neighbouring state of West Bengal's Gorkhaland region. From the taxi counter at the airport, one can hire taxis to reach Darjeeling.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri. It is connected to all major Indian cities by rail. You can hire taxis from the NJP station to reach Darjeeling.
By Road
You can take taxis/ share taxis/ state corporation buses from Siliguri bus stand. It is nearly a 3 hour journey to Darjeeling.
- Stay
You can find an abundance of hotels from budget to lavish
hotels to stay in the market area of Darjeeling. Some of them are Hotel
Sinclairs, Hotel Anand Palace, Mayfair Darjeeling, Pineridge Hotel and Elgin
Darjeeling.
- Places To Visit
Tiger hill, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,
P. N. Zoological Park, Gorkha Memorial Park, Tenzing Rock, Tea Garden, Ropeway and Japanese Temple
are the places to visit nearby.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is a beautiful spot to view the sunrise. The dawn
breaks early in this region of India and hence you have to reach the point by 4
am to enjoy the enchanting view of sunrise.
If the weather is clear, you may also be able to see Mt. Kanchendjhongda, also known as Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is the world's 3rd highest peak and the highest peak in India with an altitude of 28,208 feet.
Samten Choling Monastery, also known as Ghoom Monastery, is located 7 km away from the town of Darjeeling. One can visit it on one's way back from the Tiger Hill. Its main attraction is the 26 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha. If you visit the monastery early in the morning or in the evening during the prayer time, the chanting and the humming sound made by the young lamas and the monks inside creates a great spiritual atmosphere. You can be with them as long as you want during the prayers. The monastery has great collections of Buddhist books and Manuscripts.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & P. N. Zoological Park
HMI is said to be a pilgrimage for all climbing enthusiasts of the world. It was established in honour of Tenzing Norgay after he and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Mount Everest in 1953. It has a well stocked museum with mountaineering displays and many expedition artifacts, a boarding school for mountaineering students, houses for the trainers, a restaurant, a souvenir shop and more. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. It's located on Jawahar Road or the Birch Hill that can be accessed from the Mall Road and Lebong Cart Road. The Zoo is located in the same premises where HMI is and therefore should be covered at the same time. The unique feature of this zoo is, it houses animals of high altitude and mostly from upper Himalayas. You can see some rare animals here like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and lot more. HMI and zoo are closed on Thursdays.
Gorkha Memorial Park (Batasia Loop)
The War Memorial is located at the center of the Batasia Loop garden in Darjeeling. It has been created to honour and to serve as a memorial for the Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling area who sacrificed their lives in various operations and wars after India's independence. Traditionally, there has been a high concentration of the Gorkha soldiers in Indian forces taking part in the wars from Darjeeling hills. There have been over 75 soldiers who have gallantly died in such operations post India's independence.The surrounding gardens have a variety of beautiful flowers. One can click pictures of oneself in traditional Gorkha dresses here.
Tenzing Rock
Tenzing Rock, a gigantic natural rock in Darjeeling is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who created history by climbing the Everest first time along with Edmund Hillary in 1953. Opposite to this is the Gombu Rock named after Nawang Gombu, nephew of Tenzing who was the first person to climb the Everest twice, once in 1963 and then in 65. Both these rocks are used for rock climbing training by HMI.
Tea Garden & Ropeway
This is one way you can be part of special diverse offerings from the nature and all in one place. From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or just relax and enjoy the view around. It's hard to find all these together in one place.Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda
About 10 minutes by car, you will reach a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.
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