Life Positive — January 2018

famous Rumtek monastery, situated a little above
the city of Gangtok, has played a key role in
forming the spiritual heritage of Sikkim.
Travellers, on a journey to Sikkim, discover
a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural
beauty. The panorama of the snow-capped
Himalayas, beautiful meadows with colourful
flowers, the vibrant culture, and a population
comprising both Sikkimese and Tibetans, make
up the kaleidoscope that is Sikkim—a holiday
destination, both fascinating and challenging.
Having learnt thus, I set out for this divine and
pious land, equipped with my travel bag and
hiking-kit to help me survive the high altitude.

The journey begins
En route to Sikkim, I listened to James Blunt’s
‘1973’ playing on the radio as my taxi traversed
through Bagdogra and the winding roads of
Darjeeling. The zingy Wai-Wai snack added the
perfect dash of flavour to my trip. In Sikkim,
I put up at a comfortable army holiday home

which was a welcoming place for visitors from

all over the country. The highlight of my trip,

which intensified my love for Sikkim, was the

spectacular sight of all the stars, galaxies,

constellations, and planets that I witnessed in the

heavenly skies.

From the juicy burger at a local café to the

Oriental music played at a restaurant—not to

mention the rains that made the atmosphere a

little more exotic—everything made it so liveable!

I was thrilled to see the shops selling Sikkimese

silver jewellery and authentic daggers which lent

a certain mysticism to the place.

The hills spoke silence which was echoed by

the tunes of the Buddhist hymns being sung at

the Rumtek monastery.

A tourist’s delight

The famous Namchi Bazaar or Siddheshwar

Dhaam has a huge statue of Lord Shiva or

Kirateshwar Mahadev at Solophok hill and is

considered to be a unique place of pilgrimage.

The picturesque lake surrounded by snow

all through the year, presents a spectacular

view

The Tsangmo lake in Sikkim

Spiritual Travel 53

Delhi based Nanidini

Hoon is a trained dancer,

theatre artist, filmmaker,

poet, face reader and an

avid travel blogger