Bakkhim, the base for Yuksom, is
a feast for the senses with more than 20 varieties of
rhododendrons. The lush green environs are a riot of colours
and medley of shades. Bakkhim is also the base for
mountaineers and trekkers going to Dzongri 10 km. away. Take
time to breathe in the scented air and enjoy a few moments
alone soaking in this serenity. The crisp air charges you and
the close-up views of the Khangchedzonga range mesmerise.
Khangchendzonga Viewing
The Deer Park (6 km), home to
the Himalayan spotted and musk deer, offer fabulous views of
the valleys around Gangtok. Tashi View Point (9 km) is a
popular picnic spot offering grandstand views of
Khangchendzonga. Enchey Ancient Monastery (5 km) has one of
the best views of the entire mountain range.
Dzongri
Home of the red panda, black
khaleej pheasant and the yellow-necked woodpeckers the
fascinating mountain trail up to Dzongri is a trekker's
delight. In season the slopes are aflame with great varieties
of rhododendron.
Situated at an altitude of over
3962 metres, it offers the most fascinating view of the
Khangchendzonga massif. Sunny, crisp mountain air or
swirling mists - its magical up here anytime. Rhododendrons
drench the glades. Just opposite is the Pandium Peak (6890 mts)
cloaked in thick snow. At Tsoka, before Dzongri, the villagers
are prosperous and the fields well maintained; some of the
villagers are said to have travelled to Switzerland to learn
about high altitude farming, so now they've set up ginger and
potatoes and cabbage farms - though the village may be short
on power supply!
About 7 km way from Dzongri is
the Khangchendzonga base camp established by Darjeeling's
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Yuksom
Literally means the "meeting of
three great lamas". It consecrates the three holy men who came
from Tibet and established the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan
Buddhism here. They also consecrated the first ruler of Sikkim
here. It is also the entry point of the Khangchendzonga
National Park. Yuksom is the base for mountain climbing course
organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which
also has its base camp at Chourikhiand near Dzongri.
Orchid Sanctuary
Located within the premises of
the Research Institute of Tibetology this is a wonderland of
the orchid kingdom. The sanctuary houses over 250 species
orchids. For visitors it really comes alive in April-May and
December-January when they are in full bloom. There's a
chorten close by where you can see the young lamas going
through their daily rituals of learning, praying and working.
Tsongo Lake & Nathu La Pass
You can drive down to the
hallowed, oval-shaped glacial Tsongo Lake (3780mts) to enjoy
its mystical environs and the splash of thousands of blooms in
summer. (It's just 38 km from Gangtok). Yak rides and red
panda spotting. 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
(14,200ft) 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 these routes. Shared taxi
available too. Best time to visit: March -late May and
September-Mid December
