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| South Sikkim |
Namchi
Namchi, meaning 'Sky High', nestled among the hills at an elevation of
5,500 ft commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast
stretches of valley. Atop Samdruptse hilltop near Namchi, recently
erected is the worlds tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron
saint of both Hindus and the Buddhist.
Temi Tea Garden
The one and only tea estate existing in the State produces one of the
top quality teas in the international market. The tea garden is spread
out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and
provides a magnificent view for the surrounding villages. The visit to
the fact" could be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about
the tea processing methods.
A night spent in a old British built bungalow located just below the tea
garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the
present. A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a
rewarding experience for those who want to cornbine nature and culture
as they keep trekking.
Ravangla
At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to
various tourist destinations in South and West Sikkim. It is also an
upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Menam Hill and
Borong. There are accomodation facilities and numerous short nature
trails. A trek down to the sacred cave 'Shar Chok Bephu', one of the
four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.
Menam Hill
Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side over looking the
ravangla Bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft the
scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the
world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges looms above the
dwarf the richly forested and rugged hill. On a clear sunny day, it is
possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and
darjeeling Hills in the South, right across the Indo-China border
towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Bhunga,
a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge top and remains
suspended in the air above Yangang village.
Borong
Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or a
trek via Menam. A picturesque village, its beautiful landscape and
magnificent view is also host to the hot spring, Borong TsaChu'. The
trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong - Ravangla -
Menam - Borong (5-6 days) is one of the most interesting trails scaling
all the hill tops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or
terminate at Borong and drive back to Ravangla. |
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