North East - Hidden treasure of India - Malaika /Sandy

Pick of lots ,thats how it got decided that we (Malaika and Sandy ) were travelling to North east of India .TravelPort ,our company was sending us as part of a team to explore this new exotic destination .Over excitement followed by after thoughts made us wonder what it would be like to go to a underdeveloped ,in- news- for- wrong- reason- place ,that too ,two city lasses like us .
God ! How wrong we were for we discovered a new heaven on earth (cliched but that is yet the best way to describe our new discovery )
We were lucky to be exploring this hidden - unspoilt - virgin -gem of a destination ,fit for a evolved traveller .(well atleast till we start filling up the place with tourists ).We thought of writing this journal to share our journey highlights .

North East of India is the land of Blue Mountains, Green Valley, Red River, wild life, and colourful people, a blend of all these makes it the most beautiful Eco-Tourism destination in south Asia

Click here For Slide Show - North east


The train journey upto siliguri was a typical indian one - best not described - cos we chose the wrong class to travel in .It was a releif to get to siliguri from where we proceeded to Pelling ,our first stopover .


Pelling: 24/02/08----26/02/08
Pelling is a beautiful hill-station, nestled between the snow-covered peaks of Sikkim. Located at a distance of 10kms from Geyzing, Pelling is renowned for being the nearest site to Mt. Kanchenjunga. The scenic beauty of Pelling cannot be circumscribed in words and really requires a proximate look to feel the quietude. Elevated to the height of 6,800 ft, Pelling is the best place to get a close view of the entire mountain range
Places to visit :Darap Valley, Rimbi waterfalls, the holy Khecheopalri Lake and Pemayangtse Monestry.
The Good: Accommodation/ Sight seeing/ pleasant Climate
The Bad: No Restaurants around so person is compelled to eat his meals at the hotel he is put up in.
The ugly :None at all
Gangtok: 26/02/08-----28-02-08
Gangtok is nestled in lush greenery at 5800 ft, it is a blend of Traditional and modern culture where you will find youngsters in trendy dresses while elderly matrons clad in bakus.
On the way to Gangtok we proceeded to Rinchinpong, it is a picturesque village with Panoramic view of Kan-chen-dzonga range, the next day we visited Tsomgo lake which is 38km from Gangtok and is at 12500 ft, this lake is frozen throughout the year and comes alive during May to August where beautiful flowers blooms on its bank and on the adjoining Hill slopes, from Gangtok
The Good: Accomodation/ Good place to shop
Bad: Sometimes you dont feel welcomed.
Ugly: Not Applicable

Lachung: 28/02/08----29-02-08
Lachung is a divine abode sited in the northern district of Sikkim. Perched at an elevation of 8,800 ft, Lachung is an ideal place to spent beautiful moments in solitude. The way to Lachung passes through quaint villages, scenic spots, and waterfalls. In recent times, Lachung has been made available to the tourists in an organized manner. It would not be embroidered to say that Lachung is actually a Shangri-La on the earth.
We went to Lachung on the way to Lachung we visited Singhik view point, Seven sisters waterfall & most beautiful Bhima waterfall. Lanchung is a diven adode, sited in the Northern District of Sikkim at 8800ft; we felt it is the most ideal place to spend beautiful moments in solitude. Lanchung means “Small Mountains”. In Lachung we saw Monastry, Handicraft center; we had a Bonfire at Lanchung. Next day we proceeded to Yumthang Valley which is also known as Valley of Flowers, Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture for Yaks and yetis. During the summer the area blooms with the most beautiful flowers, from Yumthang Valley
Good: beautiful Senic Place.
Bad: No basic infrastructure facility available/ Food.
Ugly: Not Applicable.
We proceeded to NJP to take train back to mumbai. After living in a place like mumbai where one leads a very busy life. We think our visit to Sikkim has brought us so close to Mother Nature. It is indeed the most beautiful place on Earth.


Thank You TravelPort ! Thank You Neptune travel ! .....Thank god for this wonderful place