Sikkim is the most sought after tourist destination among all the beautiful north-eastern states of India. Sikkim was ruled by the royal family till 1975. Finally, the monarchy ended by the political intervention of the then President of India and Sikkim was finally added to the Republic of India on May 16 as the 22nd Indian state.
Sikkim tour packages are organised by the various trip and tour operators who help in identifying the top tourist destinations depending on the trip duration and budget of the tourists. Sikkim proudly upholds the Kanchenjunga peak, which is the world’s third highest peak.
The most relaxing places to unwind and get rejuvenated are maybe the charismatic Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim that take one through a poignant spiritual experience. The solace, the beauty of peace, the physical beauty of the locations, the solitude, the prayer bells, the deep-throated chanting of the monks in worship — are all infinitely uplifting experiences that one should go through to discover the beauty of emancipation.
Lachung Monastery, Sikkim
The Lachung monastery in north Sikkim established in 1880 is one. It is the last monastery on the highway that eventually reaches the Indo-Chinese border. The monastery is famous for its traditional annual dance. The word ‘Lachung’ means ‘Small Mountain’ and the monastery is located near the Lachun river, which is a tributary of the famous river Teesta.
Tashiding Monastery
The Tashiding Monastery makes it to the hit list of tourists and is blessed generously by natural beauty and charm of the snow-clad mountains and unspoilt natural greenery. This monastery was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing and provides ample opportunity to relax and unwind. Tsuklakhang Palace, which is a surreal piece of ancient poetry, and is meant for the lovers of peace and harmony.
It is popularly known as Tsuklakhang Royal chapel. The monastery actively showcases the cultural heritage of Sikkim. It offers deeper insights into the religiosity of Indian culture and traditions.
Pemayangtse Monastery
The time tested and agile beauty of the Pemayangtse Monastery surpasses the beauty of most of the other monasteries surrounding it. This monastery makes for a harmonious and blissful tourist place and is best visited between the months of March to June. It is situated around 110 kilometres from Gangtok and is merely 2 kilometres from Pelling. Travellers flock to experience its glory the year round.
The word ‘Pemayangtse’ means Perfect Sublime Lotus and the monastery’s location and layout amply justifies the name. The interiors of the monastery are richly decorated with bright and shiny Tibetan motifs and it also has designer walls and pillars. This 300-year old monastery is the perfect place for deep learning, religious realizations and soul searching.
Indulge in prayers and meditation to find your true self. The monastery has a rich style of architecture and is set amidst gorgeous mountain ranges. As you watch the peaceful demeanours of the Buddhist followers in the temple premises, your inner being shall be in harmony with the peace of the ambience. The ancient manuscript adorning the monastery pillar pillars and the magnificent interior woodwork are worthy to be noticed.
Tsomgo Lake
A serene and naturally beautiful place Tsomgo Lake, which is located approximately 38 kilometres away from Gangtok, is often an indelible part of all Sikkim Tourism Package. The scenic route that leads to the Tsomgo Lake crossing the rocky mountain terrain and undulating plains across steep cliffs and gigantic slopes and deep crevices make for a unique experience of beholding unspoilt nature at its best.
Visit the Lake to watch the fascinating Migratory Brahmini ducks, beautiful flowers such as Primulas and Blue and Yellow Poppies. Enjoy a fun time with a yak or a pony ride. Visit the Lake area between the months of January and March to experience snow and between April and May to enjoy the vibrant colours of the rhododendrons and orchids.
Yuksom
Another divine tourist attraction of Sikkim meant for pure relaxation is Yuksom. Yuksom has unbridled natural beauty interwoven with historic charm and pathos. Yuksom has fascinating landscape and is actually the ancient capital of Sikkim.
It retains the grandeur with some of the most majestic monasteries situated on its soil. The term ‘Yuksom’ actually means ‘the meeting place of three llamas’. It is iconically believed to be the ‘Third eye of Sikkim’ and is the getaway to the third highest Himalayan peak, the Kangchendzonga. Yuksom has the serene Khecheopalri Lake located inside the belly of deep mountain forests. It is considered sacred and is the biggest lake in the state.
Yuksom also houses Tashiding Monastery famous for having been visited by the Buddhist master Guru Padmasambhava. It has dazzling colours and holds numerous colourful religions ceremonies. Dubdi Monastery, also located in Yuksom is synonymous with Yuksom Monastery, is famous for beautifully painted interiors, Buddhist manuscripts, pictures, symbols and manuscripts.
It offers serene and quiet moments in the lap of nature away from the humdrum of city life. Yuksom is also known for the Kangchendzonga National Park that is untouched by human civilization and harbours some fascinating plant and animal species.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is a beatific and unruffled location in the heart of Himalayas. Combined with the charm of natural beauty, one can enjoy yak safari, a beautifully built war memorial, an exhibition centre and the splendid beauty of the gorgeous mount Chomolhari. Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley are filled with the innocence of the Tibetan and Bhutia people, the magnificence of Gurudongmar Lake and the myriad colours of the rhododendron blossoms.
The brilliance of Lachung Gompa with the largest Buddhist shrine is another heavenly tourist destination to be included in the Sikkim tour packages. Experience the magic of Lachung Monastery, mesmeric handicrafts and the aura of Mount Pandim, Mount Kabru, Mount Simvo, Mount Jopuno, Mount Khangchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu. Also revel in the sub-zero temperatures and the whiteness of frozen peaks to have a complete Sikkim experience.
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