Sikkim: A plethora of natural beauty

Hearing so much about Sikkim, there was a desperate urge within me to visit this enchanting abode. But this could be realized only last spring, and this I'll cherish as one of the most pleasant experiences ever!

We decided to go to Peling, a place with mesmerizing beauty. But it is another destination we visited en-route that was delightful to the core. It was an instant decision to visit this rhododendron sanctuary at Barsey, which offers trekking trips. From Siliguri we traveled to Jorethang in south Sikkim, which is a two and a half hours drive. It is at a height of 1,310 ft above sea level, on the banks of the river Rangeet.

From here we traveled to Sombaria. Throughout the route you cannot just stop admiring the lush green forest, paddy fields, and small rivulets meandering through the pine forest. Sombaria is a typical tiny hill town at an altitude of 4,760ft. The town being small there are limited lodges and guesthouses. Ask your travel agency for booking the places in advance. If you plan accordingly, you can include the places in your vacation package. Shambhala rhododendron resort and Prashanti guest house are two good options. Eateries too are not many, so one has to venture early.

The following morning we got ready early for Barsey. I had no trekking experience prior to this and the anxiety within was enormous. You need to carry plenty of food and water to sustain yourselves for the day. Reaching Zureli Dara, we could view the entire Sombaria town! One can also visit a Buddhist monastery en-route, and if you were in time for the prayers it would be a blissful feeling.

We reached Hiley, which has a height of 9000 ft and beyond this point motor road cease to exist signaling the entrance to Barsey sanctuary. The Indian Army is in charge and we had to buy tickets prior to entering. Now we were to start the actual adventure!