TSHLAMTHANG, SOUTH SIKKIM – 98 FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Tshlamthang is a quaint village tucked in the Himalayan foothills. The bird’s eye view of gurgling Teesta River and snow-clad Nathula peaks create a mix of charms. The name Tshlamthang means Orange Farm. It is a quiet and organic spot for both people who love to laze in nature enjoying native cuisine and culture and adventurous people looking for treks, bird watching, trails and walks and angling. With plenty of nearby tourist attractions like Ravangla, Temi, Solophok and forest trekking scope, this new destination in South Sikkim is still an unknown paradise.

Places to see at Tshlamthang: The best mode of sightseeing is by foot, though transport is also available. The first stop could be a 160-year-old local Heritage House, created with local stuff like wood, bamboo and Siru. Next you can take a short trek to the Ban Jakhri Cave, the ancient abode of Jakhris (witch doctors of Sikkim). You can also climb the Daras (the highest point of a hill) like the Harray Dara, sacred to newly married couples or Deorali Dara overlooking villages and mountains.

Nearby attractions of Tshlamthang: Go on a small cliff edge trail to Tarey Bhir. On the cliff top, view River Teesta and Rangeet among pine forests. If you are lucky, spot the rare wild mountain goats – Bharals. Visit Ravangla for majestic mountain views and sprawling Buddha Park, with a 130-foot high Buddha statue. Visit Chaardham, Solophok, with a hilltop view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Chaardham has replicas of the 12 Hindu Jyotirlingas and four Dhams (pilgrimage sites). It has a 87-feet high sitting Shiva and a 16.5 feet high statue of Lord Kiriteshwara. Visit Samdruptse Monastery, 30 kms from Tshlamthang, and with a 45-meter high golden statue of Guru Padmasambhava. For nature lovers, Temi Tea Garden is a must visit from here. Around 14 kms from Tshlamthang, this is one and only tea garden of Sikkim. You can view Mt. Kanchenjungha and witness tea processing from Temi.

Things to do at Tshlamthang: Forest picnics with fishing are fun. The locals arrange everything well. You can even fry up your day’s catch! Forest trekking to Maenam Hill and Tendong Hill is available with guides, porters, tents, permits and all else required. Walks in forests, farmlands, villages, cave or the riverside are also popular. It’s a farm area so you can also do some vegetable picking. Enjoy fishing in Kaleej Khola, 2 kms away. Catch cold water fishes like Asala, Buduna, Chirkey, Bhitti and sometimes rare species like Goonch. Basic fishing equipment is available but professionals should bring their own gear. Birdwatchers can see seasonal migratory Himalayan birds like Woodpeckers, Warblers, Magpies, Finches, Sunbirds, Flycatchers, Robins, Eagles, and Patridges. Enjoy cultural programs performed by local communities: Chettris, Bharmans, Karmis and Subbas. Best is the Barbeque with the local drink Thumba.

How to reach Tshlamthang: From NJP railway station it takes over 3 hours to reach by road. Tshlamthang is near to Namchi as well as Gangtok.

Best time to visit Tshlamthang: The hotter months (May, June) are good for those who want to beat the heat of the plains. The rains (July, Aug) bring a cloud cover (that often hides the Himalayas) but has a charm of its own. The winters are good for people who wish to see the oranges bloom and for clearer views of the mountains.

Lodging and dining facilities at Tshlamthang: With four comfortable Double Bedrooms in a cottage perched on a hilltop hanging over a cliff, your stay is peaceful and adventurous at the same time. This homestay accommodation at Tshlamthang commands a panoramic view of River Teesta, Kaleej River and the snow capped mountains of Nathula. But the best part of staying at this home stay is the adjacent Machaan, which seems to float on thin air – the breakfast table is spread over here and it is quite an experience for your breakfast time. The rooms in the homestay are very comfortable and spacious with all modern amenities like, electricity, hot water geysers, comfy beds, televisions and surely Western Bathrooms. Food is essentially Indian and home cooked and vegetables are sourced locally.