Off beat destinations in Sikkim

Hi All,
Sikkim is a beautiful state in India. Its fast becoming a very popualr tourist destination, thanks to the exotic beauty it provides.....not only natural beauty, but the people too have beautiful hearts.!!!!
The most common destinations in Sikkim include Gangtok, Nathula pass,Ravangla,Pelling, and the Yumthang - Gurudongmar package. However, there are other locations in Sikkim , which are largely unexplored and have unparellal beauty.
Some of them are:
1. Singhik(North Sikkim)- For the wonderful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Govt. accomodation available.
2. Biksthang(West Sikkim)- Again, for the great Mt. K. A luxuru\ious resort provides a good accomodation.
3. Yangtey(West Sikkim)- Just 1 km from Geyzing, 10 km from pelling. Same view as Pelling minus the noise.
4. Tukla- A new destiantion on the way to Nathula pass, provides a greta view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
5. Tsolamu lake(North Sikkim)- Beyond the Gurudongmar lake..the source of the Teesta.
6. Borong- Nestling among the shades of dense woods, provides good view of the Pandim peak.

These are few 'yet to be explored' destinations I know. If someone can add to the list..it will be a delight.

Regards,
Sagarneel.

Well, I would have to add Rinchenpong, which is very quiet and not very touristy (at least it wasn't in March of this year) and as well as wonderful views of Kanchenjunga it is not so far from the important monasteries. It is a very romantic destination where you can lose yourself just doing nothing and admiring nature. I can't wait to go back.

I wold like to add VERSEY VAllEY and UTTAREY.

And I wud like to add RABANGLA..awesome place. dont miss it

Rabangla is already mentioned by Sagarneel. What about Hee ?

Sagarneel

Great thread - are these all accessible by roads or these are treks. Need to know so that I can decide whether I should visit thse with family or alone

Oops..sorry..just missed it. Anyways,just want to mention that north sikkim is awesome..a must visit place.

All of these are accessible by road.
Singhik is directly accessible from Gangtok by share Tata Sumo. You can also make a break journey - Gangtok to Mangan and then to Singhik.

The destinations in West Sikkim(Biksthang, Yangtey) are too connectted by road. To reach Yangtey, the best option is to reach Geyzing(accessible from all major places in Sikkim, like Ravangla, Gangtok, or Jorthang.). Yangtey is just a km away from Geyzing(by road). To reach Biksthang, the best option is to go to Jorthang(a major car hub) and book a car.
Varsey is another beautiful place...You need to reach Hiley (which is well connected by road) and a soft trek thru a jungle takes you to Varsey. The only accomodation available is the 'Guraskunj lodge'. The road to Varsey , and Varsey itself, is known for for the bloom of rhodendrons in April- May.

Borong too, is accessible by car but you wont get a share jep kind of a thing. You need to book your transport. Its not far away from Ravangla, so booking it from Ravangla would be wise.

Tso lamu too can be reached by car. Its high altitude lake( ~ 18000 feet). You ahve to make a contract with the car driver who will take you to the North Sikkim tour.

You can safely take your family along with you.....it should be dream tour.

There are numerous trek routes too, I know only a few of them...will post them. Shall I do it in the same thread? or a different thread?

Regards,
Sagarneel.

Thanks Sagarneel. I guess a seprate thread may be better.

I do agree. Rinchenpong is a wonderful destiantion.....I was there on March 2007, and it was heavenly....4 or 5 decent accomodations are available, and a few coming up....

I would also add Kaluk, 2 km from Rinchenpong.......another off beat destination.

Both these places offer wondrous views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

two offtrack places i went:

1) memencho lake- approx 50 km from tsongo lake, u have to take right after baba mandir. left goes to nathula pass. this place is not accessible to tourist. best is take the driver and at the last checkpost near tukla falls speak to officers, bribe and move on.

2) zero point: 30 km from yumthang. its amazing. vast plains, if you walk for 1km you will reach top to bottom snow covered mountains.

I think I missed Katao(` 140000 ft.). Its in North Sikkim, near Lachung..You can ask your driver in advance to take you to Katao early in the morning( 6 am), and then head for Yumthang on the same day.

Remote and wonderful are the valleys in North Sikkim. No, not Yumthang , but the remote ones like:

• Zachu near Thanggu, see http://www.myhimalayas.com/north_sikkim_tsachu/image
• Yumthang to Upper Tholug Valley, see http://www.myhimalayas.com/sikkim_lachung_tholung/image

Carsten

KALUK .... Its just 3 kms from Rinchenpong... stay there if you dont want the noise of Rinchen...Also you can try Yuksom .. its on the opposite hill of Pelling. about 35 kms from Pelling. very scenic. And Uttarey is a must.

dear sagarneel

Is Katao So HIGHHHH......140000ft ???? Are you sure it is reachable by car ????? Or by Rocket Service ??? Is it avaiblable??

Give me the details how to reach there !!!!