Sikkim is the most serene North Eastern state adorned with the vivacious hues of cultures. From here you can catch majestic views of Himalayas and soak into the seamless serenity sprawling here. The state is tucked away from the modern edifices and creates a spell with its challenging trails, thick Alpine forest, steep valleys, immaculate waterfalls, and snow glaciers. This is a perfect haven for serenity seekers where they can go to escape the madness of the outside world.
Most of the tourist places in Sikkim are natural. The Kanchendzonga National Park of Sikkim, covering over an area of 849.5 km2, is highly popular. The park stands at a height of 1,829 meters to 8,550 metres. This Biosphere reserve fascinates every wildlife lover with its inhabitants like musk deer, snow leopard, Clouded Leopard and Himalayan tahr. Enjoy a safari here through its rich vegetation which includes forests of oaks, fir, birch, maple, willow, etc.
If you have a fascination for adventure, then plan a trek to the Nathu La Pass. Standing at an elevation of 4,310 meters, the park provides shelter to some of the most endangered wild animals like snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan snowcock, etc. For some moments of serenity, spend some time close to the Tsango Lake, to the north of the Nathu La Pass. This glacial lake is 1 km long and is believed to be sacred by the locals here. It is said that in olden times Lamas (Buddhist Saints) used to predict future by seeing the colour of this lake. There is also a temple of Lord Shiva close to the lake.
Sikkim is known for housing numerous monasteries enjoying fascinating locations. The Pemayangtse Monastery here was established by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in the year 1705. This is known for being the one of the oldest living monasteries of Sikkim. People come here for peace of mind and to worship. Rumtek Monastery, built in the 16th century, also lures vacationers. The 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje established this monastery which is the largest in Sikkim. From here you can catch spectacular views of nature around.
Also to spend some moments of tranquillity with your whole family, a visit to Namchi Hill Station is must. The hill station beautifully presents the indigenous cultures of the Sikkimese people. It flaunts matchless views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and experiences a heart pleasing climate which goes as low as 4 degrees Celsius.
Food of Sikkim includes a combination of Nepalese, Tibetan and native Sikkimese flavours. Sikkimese love eating rice. Steamed Momos (dumpling with filling) are served in all parts of the state. Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup, also help locals in keeping themselves warm during cold. Pork lovers must try Phagshapa here. For tea time snacks, Sha Phaley (stuffed bread) is served in the local households.
Shopping in Sikkim is all about buying traditionally made handicrafts and souvenirs. Tibetan woollen carpets remain extremely popular among vacationers. Choktses, a small wooden ornate table, also makes a great souvenir. Dragon jewellery is quite popular in the state too. The Temi Tea Estate in Sikkim is a dream of every tea lover where they can buy a diverse variety of tea. Some of the most popular market areas of Sikkim are Old Market, Lall Market, M.G. Road and New Market.
Sikkim is not connected with rest of the world by air and the closest airport is at Bagdogra in West Bengal. From the airport, travellers have to take a 124 km taxi drive to reach Gangtok. Helicopter services are available too between Gangtok - Bagdogra – Gangtok. Sikkim also doesn’t have a rail network and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal). Travellers can enjoy a road trip of 114 km from Siliguri to Gangtok which treats you with mesmerizing views of nature all around.
MarcoFrance1965
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE !
I just came back from a 12 days Rajasthan tour. It was just myself and my 14 year olde daughter. I found Caper surfing the web and had non suggestion from friends and had never read comments or reviews about it. Totally "blind-choice". I was very lucky. The organization was really excellent. The agent that followed us, Mr. Praveen Juyal did a great job. I decided our itinerary and he punctually gave me suggestions on the best management of my choices. The hotel choice was fine and confirmed expectations. We had tour guides in every site seeing location and they were all extremely professional, very punctual and really kind and polite.
But I must say that what made the trip even better was our driver; Mr. Deshraj.
One of those persons that you really wish you could meet once in your life. Not only an excellent driver but always helpful, respectful and friendly. He explained us many things about Indian life along the journey and sometimes stopped for short breaks in beautiful places on the road that were not even mentioned in the guide books. My only regret is that at the end of the trip I didn't have much money left and I left a tip probably not adeguate for the kind of service but I will definitely send him try to sort this maybe in a next trip. Thank you very much Caper and Deshraj.
Dreamer802943
A Memorable Trip
We recently concluded a 12 day driving tour of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan with Caper Travel. It was most enjoyable !! The logistics arrangements were excellent - from tour planning , hotel selection , vehicle condition to driver. Mr Alok handled the planning, and Mr Vikram was our Tempo driver throughout the journey. Mr Vikram was very helpful , accommodating and patient throughout the tour, despite long hours of driving on the roads ( not to mention India traffic}. We would not hesitate to recommend Caper to our fellow travellers who are thinking of visiting India. Thank You Caper !
goochie33, London, United Kingdom
Golden triangle goa and mumbia
Just come back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience. All the cities were wonderful but be prepared to see lots of temple one seems to run into another but wow the taj was my highlight along with the Hindu temple in Delhi. The driving the cows the dogs are everywhere are all an experience. Goa was beautiful we stayed at the taj exotica. In mumbia we done a city tour and ended our trip in the taj for afternoon tea another must. It is a exhilarating trip but one I will never forget. From booking with Manika to all the drivers and guides they were always there to meet us from the airport and hotels on time. They really looked after us thank you all.
Aileen M
Wonderful trip
We have just returned from our first trip to India and we must say it was absolutely fascinating. The itinerary was first class and covered everything we could have wished for. On arrival we were met by a very nice rep and driver who took us to our hotel and sorted out the necessary paperwork with us. We had our driver Vishan for our time in the north and he was terrific, kept the vehicle spotless and kept us supplied with water. We then flew to the south of India and met up with our driver Suhdeer who again was very nice and very informative about things as we drove along. The guides we had on all our trips were excellent and again very informative.
The only down side to it all was that in our package we paid for the drivers accommodation, food and allowance only to find out that the drivers don’t receive this money and if they want accommodation they have to pay for it themselves. We ended up paying one of our drivers an amount for the nights that we had him for him to get somewhere to sleep and food as we were concerned that if he slept in his car he wouldn’t be rested enough to take on the next day driving for 4-5 hours.
All in all Caper Travel are excellent in their planning and can’t fault them for that.
Urquiola, New York City, New York
Caper travel
Recently traveled to India on a private guided tour with Caper Travel. Ms. Mumtaz Khan worked with me on arranging my itinerary.
She was always available to answer all my concerns immediately. On my arrival in Delhi I was welcome with warm smile at the airport by a young gentleman name Kapol Joshi . My experience with the company was amazing and I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to India.
I would also like to mention the personal attention I received at Amritsar by Aman Shara and his lovely wife who welcomed me and my son to their home
and soon to open their beautiful hotel.
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