Little tips for a happy journey.

DO'S 

Always travel with a guide. Or a handbook. But if you want to just follow your instinct and reach anywhere, that's perfectly fine as well.

Vegetation is fragile. Keep to the designated trails. 

Sikkim's a clean little state and there are garbage bins at almost every corner. For your pet bottles, chips packets and everything else.

You'd want to come back some day, years later and still see the lakes and streams blue and beautiful. With your help, that could be possible. 

It's always nice to be nice. Ask the locals before you take pictures of people or things that may belong to them.

And remember! When you circle the shrines in a monastery, go clockwise. Also, it is customary to leave a donation at a monastery.
I

DON'TS 

Sikkim's fauna is as rich and diverse as its flora. One of the reasons why is, because the locals do their best to keep wild life and its habitat undisturbed. We hope you too, can be a part of this.

Endangered species or antiques aren't for sale. That's why, do not buy them.

Around and in sacred places, drinking, smoking or talking too loudly could disrespect its sanctity,

Flowers and plants are varied and beautiful. Look all your want. However, plucking any is a complete no.

Sikkim and its people welcome you with love and respect.

When you strike a pose

You know how people go to a new place, wear the place’s traditional attire and pose for pictures that go up on walls and embellish homes. Here’s a little on the ones that you may wear: the ones belonging to the three main communities of Sikkim. So that when you smile from that silver frame, you can also talk about what you are wearing in detail, to whoever is looking at it.

The lepcha man wears the Thakro (a colourful sheet) Yenthatse (shirt) and a Shambo (cap). The Lepcha female dress comprises of Dumbun (a kind of sheet worn sari style), Tago (loose blouse), Nyamrek (belt) and Taro (cap). The beautiful ornaments used by the Lepcha women are: Namchok (ear-ring), Lyak (necklace), Gyar (bracelet), etc. 

The attire of a Bhutia male consists of Kho (Bakhu), Jya Jya (waist coat), Yenthatse (shirt), Kera (cloth belt) and Shambo (cap). The Bhutia female dresses are: Kho (Bakhu), Hanju (loose blouse), Kushen (jacket), Shambo (cap different in design than used by men), and Shabcha (shoe). Pangden, the striped apron is a symbol of married Bhutia women.

The jewellery worn by the Bhutia women are known as Yencho (earring), Khao (necklace), Phiru (pearl ornament), Diu (gold bangle) , and Joko (ring).

The common Nepalese men wear shirts known as Daura, while their Churidar Pajama is known as Shurval, the waist coat is known as Aaaskot and their belt is known as Patuki. The colourful sari worn by a Nepali woman is known as Pharia, their long loose blouse tied from four sides is known as Chaubandi Cholo, while another type of popular blouse is known as Tharo Cholo. A piece of printed cloth covering the upper portion of the body is known as Hembari, whereas a colourful piece hanging from the head to waist during a dance performance is known as Pachauri.

The ornaments used by the Nepalese women are Sir-bandi (tiara), Kantha (necklace), Naugeri (necklace of pearl), Charanihari (another type of necklace), Tilhari (green bead with a long gold pendant worn normally by married women), Bulaki (nose-ring), Dungri (nose-pin), Tik-mala, Chandrahar, Chepti son (ear-ring), Gadwari (ear-ring), Chura of Silver (bracelet) and Kalli, thick heavy payal made of silver.

So there goes. When you are here next month, make sure your take photographs of the pretty pretty flowers and while at them, a few of yourselves too.

INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW 2008 HIGHLIGHTS.

 Mr. S. K. Gutgutia of Florance Flora of Bengaluru receiving the award for 1st Prize in STALL COMPETITION

1st prize for ORCHID SPECIES awarded to M/S HIDDEN FOREST, GANGTOK.

 Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling of M/S MAENAM GARDEN receving the award for 1st prize in ORCHID COMPETITION

1st prize for BEST STALL (NORTH EAST CATEGORY) awarded to Mizoram

Mr. S. K. Chandak of Sheel Biotech of New Delhi being awarded 2nd Prize in STALL COMPETITION

All in a day.

Sometimes you have to climb mountains, cross deserts, swim dangerous rivers to reach a place that can take your breath away. Other times, you can just sit and be taken to places, have your breath taken away and come back into a cozy, comfortable room again. For such experiences, read along. The places are worth a million times more than the effort, we promise.

Nathula Pass: One of the three open trading border between India and China, here you can come face to face with another country and its soldiers. Just 54 kms east of Gangtok, it lies just 430 kms from Lhasa, Tibet.

Tsongmo Lake: You’ll hear everyone call it Changu. So don’t get confused: they are talking about a wonder that lies on the way to Nathula Pass. This glacier lake, in the midst of snow, stands out like a little gem.

Baba Mandir: A shrine at the height of 4000 meters above sea level, stories have it that Captain Baba Harbhajan Singh, who died in 1968, still lives there. Army folklore has it, that his sheets that are lined everyday is crumpled in the morning and his boots are muddy too. Worth a visit? We think so.

Rumtek Monastery: On a hill top, Rumtek Monastery, looks at the town, Gangtok. The largest in Sikkim, it houses a magnificent golden Stupa that can humble you. With vibrant colours, butter lamps and empowering chants, this place is worth a visit, worth much more.   

Enchey Monastery: Blessed and established by Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric art in Buddhism with flying powers, this monastery sits on a hilltop. Roll the prayer wheels, watch the monks in orange robes and feel at peace.

Kanchendzonga Tourist Complex: This complex, located at Ranka, 15 kms away from Gangtok is a Tourism cum socio cultural amusement park. You’ll know when you visit it. There are homes that exhibit the lifestyles of the three major communities in Sikkim. There are audio visual shows that take you around the entire state of Sikkim is a span of just 5-10 minutes flat.

So while you are at the flower show and want to do more in a very short span of time, you have the list ready. We hope it helps.

Say it out, softly, sweetly.

It's good to learn a new language. But if that is too complicated for you, knowing a few somethings to say, could get the locals to love you. Not just that. It could get you shop, bargain, get places and enjoy the place easily and thoroughly. What's more. This time, for once, you should learn the nicer words first. 

A little more: Nepali is the common language spoken in Sikkim. However, it has its own little musical notes, accent and expressions, different from the Nepali spoken in other places. So, here are your little musical words that can make your trip worthwhile.

Hajur: It means the magical word "Yes". It's the word that can get you cups of butter tea, take you around the town and get you passes to beautiful lands easily. It's the word that can get you to do things, never done before. Of course, if you say Hajur with a question mark and a raised eye brow, it means "Can you repeat yourself please?"

Yes, some words, work many ways.
Say Hajur to everything wonderful that comes your way, in Sikkim. 

La yee: What you could also do, is mix and match words and have fun. Once, Hajur, the next minute Lei, mean a big, happy, "YES". Feel free with the exclamation marks, full stops and question marks. 

La: The Sikkimese people are a nice bunch. And the word La shows just that. With a La, a note that follows before and after, almost everything they say, you'd know that you have to return the same kind of love and respect.

Nai: When you've said enough number of "Hajurs" and you just want to be left alone with the beautiful mountains around, say "Nai". It means NO. Though it would be nice if you could follow it with"Dhanyaabad." That means Thank you.

Kati ho?: Ah! The line that gets your wallet lighter. It means "How Much?"
We hope and pray that you hear a figure that makes you smile.

Alik Kamti Garnoosh: This is a line that you will love. It means "Please lower the price". Good luck repeating that over and over, with a sweet smile.

Kaha Jaaney?: The cab drivers could ask you that a lot. Give them the place that you'd want them to take you to.

Raamro Laagyo: Equivalent to "I'm lovin it!" Say it, if you like it.

Malai Sikkim Pura Man Paryo: After the trip's done and you have soaked up Sikkim's beauty all through, say that you liked Sikkim very very much.

Hope you enjoy the place, its people and its beautiful flowers.

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Here's a little list of things that could go a long way with you.

GETTING TO THE VENUE:
Closest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
Closest Airport: Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Closest Town: Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

THINGS THAT MUST TRAVEL WITH YOU:
February in the hills can be colder than February in other places. Carry woolens: Light ones will be good in the afternoon and a few warmer ones for after the sunset.

FOR FASHION, SOUVENIRS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN:
"Bazaar!", is you need to tell the cab driver in Gangtok. And he will take you to a stop that connects the two famous markets, Lal Bazaar and MG Marg. Both, filled with all things in-vogue. From cutting-edge blazers and caps to exotic pickles, to incense sticks and prayer flags. So much goodness, that you won't mind paying a little for excess baggage.

EAT, EAT, EAT!
First things first. Eat the familiar yet incredibly juicy momos. Vegetable momos for the vegetarians: and pork, beef, mutton and chicken for the others, the momos in Sikkim are a must-try.
Next, go for the local thaalis. Maybe strong but worth tasting fermented or preserved kinema, gundruk, chhurpi, is worth talking about for a long long time.

Beware of the red chilies that look like innocent cherries. A small bite may equal dynamite. Also the local brew, Chhang could give you a happy heady high.

photo courtesy : http://www.lovagecooking.com

PRAY!
There is a beautiful monastery standing tall in almost every corner of the state. Roll the prayer wheels and chant away everything else. If you have the time, visit Char Dhaam, 5 kms from Namchi and be at peace.

photo courtsey: soniarevankar.wordpress.com

ENJOY!

9 reasons why you must visit Sikkim.

You may have a million and one excuses to not travel to Sikkim, this February. But, they sure can't beat these 9 reasons why, you must.

REASON #1:

This could be your chance of seeing Mt. Kangchenjunga, not just in pictures, postcards and calendars. The guardian deity of Sikkim in the form of glorious mountains you can see, as if it stands right in front of you, from the capital, and most other in the state. 

 REASON #2:

Located in South Sikkim, this tea garden, Temi,  is known to be one of the best in India. Green little tea leaves pop out at you, from the  gently laid out slopping hills. 

REASON #3:

Nestled between the hill slopes of Gangtok and Pakyong, the Saramsa park is situated approximately 14 km away from the capital town on the Pakyong road. Established in 1922, this garden is known to have been a venue for many famed events, one of them being the International Flower Show.

REASON #4:

Like most little towns, the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok too has a rope way. However, a ride on this 1 km long rope way, with 3 entry points is one that will offer you a view like no other. Ride it. You'll know.

REASON #5:

No matter which direction your car is headed to, from the capital, you will come across little towns and sleepy hamlets with homes adorned with flowers. The red, blue and yellow blossoms will peep at you from the windows and balconies.

REASON #6:

At 118 feet, in Namchi, South Sikkim, you will see the world's largest statue of Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim. On Samdruptse or the Wish Fulfilling Well, this intimidating statue sits on a dormant volcano. See it yourself. No matter how big you are, you're sure to be dwarfed by it. 

REASON #7:

In Sikkim, you are sure to feel healthy. Not just in the cold, crisp and clean mountain air, but also in all that you eat. With the state heading to become one with only organic food, here you will get a chance to eat food that is as healthy as it can get.

REASON #8:

For each one of you, looking for more than a quiet little time, here's something that can rush your senses. You can para glide, and while you are up in the air, you could get a bird's eye view of all things beautiful. Do let us know what you see, then.

REASON #9:

You will see flowers like you have never before. Each one unique in its own way, for you to enjoy this visual extravagant thoroughly.