A picture is worth a thousand words, but thousand pictures would be less to explain the beauty of Sikkim
Things to Carry
1. Shoes
2. Umbrellas
3. Sweaters, Shawls, Gloves and socks (even in summer season as temperatures could go till 0 or even less).
Places of Interest
1. Shiv temple
2. Gurudumba
3. Chung Tang Lake
4. Gangtok Ropeway
5. Baba Temple
6. Ganesh Tok
7. Many Monasteries.
Apart from the above list there are number of water falls, snow peaks, valleys and plants on the way to these places. Oxygen levels at some places are below normal levels, so heart patients, kids should not be taken to such places.
Timings
Starting as early as possible in the morning hours is a good thing to do. Most of the places are closed after 12oclock in the afternoon. Driving time is high because of heavy rains and poor roads.
Weather
Rains are common across the hilly regions. Clouds surround the hills and temperatures are usually below normal.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Sikkim is in summers. Winter season roads are closed due to heavy snow fall.
Cuisines
'Momo' a local snack is a good item. Number of food items available is limited. Rotis , rice and dal are the most common things. Maggi and noodles are also available.
There are many other places and natural beauty all the way within Gangtok and at easily accessible distances from Gangtok. They are Peling, Kurseong, Yangthung, Valley of Flowers, Nathu La ( near China border)very high altitude Lakes from where rivers originate. Transport system is efficient and disciplined. Cows, horses, yaks, goats loverly birds are every where. Cow milk has excellent taste may be because they feed on jungle herbs. Plastic is totally banned in this state. Toy train and tea gardens in Siliguri (a base station) are attractions too. Trekking and white water rafting are other attractions. Extreme cold, heat and lack of oxygen, hot water springs, India China border are all part of the show. With limited choice in food variety people may have to adjust.
