Tucked along the north-eastern side of India, and sandwiched among Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet is the state of Sikkim. It is a small state of 7,096 sq km (only slightly bigger than the state of Negeri Sembilan).
The state prides itself on ‘housing’ the world’s third highest mountain, Kangchenjunga. And couple with the beautiful and spectacular sceneries and awe inspiring mountainous views, Sikkim has become a popular destination among intrepid travellers and trekkers.
While permit is required to enter Sikkim, it is not difficult to obtain and extension is allowed. Some areas are out of bound to tourists and it is a serious offence to venture off beyond the limit the permits allow. Check posts are located at strategic locations and all vehicles are stopped for inspection and permits checked.
Sikkim is still a relatively ‘enclosed’ and remote area. However, slowly but surely more and more places are being open up to foreigners and tourists, though permit is something that one can’t go without. In some areas, tourists have to travel in group of two or more.
The conditions of some of the mountain roads are not very good and landslides / landslips do occur now and then. We were also told that some of these roads are being upgraded – widening and ‘straightening’. So in time to come, it will cut short the travelling time and travellers will have a better and smoother ride. I hope, amidst the changes and the ‘influx’ of tourists, the region will not lose its charm and pristine state.
Buddhism was introduced by the Tibetan lamas in the 15th century and having Tibet as its immediate neighbour, Sikkim exhibits a strong Tibetan influence and there are many monasteries around.
It is also interesting to note that Sikkim is the second place in India (after Manali in Himachal Pradesh) which I have come across where plastic bags are banned. It would appear that the 'law' is very successfully enforced. Perhaps there are many other places in the country practising that too.
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After the ‘extreme-early’ morning traffic jam and the spectacular sunrise, we left Darjeeling for Gantok (1,547m), located about 115km north east of Darjeeling. Gantok is the capital of Sikkim.
We were travelling alongside Teesta River for about a quarter of the journey and on the way, we visited Rumtek Monastery, the biggest monastery in Sikkim.
Roads are winding and at times bumpy. It was also a very hot day. Along the journey, we passed by many tea plantations, rice fields, orchards – mainly guava and oranges.
Teesta River (above and below)
Entering the Sikkim Region
Security check post
At the Sikkim border. Stopped here fortea / coffee break while waiting for our
Sikkim permits to be processed. Quite a long wait.
Rumtek Monastery (above and below few)
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