Sukhim

'The New Place' with those checker-board tracts of terraced paddy fields is quite simply Nye-mae-el'- Heaven, as the Lepchas, the original inhabitants who understood this staggeringly exotic Himalyan kingdom best called it. And ever since it has opened its doors to the tourist world, the snowbound glitter of Sikkim's sacred sentinel has added a poignant signal to the measure of Sikkim's lure of the spiritual and adventurous at heart.

The pull of its intense natural beauty imbued with a mystic aura and its cavalcade of ancient legends and colourful history make Sikkim the perfect holiday destination for all age-groups. Its ageold appeal lies in the profusion of lofty peaks, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, orchid nurseries, heli-tours and stunning trekking routes - making Sikkim a multi-dimensional holiday destination for visitors from both home and abroad.

There's a feeling of pre-historic beauty and wonder still amongst those vast tracts of pristine peaks and valleys, lakes and rivers. It's the kind of mysterious beauty that poets rhapsodize about and makes artists long to capture on canvas. The Singalila Range etches Sikkim's western borderlines with Nepal and the Chola Range defines its eastern border. The Dongkya Range runs along the borders from the north to the northeast.

Gangtok
Its strategic location, a strong Buddhist presence and heady cultural offerings make the First City of sikkim - Gangrok , a tempting insight into this stimulating land. Sensational views of Mt. Khangchendzonga ... orchid nurseries ... great shopping sample some of its treasures before heading our of town to savour sikkim's other delights.

Sign up for one of the heli-tours to catch those breathtaking vistas. During the Buddha Purnima in May, delve into the city's cultural leanings in those superlative Saga Dawa festivities. Follow the colourful procession of venerable lamas carrying the holy books of Buddha's teachings from the Tsuklakhang Monastery in the palace to different parts of town.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The world's largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and manuscripts on Buddhist philosophy and religion, science, medicine, astrology, etc the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology attracts Buddhist scholars from around the world. It also houses a wide range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage. In the appended museum are over 200 icons, old tankhas and some ritual vessels amongst various objects d’art on display. Take a trip upstairs to observe the cataloguing and restoration of these treasures. Open: 10am – 4pm.

Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms
Shoppers will find the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms a most convenient place to catch up on their souvenir hunting. Craftsmen in the process of weaving, woodcarving, and paintings of typical sikkimese designs give you an up-close and personal view of these beauriful crafts from start to finish. Take home hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls and carved magnolia-wood tables.

Himalayan Zoological Park
Just 8 km away ftom Gangrok is a verdant expanse of 205 hectares encapsulating the Himalayan Zoological Park. This is the natural habitat of the endangered red panda, barking deer, spotted deer and bear.

Enchey Monastery
One of the most important monasteries of sikkim and the Nyingma order of Buddhism, the Enchey Monastery (3 km) is constructed on a site blessed by Lama Drupko Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. Over 200 years old, Enchey has within its precincts many icons and religious artifacts of great veneration and antiquity.

Khangchendzonga Viewing
Whizzing past tiny hamlets from which rise the lazy smoke trails from a cooking pot, or a shepherd bringing home his flock of sheep, head our to the historic Enchey Monastery (3 km) where you'll get one of the best views of the entire mountain range with its snowy peaks a dazzling glitter in the bright sunshine. Savour those grandstand views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. siniolchu from the popular picnic spot Tashi View Point (8 km) on the North sikkim Highway. Best views - early morning.

Excursions
Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La Pass

Just 40 km away from Gangtok lies one of the most sensational drives out of Gangtok. En route to the hallowed, oval-shaped glacial Tsomgo Lake (3780 metres) you will encounter mystical environs of these lofty heights and the splash of thousands of blooms in summer. Take time to stop over at Kyongnosla (26 km) for a splendiferous treat of a harvest of summer blooms of rhododendron, poppies, clematis iris and primulas amongst others. Best from May to August. This region is also great for spotting the exclusive and endangered red panda in its natural habitat. If you're an orchid hunter you might find some in bloom in the wild. Don't pluck them though. They're prettier up on those branches. Located at height of 12,000 feet on the Gangtok-Nathu La highway, Tsomgo is half frozen till mid-April. Home to the Brahminy duck and countless migratory birds, it's a magical place. Make sure you have a good camera to catch that evanescent beauty.

The yaks, embellished with their 'Welcome to sikkim' headbands, are popular for a short ride near the lake. Take a moment off to pause and soak in the beauty at the tiny pagoda like rest house. The spiritual minded sometimes walk over the frozen lake to feed the fish. Fishing is prohibited on this holy lake. In winter, these snowfields are breathtaking.

Remember you have to leave at the crack of dawn - and get permits in advance (from the sikkim Police Department in Gangtok). This holds true for the historic Nathu La Pass (14,200 feet) too, as by the late afternoon it generally gets enveloped in mist. Open: Wed / Thur / Sat / Sun only.

Recognised local travel agencies arrange transport and handle all the details. Taxis with permits also ply on these routes. Shared taxis available too. Cost: Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass - Rs 370 per head and Tsomgo Lake - Rs 145 per head.

It's advisable to leave around nine and be back in time for a late lunch before fogs descend. There are gumboots and coats on hire. Best time to visit: March - late May and September - Mid December.

Pemayangtse Monastery
One of sikkim's holiest monasteries the 17th century Pemayangtse Monastery (Perfect Sublime Lotus) of the Nyingmapa order is perched at a height of 2085 metres. Encircled by haunting beauty of Khangchendzonga and its retinue of peaks, it is also sikkim's second oldest monastery. It is an ideal base for trekking to Yuksam (1630 metres). Nearby, Rabdentse, with its ruined palace, was once sikkim's capital.

Tashiding Monastery
sikkim's most venerated shrine, the Tashiding Monastery was built in 1717. Countless prayer-flags (langtu -windhorses that ride the winds carrying the prayers of the devotees) whisper in the breeze as you approach this holiest of holies. The sonorous repetition of / Mani Padme Hum fills the air. Thousands of devout Buddhists trek to Tashiding in spring to participate in the Bhumchu Festival and sip the sacred water from a sacred bhumpa (water vessel), filled with waters collected frbm the Rathong and Rangit Rivers.

Yuksam
Legendary Yuksam  consecrates the three holy men who came from Tibet and established the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism here. It is also the entry point of the Khangchendzonga National Park. Yuksam is the base for mountain climbing course organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Shopping
Ideal take-home souvenirs are hand-woven carpets with traditional Tibetan, modern designs, thankas and other paintings, Lepcha-weave bags, purses, leatherware, woodwork, sikkimese dresses, large cardamoms, caps, scarves, jewellery; sikkimese spirits and liqueurs. Also popular are 'Chokees; collapsible wooden tables with Tibetan carved designs.

Some famous shopping outlets are the Directorate of Handicrafts aRd Handlooms Showroom; sikkim Rural Development Agency Showroom, Junction of M.G. Road and New Market; shambu Jewellery, Tibet Road; Babu Kazi shakya & Son, New Market; Snow White, Main Market; Punney Raj shakya, New Market.

Festivals
sikkimese festivals are held according to the Buddhist calendar so the months of the English calendar given are approximate. One of the most intriguing dance forms is the Chaams.These are ritual dances of the lamas, which feature colourful masks and quaint musical instruments and are held at various monasteries during the festivals.

Adventure Sports
Sikkim is a paradise for advenrure sports lovers. It offers enthusiasrs climbing, trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, yak safaris and hang gliding in one of the world's most exciting holiday destinations. There are quieter options too - special interest tours like orchid spotting, wildlife and butterflies and soft rhododendron trail treks.

Trekking
Equipment can be hired at reasonable prices from Sikkim Tourism or recognised travel agenrs/tour operators. For a more eco~caring trekking experience, ensure that you bury your waste deep, or repack it and carry it away for suitable disposal. Trekkers huts are located at Pemayangrse, Khecheopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangsing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Ravangla, Sang and Sikip. Small hotels are coming up at many base-stations and places en route.