PADAMCHEN, EAST SIKKIM – 116 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Padamchen is a village tucked in the slopes of the Himalayan foothills surrounded by a forest teeming with birds. A nearby waterfall and a sparkling weather make this village on Silk Route circuit one of the best places to stay before taking the high-altitude Nathang Valley or Kupup Lake. Located at 7,000 ft, Padamchen is splendid in its own way. This quaint village lies at a distance of 8 kms from Zuluk and 14 kms from Rongli. Admired with breathtaking landscape and winding roads, this picturesque village of the Sikkim Silk route circuit truly offers a refreshing relief. The heritage Forest Resthouse at Padamchen will take you to the olden days of the Forest Officers and Sahibs, who used to travel this way.

Places to see at Padamchen: Surrounded with thick virgin temperate forest, Padamchen village is an ideal place for the avid bird watchers. The village offers shelters to a wide range of birds like Fulvettas, Laughing thrushes, Steppe Eagles, Honey Buzzards, Wrens, Tits, Pheasant and many more. and others. The forests witness occasional visitors like Leopards and Himalayan Black Bear. You can also take an early-morning sunrise trip to watch the panoramic sunrise over the majestic Mt. Kanchenjungha from Thambi View Point at 11,200 feet.

Nearby attractions of Padamchen: Padamchen is an excellent base for sightseeing of the other notable places in the Silk Route circuit. The three-level zigzag roads of Zuluk, the placid Kupup Lake, Nathang Valley and all other destinations of the Old Silk Route circuit can be covered in a day trip from Padamchen. Thambi View Point located at 11,200 feet, which offers a mesmeric view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and Lungtung Dhupidara is around an hours drive away after crossing the zig-zag roads.

Drive for another 30 minute and you will reach the placid Kalpokhri Lake, Kupup Lake and Adi Baba Mandir. The contour of the Kupup Lake has striking similarity with elephant and thus it’s is also popularly called Elephant Lake. The highest golf course in the world is located near Kupup Lake and so is the Jelepla Pass. Those who desire to explore further afield can experience the rewarding view of the beautiful Tsomgo Lake and reach Gangtok.

Things to do in Padamchen: Take the early morning sunrise-trip to Thambi View Point to witness the spectacular sunrise over the mighty Mt. Kanchenjungha range. The zig-zag road leading to Thambi View Point crosses some of the unexplored parts of the region and offers some spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas.

How to reach Padamchen: Padamchen is around 14 kms from Rongli but you would need permits to enter Padamchen (even Indian citizens) as it is guarded by the Indian Army. To reach this destination, you have to carry your proof of Indian citizenship and permits are arranged at Rongli Checkpost.

Best time to visit Padamchen: The weather of Padamchen remains conducive all through the year. Unlike the upper regions of the Silk Route circuit, winter in Padamchen is not that chilling and the region also experiences good sunshine. However, the region becomes quite cold during deep winter (January to March).

Lodging and dining facilities at Padamchen: Padamchen has a number of home stays. However, the best place to stay at Padamchen is the Govt. Forest Guesthouse. The Guesthouse is well furnished with comfortable sofas, fireplaces, wood-paneled walls and wooden floors. Staying in the guesthouse will offer you an unforgettable experience of living within forest. Recently, the Forest Guesthouse has been decked with tourist facilities like hot water-geysers, electricity and separate dining area. Food is essentially Indian and based on fixed menus but all food served here is organic and locally sourced.