BERMIOK MARTAM, WEST SIKKIM – 142 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Martam is a picturesque Himalayan village, tucked in a quiet corner of West Sikkim, with spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. The place is mostly known for its pristine village life and beautiful natural surroundings. Although located near popular tourist destinations like Bermiok, Uttarey and Rinchenpong, Martam is still far from the maddening tourist rush. This little village is also popular for its thriving flora and fauna species and is home to some of the most beautiful birds of Sikkim.

Places to see at Bermiok Martam: Martam is a pristine little settlement in West Sikkim. If you are looking forward to experiencing some authentic Sikkimese Village life in the lap of the Himalayas and a grand panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, then Martam village is the place to be. The quaint village was once a popular and revered religious hub of the Limbu people. The village ground still holds the symbol of its rich religious past in the form of the temple ‘Yuma Samyo Manghim’ that was built by the followers of this religion. The mystic temple has a huge stone place in its entrance, which was once the seat of the great mystic Guru Teyongsi Srijunga. Legend has that it was here that Guru Srijunga used to sit and deliver sermons to his devoted followers.

Nearby attractions of Bermiok Martam: This little village is surrounded by many interesting and beautiful places nearby. The Srijunga waterfalls and caves located along the banks of Reshi River is an important historical site located near Martam. The caves are also known as Srijunga Phuku. The Srijunga Wadhan waterfall is simply spectacular to watch. Next stop is the Berthang Berfok Mangerjong located at the confluence of the two rivers Kaleez and Rangsang at Berthang, which is absolutely a breathtaking view. Moving further, there is another gorgeous waterfall known as the Pheng Doji Falls that stands solitary at Hee-Gaon in the Hee-Khola area.

A little further from here you can visit the famed Rabindranath Smritiban, which was once a resting home of the Great Nobel Laureate of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore. Near the Hee-Khola riverbank, there is a beautiful water garden by the name of Hee Water Garden that possesses the largest Buddhist Water Prayer Wheel in the world, which is also called the Mani Chukar. The water garden is set amidst beautiful scenery that includes a swimming pool, a cafeteria, a Gazebo (resting place) and a small Temple of Lord Shiva.

At upper Martam, located just above the Alley cave temple is a watchtower that offers a magnificent view of the Mount Kanchenjungha. You would also find the picturesque lake Chaaya Taal that offers boat rides to tourists and visitors, just eight kilometers from Martam. Other interesting sightseeing places located nearby are the Resum Monastery, Changay Falls, Singshore Bridge, Pemyangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Yuksom and Pelling.

About 13 miles away, there is a beautiful cave temple of Lord Shiva that is more than a century old. The cave temple is also popularly known as the Kailash Pati Gufa, and is visited by hundreds of tourists and locals every year during the festival of Shivaratri. There is another popular temple cave located nearby known as the Alley Cave, which is also incidentally dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from these activities, you can also go for quite nature walks, bird watching and trekking trips to nearby places of interest.

The Red Panda Gate (one of the entrances of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary) is also within 10 kilometers of Martam. This sanctuary is one of the last natural habitats of the illusive Red Panda.

Things to do in Bermiok Martam: Other than enjoying the panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, in Martam you will truly enjoy the actual flavor of a mountain village life. The local home stay at Martam lets you enjoy the unique life of a mountain villager. To get the best enriching experiences of a typical village life, hire a local guide to show you through the various modes of daily activities in the village. You could begin with sightseeing around popular village spots like the agricultural farmlands, flower gardens, village home backyards, animal husbandries, the local market and various herbal plantation spots. Martam is also dotted with very interesting herbal plant species of which cardamom plants are the most dominant in the region. The locals are also very warm and generous in nature. You can have a different experience by participating in village activities like basket weaving, gathering, organic farming and the bustling village fair.

How to reach Bermiok Martam: Martam is situated about 145 kilometers from Siliguri, 135 kms from Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. All cars going to Dentam Bazar will reach Bermiok, from where pick-up to Martam can be arranged.

Best time to visit Bermiok Martam: Martam can be visited all year round. But, if you want to catch a glimpse of the scenic Mt. Kanchenjungha at its grandest splendor, then visit Martam between the winter months of October and February. For those who love fun and frolic, the months of March, April and May are the best time to enjoy the local tourist festival at the Monastery organized by the Hee Bermiok Tourism Development & Heritage Conservation Society. Moreover, you can also pay a visit to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary famous for its magnificent blossoming Rhododendron flowers during this time.

Lodging and dining facilities in Bermiok Martam: Placed strategically, our home stay offers a breathtaking view of the Mt. Kanchenjungha, which is one of the special attractions of this place. Painted in serene white, the home stay is a two-storied building standing amidst a gorgeous sprawling lawn with beautiful flower gardens, herbal plants and bushes. Furnished with all modern amenities, the home stay has three two bedded deluxe rooms and two bedded semi deluxe rooms. The rooms have great views and are large with spacious beds. On the top floor, there is a spacious balcony that offers a magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjungha. The home stay kitchen offers locally grown fresh organic meals of the guest’s choice. The menu also includes local Nepali cuisine, non-veg Indian cuisine and continental platters as well. Facilities and services offered here are avant-garde in quality providing you with utmost comfort and luxury. The atmosphere is very friendly and homely. Assistance and local guides are available for sightseeing to nearby places of attraction like Srijunga Mangheem, Srijunga Cave and falls, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Changay Falls, Hee Khola and Resum Monastery. Another great activity at this home stay is bird watching. The place is home to some of the most exotic and rare bird species of Sikkim. Watching the gorgeous colorful birds chirping and dancing over the balcony parapet is simply an awesome experience.