Are you tired of city life? Need a break? How about trekking through a bed of wildflowers, waking up to the sound of the rooster and the scent of a wood fire, sipping organic tea facing the pristine mountains, with some fresh mountain air soothing you and the rays of the sun kissing your cheeks. Then end your day sitting under a blanket of stars, probably sitting next to a bonfire? Sounds surreal right? Well, you can do this in real at some of these beautiful places in Sikkim. We’ve listed some of the best places for you to go and rest your tired soul:
Chumbi Mountain Retreat, Pelling, Sikkim
If you’ve been to Pelling but missed staying at the Chumbi Mountain Retreat, then you’ve surely missed something. Chumbi Mountain Retreat makes you believe that heaven on earth does exist! Located in Naku Chumbung, a little village below Pelling in West Sikkim, the resort has the most breathtaking views, especially of the Khanchendzonga Mountain Range. It is a beautiful blend of traditional heritage ambiance and contemporary convenience. The beautiful Pemayangtse Monastery is also located about 2 km from the resort.
Speaking exclusively to HFT, filmmaker, and actor, Mr. Ugen Chopel, who owns Chumbi Mountain Retreat said that anytime is a good time to visit Pelling and Chumbi Mountain Retreat, this year 20 – 30 October will be a very interesting time for tourists to visit the resort. “Panglhabsol or Neysol is one of the main events at Pemayangtse Monastery in which the mountain god and guardian deity of Sikkim Mount Khangchendzonga is propitiated. It’s a state event.: 500 monks will congregate at the Pemayangtse monastery from the 20th of October to 30th of October for reciting the Leudem prayers to benefit all sentient beings.It will culminate to the unfurling of the Grand Torquoise Thanka of Lhatsen Chenpo the patron saint of Sikkim.(this is the only of its kind in the world),” informs Mr. Chopel.
For more information log onto: The Chumbi Mountain Retreat
Mayal Lyang Home Stay: Dzongu, Sikkim
Mayal Lyang is a beautiful homestay nestled among the mountains. Mayal Lyang means the ‘Hidden Land’ or ‘Land blessed by God’ in the Lepcha language and true to its name, it’s a beautiful blessed place. Untouched by the tourist hustle bustle, this place has hidden treasures behind every other tree. Life here moves at its own pace and if you are a city folk, you might find that a strange yet welcome change. Here you can relax and enjoy the pure mountain air, eat the food grown there and enjoy the view of the mountains.
To know more log on to: Mayal Lyang Home Stay
Dzongu Lee Home Stay: Dzongu, Sikkim
This homestay was established in the year 2011 as a concept of village tourism. Dzongu Lee has just five cottage style double bedrooms. It has a beautiful view of the hills from the balcony. Their rooms are simple yet comfortable.
For more information log on too: Dzongu Lee Home Stay
Limboo Homestay, Yuksom, Sikkim
A small homestay run by a family of three, Mr. D S Limboo, his wife Rani Limboo and their daughter, Ikla Limboo. It’s a good place to experience the local traditions, culture, lifestyle, and food. Simple and affordable.
For more details visit: Limboo Homestay
The Biksthang Heritage Farm
The Biksthang Heritage Farm Is another specialty lodging in West Sikkim.Folklore has it that Biksthang is derived from the Monroe (Lepcha) word ‘bik mon’ meaning ‘the place where a tiger ate a cow’. The Lhopos (Bhutias) aver that ‘biks thang’ means ‘a place with a wide variety of special stones’. Biksthang, at an altitude of about 4100 feet.The farmhouse directly faces the Khangchendzogna mountain range. It’s an old property and the present generation of the family has converted the ancestral property to a modern resort. Most of the staff consist of the locals from the area.
For more details visit: The Biksthang Heritage Farm
Bonus:
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and also the largest town in Sikkim. Before you head to the exotic locations in and around Sikkim, it’s a wise idea to make a stopover at the capital town of Sikkim and see the local tourist spots and shop for local handicrafts in Gangtok.
Nettle & Fern Hotel, Gangtok, Sikkim
Situated in the heart of Gangtok, The Nettle and Fern Hotel is within a kilometer from the M. G Road. Besides beautiful cozy rooms and friendly staff, the hotel has the best restaurant in Gangtok, that serves not only continental cuisine but also the best Sikkimese and Nepalese cuisine. It also boasts of the only specialty bakery and Gelato ice cream place. Conveniently located and good value for money, a budget hotel with modern amenities is what makes this place special. Speaking to HFT, owner of The Nettle and Fern Hotel, Mr. Naresh Shrestha says, “October and November is the best season to come to Sikkim, the skies are clear and tourists can enjoy the view of the majestic mountains.”
For more details visit: Nettle and Fern Hotel and Restaurant
So what are you waiting for? The time is right and so is the weather, go take a break and like they say; “Don’t be a tourist, be a traveler!”
