Travel Magazine

INSIDE

HIMALAYAS March - April , 2017 ;

INDIA

250/- INR

Detailed trail coverage Best planning advice

Special Trek in

KASHMIR Paragliding in

HIMACHAL Religion in

UTTARAKHAND Yak ride in

SIKKIM Author’s tales Levison Wood pgs 22, 23

Editor’s note Daffno Navaro

Editor -in - chief Inside Traveler

Travelling with writers may be a rare pleasure, and the richness of the oeuvre is yet to be matched by the movies, in spite of our enduring fascination with the road genre. What the road offers is the tension between the instant and the distant, between acceleration and anticipation. Slowness, in the Milan Kundera novel of the same name, is the unhurried poetry of existence. On the road, you have the opportunities to choose between the slow revelations of the unfolding moment and the unspecified thrills of speed. This is different from the industrial cosiness of airport lounges and hotel rooms; here the idea of destination is a sensation, here you measure the velocity of daydreams in real time.

The best of travel writing is not sightseeing. It is an enquiry. It is a conversation. It is an intimacy between strangers. You see, smell and taste a different cultural extension of your own world—and knowing the world becomes a physical as well as psychological thrill. What we feature in this special issue are such excursions of mind and body.

Join us on the road to read and discover.

Travel across pages and decades, and you may reach the calm stillness of Kazuo Ishiguro’s English countryside— no mad ones here, as if it is made to perfection for butlers only. Stevens’ motoring holiday in The Remains of the Day is travel as meditation, and the impending war doesn’t break the idyll—of the mind or of the meadows.

‘What is pertinent is the calmness of that beauty, its sense of restraint’—and it is true of the countryside as well as the art of Ishiguro, whose Englishness carries within it the ritualistic rhythm of a Japanese tea ceremony, the slow motion of his ancestral memory. The absence of drama, the repudiation of the spectacular, is what marks the life of the perfect butler—and the static scenery of England beyond the motorways.

Contents

Mar/ Apr

1.

Kashmir

pgs. 1-4

Valleys of Kashmir

2.

Himachal Pradesh

pgs. 5-8

How to reach

3.

Uttarakhand

pgs.9-10

People Of Uttarakhand

4.

Sikkim Things to do

pgs.11-13

“

Great things are done when men and mountains meet ; This is not done by jostling in the street.

-William Blake

The Himalayas, or Himalaya, form a mountain range in Asia separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.

The Himalayan range has many of the Earth’s highest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. The Himalayas include over fifty mountains exceeding 7,200 metres (23,600 ft) in elevation, including 10 of the 14 8000m peaks. By contrast, the highest peak outside Asia – Aconcagua, in the Andes – is 6,961 metres (22,838 ft) tall.

GETAWAYS Kashmir

“

Agar firdaus bar ru -e -zamin ast ; Hami ast o Hami ast o Hami ast (If there is heaven on Earth , It is here, it is here, it is here) - Jahangir

Dal Lake , Srinagar

Inside “The Heaven”

S

et like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons – always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively.

They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centered around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In

winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.

Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a

Verinag Garden

Tulip Garden , Rainawari

cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday. the Kashmir valley is undoubtedly a jewel in India’s crown. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also honeymooners’ paradise, a nature lover’s wonderland and a shopper’s dream come true.

Over the years, Kashmir tourism has come a long way, to love and look after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer – the walks, the pony treks, the shikara rides at sunset on the Dal lake… and once you have visited Kashmir,, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.

Kashmir is dotted with hotels and resorts of the finest quality contributing towards Kashmir being a major tourist destination. From luxurious five star hotels and houseboats, there are ample good hotels in Kashmir for those who are willing to splurge money, whereas, there are also a number of budget hotels that offers. Here at Tour My India, we offer specially designed Kashmir holiday packages that fits your budget and caters to all your basic needs. Each Kashmir tour package can be customized to meet traveler’s requirements. Expect quality expedition and a pleasant staying experience in Kashmir.

Pari Mahal , Srinagar

Shalimar Garden 1

GETAWAYS

Sonamarg , Baltal ;Kashmir

Pahalgam

Distance from Srinagar: 79.6 kms Time : 2 hrs max.

Distance from Srinagar: 95 kms Time : 1hr 40 mins.

Another location that is in close reach of Baltal is nature’s very own daughter - Sonamarg. Capped with pristine pure snow during the winter season, Sonamarg is full of pristine lakes, mountains and a lot scenic beauty.

It is pretty famous for its quick rapids and tall pine trees.

That’s not all about this place, there is a lot in store for adventure enthusiasts. Hiking, trekking, horse riding, fishing, skiing, angling, river rafting and sledging are all available here. An hour’s journey from Baltal, this is something you wouldn’t want to miss. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg is a mesmerizing hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg literally means ‘the meadow of gold’ and with snow-capped mountains set against a spectacular blue sky, it is as close to heaven as it can get. The Sindh River flows through the valley. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during summer.

Sonamarg is also the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. It is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima.

It is pretty famous for its quick rapids and tall pine trees.

That’s not all about this place, there is a lot in store for adventure enthusiasts. Hiking, trekking, horse riding, fishing, skiing, angling, river rafting and sledging are all available here. An hour’s journey from Baltal, this is something you wouldn’t want to miss.

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Pahalgam is a situated at the convergence of the Lidder Lake and the Sheshnag Lake. At a height of 2,130 m, Pehalgaam hill station is a spectacular sight. At one point of time, the hill station used to serve as the village of shepherds. Even today, this one-time village with splendid views stands untouched by the ravages of progress.

Pahalgam now counts amongst the premier resorts of the Kashmir valley.

There are many interesting tourist destinations around Pahalgam. Amongst them are the surging pastures of Baisaran. The huge meadows surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine present a beautiful spectacle.

Then there is Hajan, a popular picnic spot, on the way to Chandanwari. Hajan is a popular shooting location for the Indian film industry. The hill station of Pahalgam has eight tiny villages inside it. One of the villages is Mamal, which houses an ancient Shiva temple dating back to the 5th century. Pahalgam also comprises of a part of the only saffron growing areas of Asia.

Pahalgam has luxury, budget and mid-range hotels.

However, the JKTDC huts offer the best views of the region. The huts also provide ponies for transportation, though they have been restricted from entry into the premises, they wait at the gate.

However, during the months of March-November most hotels are booked on account of pleasant weather.

During Amarnath Yatra almost all budget hotels remain booked. While most restaurants serve vegetarian food during the Amarnath yatra, the market area is filled with restaurants that serve delicious Mughlai delicacies during the rest of the year. All the hotels in Pahalgam have in-house restaurants that serve Indian and Continental cuisines but the fast food joints on the streets still serve the best meal.

Valleys of Kashmir

Doodh Pathri

Lolab Valley

Distance from Srinagar : 42 kms Time : 2-3 hrs.

Distance from Srinagar: 114 kms north Time: 4-5 hrs.

Doodhpathri is a beautiful meadow with emerald grass that looks like a green carpet. A beautiful river dancing and reverberating with the wind flows in the middle of the meadow, lending it a splendid charm and vibrancy.

The place looks very beautiful and pleasant. The green grass under the feet is really wonderful.

Doodhpathri however is a recent inclusion in the Jammu Kashmir tourist map. This is the reason that the place is not overcrowded and not many tourists visit here.

However, it has become a real hit among the local population, who find it a welcome step. The road from Khansahib area in Badgam to the Doodhpathri is not in a good condition. There is not a full-fledged market or any hotel in the area, so the trip is always going to last for a day only and you need to pack your lunch. Tea and snacks are available in the shops run by local people.

Weather of the place remains moderate. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months from May to September. The place is primarily for sightseeing as it has not been developed completely as yet.

Not only is Dodhpahtri an excellent place for a holiday, it can become a favourite resort for trekkers. Tourists can go for trekking and hiking. There is a wide range of climbs to choose from.

Although not so many people visit here because it is not known to all but who luckly visit to this place knows how beautiful and marvelous place it is. Government is working to make easy access to dodh pathri by linking concreate roads to this place. Upgradation of dodh pathri and tourist facilities plans are on fast track. Very soon dodh pathri will be famous like other places too, and it will also known to be most famous tourist place in kashmir.

The Lolab Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley and forms the north-western corner of the Kashmir Valley formed by the Lahwal River in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The entrance to the valley lies 9 km (5.6 mi) north of Kupwara town and the centre of the valley lies 114 km (71 mi) northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an oval-shaped valley 15 miles (24 km) long with an average width of 2 miles (3.2 km) Poets like to refer to Lolab asa true destination and as “land of love and beauty”. Lolab valley is 5km wide and 26 km long.

The headquarters of Lolab is situated at Sogam. It is said that Sogam was very densely populated a long time ago, when Kashmir valley was still a lake called “Satisar”. Travelers visiting Lolab also visit the resting place of a famous saint Kashyap reshi, which is located at a distance of 1 km from village Lalpur. A spring called Lavnag can be found nearby. The spring is three feet deep and has crystal clear water. Gauri spring is another major spring in the area.

Government has taken several steps to maintain Lolab Valley to its pristine beauty.

The main towns in the Lolab Valley are Sogam, Kalaroos, Kigam, Lalpor, Tekipora, Chandigam, Kandi and Muqam. the Lolab Valley has two division POUTNAI and Brunai, the areas INCLUDED in POUTNAI are, chandigam, etc. in Brunai are KuligAm, cheepora, varnow, etc. The Lolab Valley is home to many ancient springs, and is covered with dense forests of pine and fir.Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach, apricot and walnut are common in the valley, which is known as “the fruit bowl of Jammu and Kashmir”.The valley has several natural landmarks and tourist spots, such as the caves of Kalaroos.

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GETAWAYS Himachal Pradesh Rohtang Pass

The unforgettable

Himachal H

imachal Pradesh is the state in the north India. Himachal Pradesh was anciently known as Dev Bhumi (The Abode of Gods) and is abundance in natural beauty. The capital of the state is Shimla. It houses many hill stations.The famous cities in the state are Dharamsala Hill Station, Kullu Hill Station, Manali Hill Station, Palampur Hill Station, Shimla, Kangra etc.

The topographic diversity and the breathtaking natural beauty are evident when you travel up the hills. You will encounter vast tracts of the Trans Himalayan region, dense deodar forests, snow capped mountains and apple orchards on your way to Himachal Pradesh. Every hill station in this State is known for its bio-diversity. The main attractions here includes strolling across the Mall area, bowing in the various holy temples, colorful festivals and host of adventure activities. It is famous for handicrafts, hand woven carpets and shawls. Himachal Pradesh tourism is all about getting acquainted with the stunning destinations that are renowned in India and about coming closer to the real charm of India. The snow covered peaks, rivers, lakes, deep valleys, popular attractions are great fancy ticklers for the tourists coming to Himachal Pradesh. The major river of Himachal is River Beas. And apart from all these attractions, there also exist a number of activities for sports and adventure freaks. People can opt to go for trekking, paragliding, hiking, angling, etc.

Himachal Pradesh tourism gets enhanced by a number of tourist attractions such as Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu Valley, Shimla, Manali and Chamba. All these places are rich and are filled with immense natural beauty. Manali lies in the vicinity of the Kullu Valley and is famous for the Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and other attractions. Dharamsala and Manali are perfect for celebrating your honeymoon in Himachal. The completely appealing surroundings are sure to add an extra glitter to your together times. Chamba is marked with the beauty of Shivalik Range and Shimla possesses the charm of clam and tranquil surroundings that captivate the fancy of newly married couples. Coming to the Kullu Valley, you would get fascinated with amazing apple orchards as well as temples. All these destinations enrich your trip to Himachal.

Therefore, you must opt for one of the best Himachal tour packages that include a trip to all the above mentioned destinations

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Palampur

Spiti valley so that you don’t miss out on any worth visiting destination in Himachal. Your also must make sure that your packages includes one of the best hotels in Himachal that promises loads of comfort and luxury. One of the best hotels on Himachal is the Toshali Royal View Resort in Shilon Bagh, Shimla. Other impressive hotels are Oberoi Cecil of Shimla, Honeymoon Inn of Manali, Pink House of Dharamshala, Solace retreat of Kullu, Solang Valley Resort of Manali, etc. All these hotels provide you with rich luxury and comfort. And the most interesting part is that thay are situated quite close to the important attractions of Himachal Pradesh.

For honeymooners, there is no other place like Himachal as its beauty and charm is unique in its own way. Newly married couples do make it a point to come to Dalhousie, Mashobra, Chail, Kufri, etc. as well and here they definitely find heavenly bliss of their together moments that becomes all the more memorable when you celebrate your honeymoon in Himachal. You will definitely get glued to it as Himachal tourism has everything to hold you. This state also is world famous for its handicrafts.

Most of the villages have proficient artisans who create useful yet amazing pieces of art. As a tourist one can shop for rugs and carpets, paintings, wood carvings, embroidered items, apparels and accessories. There are numerous other items like woolen garments and shawls that are available from the Government Emporia, Himachal Pradesh. Located mainly in Manali, Shimla and Dalhousie these shopping arcades offer the visitor an opportunity of a fabulous shopping experience. The shopping arcades of the streets are opened during the evening allowing the tourist to complete his or her shopping list with perhaps a few metal ware, jewel and leatherwork items.

Apart from the tourists ,people also visit Himachal Pradesh on business purpose. Hence for all kinds of travellers it is necessary to collect some basic information about the place before setting out for the journey. The travel information on Himachal Pradesh will thus be quite useful for the interested travellers. The best

season to drop in at Himachal Pradesh is summer - April to June.

The weather is mild and the days are long then. This is also the ideal time for mountaineering or camping.

Major Attractions Spiti Valley Manali Kasol Tosh McLeodganj Dharamshala Kheerganga trek, Parvati Valley Paragliding sight (Bir Billing) Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists. The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a Mountain railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples.

Because of shortage of vehicles in Himachal, there are many other vehicles from out of Manali that are used for tourist activities, the number of vehicles entering Manali on a daily basis are over 1,000 during the peak season. The number of vehicles heading to Rohtang Pass during the peak season can go over 2,000 vehicles daily. During the peak season, many vehicles come to these tourist areas causing a lot of traffic jam and therefore discomfort to the tourists, the traffic jam can go on for about two hours or so, which is time consuming on the side of the site seers. This is also attributed to the size and number of roads which seems less as compared to the number of visitors trafficking Himachal Pradesh for tourism. Also because of development purposes the towns are under construction, for example in Shimla, the roads have had several disturbances because of the electricity boards that have been digging from time to time and not only them but also the telecommunications people as well as the road constructors.

There are 8 national highways that connect the state with the rest of the country. Inside the state, all the tourist spots are connected through roads for the benefits of travellers.

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Tips for Solo Female Travellers

Travelling solo to the mounts of

Himachal

T

ravelling solo is still something of an alien concept to the common Indian traveller. When setting out solo on a recent trip to Himachal Pradesh, some received a myriad of reactions from people. Emotions on display ranged from giving “The Look” – raised eyebrows, a suspicious roving eye and the incredulous, so-in-awe stare. Of course this is incomplete without a couple of words thrown in – ‘courageous’, ‘brave’, ‘be safe’.

There is something about solo travel that entices you – your mind initially a cauldron of emotions as you try to shove aside all fears while twiddling with the idea of travelling solo, especially as a female traveller. It is perfectly natural to get the jitters as you contemplate, and then contemplate some more. And yet the heart overtakes the mind as a discerning self-doubt gradually gives way to excitement, anticipation, and an indomitable urge to ‘Just get out and go!

Travelling solo as a female backpacker is a fine balance between solitude and companionship. The art of it lies in opening up to the right people while exerting the optimum level of caution. As you develop a comfort level with yourself, you find yourself revelling in the newfound windows to the world, and more importantly a window thrown open to the depths of your inner self.

Here are a few things you should take care when travelling alone .......................

Visiting Information on Himachal Pradesh How to Reach: Himachal Pradesh is accessible by road, rail and air. Local transportations are easily available for touring the city. If the tourists want to travel to some other place from the city then there are several state and private buses that offer these services. Since the roads are well connected the tourists will have a comfortable journey.

Road: From Pathankot, Punjab, in the West, Chandigarh (South) and Dehradun in the East.

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1. Be confident. More importantly appear confident: It’s

okay to not be confident deep down when landing in an entirely new place. The important part is playing the part of “Appearing Confident”. The chances of locals singling out a confused and startled single woman are much higher than a self-assured, confident woman who seems to know her way about. Put on that farce if you have to, but look like you know what you’re up to at all times!

2. Go Local: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Standing out in terms of dress and behaviour may put you in a

soup especially in places where cultural implications are high. It’s best to mingle with the crowd and not draw attention to yourself. So go don that kurta in a local village and see how you can roam about without much ado!

3. Strike up a friendship: A local aunty with whom you are staying or the taxi driver you hired, it’s good to strike up a connect with locals since they have the contacts in case of a situation amiss. Needless to say, this should be done in a discreet manner without revealing too much information about oneself!

Rail: There is also a rail link between Kalka and Shimla and another one between Pathankot and Jogindernagar.

Air: The nearest international airport is located at Delhi, Indira Gandhi International airport. From Delhi and Chandigarh (a domestic airport) air services to Kullu is also available. Besides these, small airports are situated at Kullu, Kangra, Shimla and Pathankot.

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GETAWAYS Uttarakhand

Exploring the Dev Bhoomi Photograph A panaroma of Grahwal Himalyas From Dhanaulti

Uttarakhand is replete with a vast array of scenic vacation spots as well as pilgrimage destinations. Apart from the popular travel destinations of Uttarakhand, there are a couple of lesser known ones too.

A land of many marvels and amazing tourist destinations. While some like the Char Dhams, Mussoorie, Nainital etc are very well known , there are other destinations which few tourists know about. Here are some of the hidden gems of Uttarakhand that can capture your heart and mind with their exquisite beauty and rich heritage Munsyari The little hill station of Munsyari is famous for its ethereal beauty and wonderful trekking opportunities. Many high altitude trekkers from all across the world prefer Munsiyari for its scope in trekking. There is a good hub developing for adventure sports near the Munsiyari hill station. This hill station was previously under the restricted zone as it was balanced between the borders of India, Nepal and Tibet.

There is a lot of reference of Munsiyari in religious texts too as it was believed that Pandavas embarked on their final journey to heaven from the tiny hamlet of Munsiyari.

Khirsu Khirsu is at a total altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level and it is at a total distance of 15 km from Pauri. It is a lovely and peaceful place that is filled with trees of Deodar, Apple and Oak. The location is in the Pauri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand. Khirsu offers travelers and tourists a good opportunity of viewing the tall and imposing Himalaya Mountain Ranges. Khirsu has been known as a remote and relatively hidden destination but it is now becoming quite famous as a Hill Station. It is possible to get a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan Range from Khirsu

8

Gwaldam Trekkers who come trekking from near Kathgodam also target Gwaldam. The trekking trail leads to Kuari Pass, Roop Kund and Nanda Devi Raj Jat. There are so many devotional spots here like Badhangari, Angyari Mahadev and Gwaldam Naag which tourists can explore and the main village of this area i.e. Atal Adarsh Gram is filled with British Memorabilia. This area also has a rich reserve of flora and fauna which is why it attracts nature lovers and botanists. Gwaldam is at an average elevation of 2000 meters. Gwaldam is about 20 km away from the Bajinath which was once the capital of medieval Katyuri monarchs. The place Gwaldam is also 25 km away from Kulsari which is one of the famous camps of Nanda Devi.

Gwaldam is actually at the junction of Grahwal and Kumaon.

Rupkund Trek The Roopkund trek offers the right dose of adventure with a bunch of steep climbs and slippery but fun descents. No roller coaster can give you the adrenaline rush you get as you walk along a sharp exposed ridge towards Junargali, while holding onto a rope. Although this part of the climb depends on a lot of factors such as weather and time of the day, if you want to be within the breathing space of Mount Trishul and Nanda Gunti, this is the place to be. Apart from all this, the Roopkund Lake also carries an element of mystery with it. The 300 human skeletons at 15,750 feet have intrigued anthropologists, scientists and historians alike. Trek this trail and let our local guides (who happen to be great storytellers) narrate to you the suspense filled stories about the lake and the trail itself.

Gwaldam , Bedni bugya

Rupkund Trek

Khirsu pauri Garhwal 9

Humans

P

eople in Uttarakhand are mainly referred to as “Pahari� which means hill person. The people are called so because of the location of Uttarakhand in the foothills of Himalayas. Garhwal and Kumaon being two important regions, these part of Uttarakhand people are also referred as Garhwali or Kumaoni.

Among the prominent ethnic groups of the state are the Bhotias, the Jaunsaries, the Tharus, the Bokshas and the Rajis. In the lowlands of Uttarakhand is a sprinkling of Sikh migrants from West Punjab, and in the upper tracts of the mountains live the Van Gujjars, a nomadic tribe of Muslims whose main occupation is animal husbandry.

Of

Uttarakhand

Caste wise, people in Uttarakhand can be divided into Kol-Doms, Khasi Rajput, Khasi Brahmin, Immigrant Rajput, Immigrant Brahmin and lastly people who don’t believe in caste systems such as Bhotias and other such tribes. Kol-Doms belong to lower caste groups and are too poor to own small lands. Hence they serve the Rajput landlords and do farming on their lands. Rajputs are held with high esteem and they own lands.

Brahmins are respected for they perform all the holy rituals.

Apart from the local tribes, people of Uttarakhand also comprise of Punjabis, Nepalis, Bengalis and Tibetans. Uttarakhand people follow many religions. But the majority of the population follows Hinduism which is followed by Islam. The other religions adopted by people at Uttarakhand are Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism. Other religions are also practiced but their followers are often too secretive to disclose.

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Tsomgo Lake, near Gangtok

Yak ride

Sikkim

Small yet Beautiful

S

ikkim is situated in the lap of the world’s third highest mountain,Mount Kanchenjunga (8603 meter.), and it worshiped as the Guardian Deity of Sikkim. Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the East, Nepal in the West and State of West Bengal in the South. With an area of 7,096 sq. km, holding 9 sub division, 4 districts (North, South, East & West) and population of 5,70,077 people.

Sikkim is adorned with snowy mountain, fast flowing rivers, lush valleys, terraced hills, sacred lakes, medicinal hot springs, pristine waterfalls, luxuriant forests with exotic flora and fauna i.e.Rhododendron(state tree), Manolia and orchids(state flower).

It is a hotspot of Biodiversity of Flora and Fauna ranging from Tropical to Alpine. Sikkim has 407 varieties of Orchids, 680 types of butterflies and 550 species and sub-species of birds. The rivers have Trout, Salmon and Carp. Animals found in the dense forest of Sikkim: The Dreaded Himalayan Bear, Musk and barking Deer, Snow Leopard, Marbled Cats, Red Panda (state animal), The Blue Sheep etc. Sikkim sure is a base to glaciers, alpine meadows, varieties of flora and fauna but it also houses many adventure activities around. Expect, a splash of water from River Teesta to replenish you or a cycling trek to offer some awesome sights to gaze as you paddle. View the majestic peaks by taking up paragliding adventures and take a rock climbing activity to test your capability. Sikkim has two main rivers, the Teesta and the Rangeet, both of which are formed at high altitudes and flow in a generally southern direction till they converge at the confluence near Melli. The source of the Teesta is the pristine Cho Lhamu Lake in North Sikkim. From here the river travels downwards to meet Zemu Chu just above Lachen village and the Lhachung Chu at Chungthang. At Mangan, the river is joined by the Talung Chu as it continues its journey down, finally widening at Singtam to become double its width. Further down at Melli, the Teesta merges with the river Rangeet which is born of the Rathong glacier in West Sikkim before entering the plains of North Bengal and eventually joining Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. Â Sikkim has so much to offer and this is just the start!

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Ravangla

Lasoong ; Sikkimese New Year festival

Buddha park , Ravangla

Rumtek monastry

Zuluk , Gangtok

head towards Luing Resithang, which lies close to Gangtok’s Khel Gaon in the eastern part of Sikkim. Nevertheless, for an ultimate Paragliding experience, be a part of the Annual Paragliding Festival during the months of October and November.

4. Wildlife – Envelope into the Wild

If you love animals then a visit to the following to feel the wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim is a must – The Kanchendzonga National Park The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Things to do 1. Thrilling River Rafting Experience in Teesta

An antidote for adventurous friends, a river rafting in Teesta which carves out from the flourishing Himalayas is an ultimate adventure experience. The river undoubting embellishes the natural panorama as you raft in Teesta. The lifeline of Sikkim flows from the mighty peaks to the Bay of Bengal and this rafting expedition will give you an opportunity to view the thick green forests along the riverbed, lovely small villages and some portions of cultivation. It is a perfect outdoor adventure to appreciate both nature and white water raft along Teesta River. This expedition is perfect for both beginners and advanced adventurers. You can seek the assistance from the Department of Tourism for an adventure travel guide to Sikkim. The best months to plunge in the river is from May to November.

2. Mountain Biking and Cycling – Way to Explore One’s Land

You can tour around the city on two wheelers and sightsee its many landmarks like Monasteries and Lakes. Explore the snowy cliffs, farmland, and beautiful setting of flora. A cycling tourism in Sikkim is a different experience and you can witness the many precious gems of Sikkim. You can either take a cycle from the town or take up a tour package that will take you for a long cycling expedition. The absolute season to match your tour with the season is from March to May and September to November.

3. Paragliding and Hang Gliding – The World from Above

Paragliding is a thrilling adventure sport and is one of the best outdoor adventures in Sikkim. To fulfil aforementioned,

5. Yak Safari to the winning Mountainous range of Sikkim

Yaks are slow bulky built animals and they can stand up to 5.2 to 7.2 ft tall. Yaks are physically adapted to high altitudes and are usually domesticated. Sikkim introduces you to one of its kind, take a Yak Safari and pass through rolling ranch-lands linking the heavenly beauty of the hills and pristine Tsomgo Lake. Yak Safari is organised in different parts of Sikkim, travellers from across the globe come here to relish the beauty meandering on a serene Yak ride. Other popular trails the Himalayan Sikkim offers are a ride to Dzongri area and other trekking points like Dzongri in West Sikkim.

6. Caving

Popularly as the Old Caves of God’s Hill, this cave is believed to be one of the holiest caves in Sikkim and presents wonderful opportunity of watching the interiors of the Himalaya. The cave is located to the north of Tashiding (in West Sikkim near the Tashiding Monastery). From Tashiding a three days walk will take you to the mouth of the cave. Enjoy the thrill of this fun-filled activity and if you are the religious type, get blessings of the local deity. However, for caving, Lha-ri-nying phu in the North Kah-do-sang phu in the South Pe phu in the East De-chhen phu in the West are some of the caves .

7. Cable Car Ride in Gangtok

One of the top things to do in Sikkim, cable car ride in Gangtok brings opportunity of witnessing the stunning views of the picturesque Gangtok town from the highest point of the city compelling one to visit the town the second time. The ride covers a distance of one km in just seven minutes and allows one to enjoy a bird eye view of the busy city engaged in mundane tasks. Every day the ride runs between 8 am to 4. 30 pm and one can join the ride from any of the three stations

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Author tales

LEVISON WOOD Author of “ Walking the Himalayas”

Born : Levison James Wood 5th May , 1982 Staffordshire , England Residence : London , England Occupation : Military officer, explorer , Photographer journalist Service/ branch : British army Years of service : 2005-2010 and 2016-present.

Rank : Major Website : www.levisonwood.com

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Levison spent a number of years as an Officer in the British Parachute Regiment, where he served in Afghanistan fighting against Taliban insurgents in Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul in 2008.

As a photographer and writer, Wood has contributed to some of the most respected publications in the world including the Times, the Telegraph, the Financial Times, BBC, National Geographic, CNN, Discovery Channel and Condé Nast Traveller. His photography has taken him from the streets of Baghdad in 2003 to the mountains, deserts and jungles of Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, most of Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. His passion for adventure and discovering more about indigenous ways of life has led him mountain climbing in Iraq, horse riding the river Oxus on the Afghan-Tajik border and conducting scientific research in Central Africa for the Natural History Museum. His recent photographic exhibition ‘Visions of Africa’ was held in the Royal Opera Arcade on Pall Mall in London which attracted thousands of members of the public.

Levison is an ambassador for a number of charities including the Soldiers Charity- the Army Benevolent Fundand Tusk Trust. He is patron of the charity the AMECA trust and a keen supporter of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

Attracted to foreign climes and adventure since a young age, Levison has travelled and worked in over eighty countries worldwide. In 2011 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. His work in journalism has led him to enter the world of documentary making and he has collaborated on productions with National Geographic, Animal Planet, Channel 4 and the BBC. He has interviewed and photographed some of the most prominent names in the International community, from Hollywood actor George Clooney to travel writer Paul Theroux and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

When not abroad Levison lives in London.