Revisiting Sikkim — the Last Shangrila

By Seema Sengupta

During his recent trip to India, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasized the necessity to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

His desire to encourage people to people contact actually emboldened me to transcend the strategic realm of the Indo-Korean relationship, and venture into a subject that draws my imagination frequently.

In spite of running the risk of authoring a tourist guide, I am tempted to share my exclusive thoughts of a mystic land called Sikkim with the Korean audience.

Sikkim, an Indian province that often hit the headlines alongside Arunachal Pradesh for the bickering that India has with China over territorial disputes is virtually my second home.

Though I do not own a property there, the picturesque place nestled in the Himalayan foothills is one destination I crave to return to.

Amidst the brouhaha over territorial rights that evoke nationalistic sentiment, I always discover myself engrossed completely in the serene landscape endowed with immense natural beauty and resources.

In fact I fell in love with Sikkim and its endearing people at first sight during my maiden visit two decades back and can vividly recollect strolling down the meandering roads through the lovely hills.

The history of Sikkim dates back some thousands of years to prehistoric times when it was inhabited by three tribes, namely the Naong, Chang and Mon. The Lepchas, a peace loving, deeply religious and shy people who entered Sikkim sometime later absorbed them completely.

In the 18th century British India successfully befriended Sikkim to curtail the expanding power of the Gurkhas who became a threat to the British Imperial Forces. The British also looked forward to establishing a trade link with Tibet and for that the route through Sikkim was most feasible.

When Claude White was appointed as the first political officer in Sikkim in 1889, the Monarch of Sikkim Chogyal Thutob Namgyal became virtually subservient to him. After India's independence in 1947 the then Chogyal Tashi Namgyal obtained a special status of protectorate for Sikkim.

This princely state finally merged into the Indian Union in 1975 with the establishment of a democratically elected government. In spite of Beijing's refusal to accept Sikkim's accession to India de jure, the Sikkimese culture symbolizes Indian ethos and the tradition of unity in diversity.

Small but eternally blissful, Sikkim ― a land of pristine and unspoilt natural beauty ― is situated in the eastern Himalayas and spreads over an area of 7,300 square kilometers. The province lies below her protective deity, Mount Khangchendzonga or popularly known as Mount Kanchenjungha, the third-highest peak in the world.

With an elevation varying from 244 meters to 8,540 meters above sea level, Sikkim offers a heavenly experience amidst the grandeur of majestic mountain peaks, lush valleys, torrential rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, blooming flowers, colorful orchids and terraced hills.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim bears a unique ambience derived from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. For first timers in Gangtok, there are several places to observe a visual treat.

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom; Oo-Orul-Chorten, one of the most important Stupas of Sikkim; the Research Institute of Tibetology; the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery; Phodong Monastery; Ganesh Tok; and Saramsa Garden demands tourist attention.

The Tsongo Lake, 40 kilometers from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,210 feet offers an impressive display of flowers like rhododendrons and primulas in full bloom between May and August. One can also enjoy the youthful experience of yak and pony rides around the wondrous lake after a hot momo feast.

West Sikkim is also ready to welcome guests with a bouquet of rich cultural heritage and exotic orchids in stunning sizes and colors. The Rumtek Monastery in Pemyangtse and a panoramic early morning view of Mount Pandim will leave anybody spellbound.

Khechopalri Lake; Yuksam, the ancient capital of Sikkim; Tashiding; Singshore Bridge, the highest gorge bridge in Asia; and the Rimbi and Sangay waterfalls are worth visiting in this part of the province.

A drive of five hours from Gangtok along winding roads in North Sikkim takes you to the Yumthang Valley ― the ``Hidden Paradise on Earth."

Popularly referred to as the Switzerland of the East, this charming location surrounded by high mountains is simply unforgettable. Though it is a restricted area, the Tourist Information Center at Gangtok makes necessary arrangements for the exquisite journey and accommodation.

Therefore, all that one needs is to make up their mind and take off to the Valley of Flowers, as Yumthang is locally known. Sikkim, the last Shangrila with a panorama of diverse culture, fauna and flora is a unique world in itself and easily accessible by air and road.

To listen to the sound of the wind whistling through the tall coniferous trees, watch the dazzling splendor of snow clad peaks and savor the colorful extravaganza that this province offers, who knows my friends ― this might be the experience of your lifetime.

(Seema Sengupta is a journalist based in Kolkata, India. Her articles have been published by The Tribune, The Telegraph, The Pioneer, The Asian Age and other newspapers. She can be reached at seemasengupta@vsnl.net.)