Unveiling Sikkim: A Land of Enchanting Beauty
Posted on Jun 13, 2024Sikkim is the state in northeastern side of India. In northeast side of Sikkim is Tibet , east side is Bhutan, in the west is Nepal and in south its border touches to West Bengal. Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok. Total area of Sikkim is 7096 sqkm. Highest elevation of Sikkim is Mt Kanchenjunga 8586 m. Population of Sikkim around 6 lakhs. Languages spoken here is Nepali, Sikkimese, Lepcha, English.
Sikkim has four districts known as East Sikkim capital Gangtok , North Sikkim capital Mangan, South Sikkim capital Namchi and west Sikkim capital Gyalshing . Major city and biggest of state is Gangtok .
Flora And Fauna of Sikkim :
- Sikkim is home of more than 5000 spices of flower plants. Among them 515 are rare orchids,36 spices of rhododendron, 11 spices of Oak, 60 spices of Primula, 23 spices of Bamboo, 362 varieties of Ferns and over 900 medicinal plants.
- Official flower of Sikkim is Noble Dendrobium.
- State tree of Sikkim is Rhododendron.
- On other side of Sikkim fauna there is a lots of wildlife found here.
- Major Attractions in wildlife in Sikkim is Red Panda, Snow leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Tahr, Asian Black Bear , Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Comon Langur, Himalayan Jungle Cat, Dhole, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Goral and Yaks.
- Also Sikkim is heaven for Birds too like Crimson horned Pheasant , Impeyan Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagles, Quails, Plovers, Pigeons, Flycatchers and many more. Total more than 550 spices of birds found here.
- In Sikkim also butterflies found more than 1400 spices.
- Red Panda is the State animal of Sikkim.
- Singalila National Park is most favorite place for trekker and wildlife photographers.
The earliest inhabitants of Sikkim are Lepchas. Sikkim is almost in a hilly area. State elevation from 280m to 8586m. Lowest elevation at West side at west Bengal border and highest is Mt. Kanchenjunga summit. Kanchenjunga Mountain is the 3rd highest mountain in the World. It is Situated on the border of Sikkim and Nepal. Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen from Darjeeling early in the morning also if you want to see Kanchenjunga very closely then visit Sandakphu at Singalila National park where you can see a clear Mount Kanchenjunga and also Mt Everest if weather is clear.
In Sikkim Tour we planned for North Sikkim, East Sikkim and South Sikkim places. Most tour visit Gangtok – Darjeeling – Pelling or Gangtok – Lachen- Lachung – Darjeeling- Namchi . If you want to go pelling then Lachen and Lachung you have to skip or you have to add more 3-4 days in your tour to complete all of these. We done in our tour Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Gangtok-Darjeeling . Our tour Itinerary as below.
Best Time for Visit Sikkim :
The best season for traveling to North Sikkim is Mid February to Mid-June & Mid-September to Mid December.
Sikkim Tour Itinerary :
For Sikkim you can go via flight to Bagdogra then from Bagdogra (IXB) to Gangtok via road. Also a New Jalpaiguri Railway Station ( NJP ) overnight train from Kolkata reach in the morning and then via road to Gangtok.
Day 1
IXB Airport / NJP Railway Station to Gangtok 125kms in 4hrs and drive to Gangtok (Capital of Sikkim). Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Check in at Hotel. Evening we go for Gangtok city tour and shopping. We stay at Lemon Tree hotel Gangtok. A very nice property and good Hospitality.
Day 2
Early Morning leave to Tsongmo Lake (12,400 ft.) & Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial (13200 ft) 52 kms from Gangtok city. Tsongmo Lake freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals.
Optional tour to Nathula Pass (Alt 14000Ft / 4200M) on China Border can also be arranged (Except Mon, Tue) for Indian Nationals on advance request at an additional cost. I must say to visit Nathula Pass cost around 3000-4000 INR per car. At Nthula pass you must go early in the morning otherwise traffic jam on afternoon. Also weather changes after 12 pm so reach early. At Nathula Pass if you stuck in traffic and if heavy snow fall then you will stuck for overnight and after BRO clear the roads you can not go back. So plan early morning if possible and listen to your driver and follow their guidance.
Day 3
Gangtok to Lachen (125 Kms / 6 hrs) Morning drive to Lachen in North Sikkim (8660 ft). In between visit Singhik View point, Seven Sisters Water Fall, Naga Water Falls, and Chungthang Confluence. Arrive at Lachen in the evening. We stay at Khenkhim Hotel in Lachen.
Day 4
Lachen – Chopta Valley (13,200 ft.) – Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 ft.) – Lachung Early Morning drive to Chopta Valley to get some breathtaking view of alpine valley of frozen rives. Then procede further 30 Kms in 1.5 hrs to Gurudongmar Lake. The Highest and the biggest fresh water lakes in Sikkim, and it is very close to Tibet Border. After Lunch drive to Lachung. We Stay at Etho Metho hotel in Lachung. Also a good and finest property.
Day 5
Early Morning Leave to Yumthang (Valley of Flowers) at 1200ft. It is a summer grazing ground of Yaks and winter playgrounds of Yetis. Back to Lachung. After lunch drive back to Gangtok. Kala Patthar or Zero Point is optional for visit around 3000-4000 per car. At Zero point or kala patthar you can see lots of snow and beautiful snow mountain view of Himalayas. Also on the way to kala patthar you can visit valley of flowers. In April to May month you can see beautiful rhododendrons are in full bloom and the entire route that leads to Zero Point looks almost like a painting. But when we were visit lots of snow fall during those days so flowers was not so many on that day but its worth to visit. You never disappoint with the entire route scenery.
Day 6
Gangtok Half day sight-seeing- to Darjeeling (Alt 7100Ft/2100M), 95km in 3 hrs. Breakfast at the hotel, check out & visit Bakthang Falls, Enchey Monastery, Flower Show, Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, Dodurl Chorten and Handicraft Centre and drive to Darjeeling. We stay at Sterling Holiday Resort at Darjeeling. Resort is very good.
Day 7
Darjeeling local sightseeing Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock, Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view), Japanese Temple, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia loop, Tiger hill (8,400 ft.). Evening free at leisure. you can go for shopping at Darjeeling market .
Day 8
Darjeeling to IXB Airport / NJP Railway Station – 90kms in 3hrs. In morning drive to NJP/Bagdogra.
Casinos In Gangtok :
There are many casinos in Gangtok if you are interested like Deltin Denzong, Ramada Casino, Big Bull Casino etc. We went to Ramada casino and had a great fun. Entry Ticket for Ramada Casino is 2000 per person ( rates may change ) which includes 2 drinks, 2 starters, buffet dinner and 1000 INR token chip. Also they have more package for entry for unlimited drinks and food may be.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DARJEELING:
Due to the recent changes in the Traffic Management System in Darjeeling there would be a lot of restrictions for visiting the Sight Seeing Points mentioned in the itinerary. 300 vehicles would be allowed to visit Tiger hill in a day with Coupon, which would be issued the previous day by the Authorities.
Batasia Loop, which was a part of the early morning sightseeing, would now open from 10 am instead of 06:00am. You will have to walk minimum 500 mtrs from the gate (Depending upon the rush)and the place where the car is parked. No car would be allowed to pick-up or drop passengers in from of HMI ZOO and the same can only be done at a designated area 100 mtrs away from the gate. The cars would be allowed to pick-up or drop passengers only from the designated areas and not as per the convenience or wish of the guests
North Sikkim travel Guide (Lachung - Lachen): Must Know Things while visit North Sikkim
- Guest Traveling to North Sikkim (Lachung / Lachen) requires 02-04 copies of passport size photograph, original photo ID proof with photo copy (identity card – Voter ID card / Pass-port / Driving License) for processing the permit. Aadhar Card / PAN Card - not acceptable for issuance of the Permit In Lachen and Lachung . But when we go some places may accept Adhar Card too. Most of the hotels are offering Vegetarian food . Food quality is very good.
- All guests are requested to carry minimum luggage when travelling to North Sikkim and keep the extra luggage at the hotel in Gangtok because of bad road conditions of North Sikkim especially during transshipment due to landslides and road blockages. We carry only 1 bag for 1 family.
- Child below 10 yrs. and Senior Citizen is not suggestible to visit Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 Ft.) in Lachen due to high Altitude and low Oxygen Level
- Hotels of Lachen and Lachung have only with basic amenities & simple food cooked by the locals and not by hotel Chef. In maximum hotels there is no geyser in the bathroom – hot water is supplied by buckets by the hotelier. Also during Gangtok to Lachung there is a very few vegetarian food restaurant and you must take a lunch at their. Other wise there is no restaurant after that. Same at return to Gangtok. So plan some snakes and packed food from Gangtok.
- Lachen and Lachung hotels rooms are also small so you must adjust in it.
- No room heating systems are provided in the room in maximum hotels due to shortage of power, instead the hotelier provides hot water bags. At some hotels they provide heaters too depend on your hotel.
- Airtel, Vodafone & BSNL operates better in Lachen and Lachung. After leaving hotels and city you can not get signal during sight scenes. So if you are travelling in group with 2-3 cars then plan close all cars or make a point where you can all meet if someone left alone. Best way to keep walkie talkie for minimum 2-5 km range to contact each other.
- Due to shortage of power the guest sometimes may have to bear with candle light.
- Due to winter season (heavy snow) vehicle will be able to drive till Snow point on the way to Yumthang Valley.
- Zero point(must visit place ) (Yumesamdong) is kept optional which the guest can avail with an extra cost. Approx. cost is Rs. 3500 per vehicle.
- Mineral Water bottles are not available in North Sikkim. You need to carry a bottle at all times. They can be refilled at hotels. Littering will attract fine. Cigarette smoking or tobacco / tobacco product consumption is banned in public places.
After all sikkim is must visit place where you can find a high himalayan range mountains with greenery. Here you can find greenery , snow, high altitude lakes and enjoy beautiful weather with nature. Also in Darjeeling zoo we can see rarest and endangered Red Panda and many more birds and animals.
It is the largest species of Flamingo bird family and also a most widespread species of flamingo family.It is found in India ,south east , middle east and Africa. It is migratory bird. They also breed in India. In Gujarat they breed in Rann Of Kutch , Little Rann of Kutch also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary. I often visit Thol sanctuary so got good shots of them. Best time for shoot them is may-Jun at Thol bird sanctuary bcz of water level is too low . It is been recorded that some flamingo birds are resident in Gujarat at many places like LRK, Khijadia sanctuary, Nalsarovar and Thol Sanctuary. They also breed here and stay for all seasons. So you can find greater flamingo birds in all seasons in Gujarat at many places.
Flamingo bird facts and description :
- Greater flamingo bird is the largest living spices of flamingo.
- Greater flamingo has no subspices.
- Flamingo color most of pinkish white in plumage. Wings are red and feathers are black in end.
- Greater Flamingo bird call is like honking.
- The average lifespan of flamingo bird is 30-40 years.
- Main Difference between Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo is height . Lesser flamingo is shorter than greater flamingo. Also Greater flamingo has pale pink bill and black tip. In other case lesser flamingo has dark crimson bill. Lesser flamingo is also more red in color than greater flamingos.
Greater Flamingo birds In Thol Lake : Thol sanctuary is often i visit. Flamingo birds are stay here all seasons. I got good numbers of Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo bird images in a group when i visit Thol. This is my best time with flamingos. Also i got some beautiful pictures of flamingo birds with group and also in duo with some masti. Flamingos looks very good in frame bcz of their color. Thol lake is good place for birders because more than 150 birds spices found here. Also some mammals like Blue bull and black buck also found here. Lots of water birds and tree birds found here. Also sanctuary is not so big so you can find all birds in around 6 sqkm area. Best time to visit thol lake is November to March. All migratory birds are visit in winter so that is best time. Early morning is best for birders.
Timing And Fees of Thol Sanctuary :
Thol Sanctuary open at 6 AM in morning and close at around 5 PM
Fees of Thol Sanctuary is 50 INR per person and camera fees are 200 INR. Car fees are 500 INR.
Weekend fees may change that actually i don't know about it.
Two flamingos with little egret in between of them with down head all. The images of flamingo bird making a good frame. Because of its color flamingo birds images are very attractive and also their grouping make a perfect frame of flamingo bird picture.
A morning pared time for flamingo birds. A beautiful Greater flamingo birds are in a raw make image nice and show their unity.
Perfact wingspan of Flamingo bird looks great. Pink Wings make image more attractive.
Solo Greater flamingo bird
Some masti time for two flamingo birds .
Above image shows the discipline of Flamingo Bird and looks like a morning pared they are doing .
https://youtu.be/9dVBrR9NSOo
A group of Flamingo Birds at Thol Lake make your frame awesome.
Location : Thol Lake, Gujarat
Thol lake is just 25 km approx. from Ahmedabad. You can visit one day for Thol lake is enough. Also you can find another migratory birds like pelicans , bar headed goose, river tern and many more resident spices.
Ahmedabad to Thol lake distance about 25km
Thol bird sanctuary is located in Kadi Taluka in Mehsana District near sanand Gujarat. It is an artificial lake located near village Thol. In 1912 thol lake was built and it was declared as a Sanctuary in 1988. The main use of lake is use of water for irrigation. The Thol Bird Sanctuary or a Thol lake wildlife Sanctuary India is a habitat of more than 150 spices of birds. Also it is famous for migratory birds Flamingos and Sarus Crane which breeds here.
About Thol Lake / Thol Bird Sanctuary
Thol lake is located near Thol village and its area around 38000 acres. Lake faces all season winter , summer and monsoon. During winter temperature goes to 8 degree and in summer temperature goes to 43 degree. Thol lake is under control of Forest and Irrigation department of Gujarat. Thol lake water storage capacity is around 84 million cubic meters. Thol wildlife sanctuary is declared as Eco Sensitive Zone .
Flora and Fauna Thol Sanctuary :
Thol lake has many vegetation plants like Zizyphus, Acacia nilotica, Ficus, Capparis, Azadirachta indica etc. There are also some mix flora of Marshy and Aquatic plants reported in Thol Lake.
Thol lake is protected area and it is very good habitat for water birds. In thol bird sanctuary there are more than 150 spices of birds found . Among these more than 60 % of birds are water birds. Flamingo bird is most prominent bird of Thol Lake. Also Sarus Crane nest in large number here.
Famous Migratory Birds of Thol Lake
• Flamingos
• Sarus Crane
• Great White Pelican
• Mallards
• Bar Headed Geese , Grey Headed Geese
• Waterfowl
There are also some spices reported here like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Vulture and white rumped Vulture etc. In Mammals Bluebull, Blackbuck and Golden jackal reported here.
Thol Lake Timing and Fees :
Thol lake open everyday at 6 AM in morning and close at 5.30 PM in evening. Entry fees for Thol Lake or Thol sanctuary is 50 INR for per person. Also Camera fees extra at 200 INR and if you go via car then car fees also 500 INR. Foreigner fees are 10 $ per person.
Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary / Thol Lake :
Best time early morning for Thol Lake. In winter if you go before sunrise you can see Twilight sky amazing with lake shore and birds sound .During all season Thol lake has its own beauty. Every season you can visit at Thol Lake. But mostly during winter from November to March season is best for Thol Sanctuary visit. Because during winter lots of Migratory birds came here and stay for long time so for birding winter season is best at Thol Lake. Also during summer some of birds stays here like flamingos and pelicans, geese etc. So you can also see them in summer too. Also during summer water level of lake is low so may be the birds you can get in deep or sometimes closer. During monsoon most people don’t visit but if you like macro photography then you must visit Thol lake in monsoon. You can get some excellent macro subjects like waterdrops , Spiders, Insects etc.
What to do and What not to do in Thol Lake / Keep in mind while visiting sanctuary in India :
• Keep silence in sanctuary
• Maintain discipline
• Keep sanctuary clean
• Do not throw plastic waste anywhere in sanctuary
• Protect wildlife
• Observe birds, mammals etc and protect them and identify them
• Follow rules of wildlife protection act -1972
• Don’t disturb birds and animals
• Don’t enter in sanctuary with liquor and inflammable objects
• Don’t make loud noice.
• Enter in sanctuary with permit only and keep receipt till you leave sanctuary
• Don’t feed birds and animals
Where to Stay near Thol Lake :
Well near to Thol Lake there are not good places to stay at night but you can go near to destinations like Kadi, Kalol or Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad where you can get good places to stay at night. Nearest I suggest Kalol around 15-18 km or you can go Ahmedabad around 25 km.
Places to Visit near Thol Lake :
If you are staying at Ahmedabad then go for Ahmedabad Darshan , Pol area of Ahmedabad and Adalaj Ni Vav ( Heritage places ) etc. Also go for fast food test at night at Manek Chauk and SindhuBhavan road there are lots of option for food lovers like Urban Chauk, Freezbee etc.
If you stay at Gandhinagar then visit Mahatma Mandir at Gandhinagar, Sarita udyan , Akshardham Temple etc.
I would suggest Modhera Sun Temple if you had some more time which is around 100km from Ahmedabad. For bird lovers and bird photographer I would suggest visit Little ran of Kutch (LRK) during Winter season, Pariej Lake, Indroda park Gandhinagar, Jessore Sanctuary Banaskantha etc.
How to Reach Thol Sanctuary :
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad thol lake distance is around 30-40 km
Also for Railway station is Ahmedabad because you can get all frequency and destinations from Ahmedabad railway station.
Common Kingfisher is also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher. It is sparrow size bird with blue color on top of the body. It is widely distributed in North Africa and Eurasia. When rivers freezes in winter they migrate from their. In India common kingfisher also a widely distributed in all over region. They generally found near to the water areas like canals, rivers, river birdges, ponds etc. I took a shot of common kingfisher or Eurasian Kingfisher at Thol bird sanctuary located in Gujarat near Sanand.
Description and facts about Common Kingfisher :
- It is about 16cm long and 25cm with wingspan.
- Its weight around 35-44 gm.
- It has short tail as all kingfisher tail is short.
- It has green blue upperparts and it has green blue neck stripe.
- Juvenile is similar to adult but dull underparts.
- Main flight feathers moult between july to november and it will takes 90-100 days to grow.
- Kingfisher flight too fast on low water.
- It is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa ( winter visitor ).
- Common kingfisher eats 60% of its body every day.
- Common Kingfisher lays 2-10 eggs which are white glossy in color.
Common Kingfisher in Gujarat :
Common Kingfisher or Small Blue Kingfisher found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary and many other outskirts of Wetlands too. They are very small and cute in look. There are lots of kingfisher bird spices found in Gujarat also.
There are lots of Spider spices in the world. Spiders are good subject to shoot as a macro photo. Actually spiders are everywhere along to home and gardens. Jumping spider are group of spider constitute the family salticidae. This family contained over 600 described genera and over 6000 spices. Jumping spiders are easily identify from other spiders from their eyes and shape. The jumping spiders have faces that are roughly rectangular surface. The eyes are forward looking on flat face. The body length of jumping spider are around 1 to 25 mm. They generally found in forest , desert, scrub lands,temperate forest too. Toxicity of jumping spider is very less for humans. so jumping spider bite is not poisonous. Spiders are not insects because they belongs to family Salticidae and classified as Arachnids.
I found jumping spider during my trip to LRK ( Little Rann Of Kutch ). also its a live photography competition Name WILD CLICKS powered by canon in December 2019. Spiders in macro photography looks beautiful . For Macro Photography you need good light and good camera gears.
Some Facts about Jumping spider :
- The life of jumping spider is around 6 month to 2-3 years.
- Jumping spider are shy but you can easily catch them.
- They have 8 eyes.
- Once you will be familiar with spider then it enjoy your company.
- As per research of Miami university spiders like music.
- Generally they build their web in corners and dense trees , small plants etc.
- All spiders are predators.
- Jumping spider can change sudden blood flow in their body.
- Jumping spider do not use web for hunting.
- Jumping spider can dance also.
- Jumping spider can jump 10-50 times of their body.
- Jumping spider have 8 legs as all spider have 8 legs.
About Little Rann of Kutch :
LRK or little rann of kutch is a Wild ass sanctuary of Gujarat. Sanctuary for Indian Wild Ass but its also very well known for raptors and migratory birds. During winter some migratory birds like flamingos, pelican, bar headed goose, raptors, falcons, eagles, owls are regular visitors. So the sanctuary is more important for wildlife in Gujarat where you can find all birds, mammals and also 360 view of rann of kutch. Also some wetland areas near rann are beautiful for sunset and sunrise. You can also get some good macro photos of insects of rann for making good theme of COLORS OF RANN. I tried to shoot this spider with background of sun but its too hard for me . because it cant steady on one place for a second but got good pictures.
Gear used : Canon 80 D , Canon 6 D ,Canon 100mm Macro , Flash not fired
Location : Little Rann Of Kutch, Dasada
What is HORIZONS ? :: The horizon is the apparent line that separates Earth from sky. The true horizons can observed when it lines on the sea surface. Also many locations this line is made by Lands, Trees, Buildings, Mountains etc.The Horizon line divides all visible directions into two categories : those that intersect the Earth surface and those that don't. The horizon line is horizontal like to feel like end of earth no end of Earth surface . The Images of Horizons or skyline taken at Little Rann of Kutch . I tried to shoot many locations but sometimes not gonna happen that. Little Rann of Kutch is good place for Horizon photography bcz flat surface and 360 degree view. Above photo we passed thorough rann and i saw car trek on ground and line goes end of surface looks beautiful.
Horizon Height and distance calculation :
Well if you want to see horizon then you have to observe from 5-7 feet above sea level. Also you need clear land about 3-5 km distance then you can see clear Horizon line. In cities there are lots of disturbance like buildings, trees, towers etc so you can not see the clear horizons. For horizon line to see you need clear land area or water area. Best area for Horizon line is in between sea. In ocean there is clear Horizon line you can see easily. Also sunrise and sunset time horizons are amazing to see because of Twilight sky colors. Well all of these photos are not taken from 7 feet height and distance may not 3-5 km but its still you can see Horizons clearly. Photos taken from ground level but the rann area is clear so you can see horizons line from ground level.
For calculation of Horizon distance equation is :: Square root ( Height / 0.5736 ) and the result you get distance of Horizons.
Best Place To See Horizon lines :
The best place to see horizons are beaches. Because you can see clear line between Sky and Earth. Well where i live in Gujarat i have also one place name Little Rann of Kutch where i can see clear Horizon line as you can see in photos of Horizons. Little rann of Kutch is best place for me because its very near to me like about 2 hours car drive. Here there are huge number of raptors you can see in winter seasons. Lots of Migratory birds came here and the most important about Little Rann ot Kutch is Indian Wild Ass. Indian wild ass found only in Gujarat in this region only.
All Images taken at Little Rann of Kutch, Guajrat. Little rann of kutch known as LRK also famous for raptors and Indian Wild Ass. Lots of migratory birds coming here in winter. So never miss a change to visit LRK in Gujarat. LRK also very nice place for Star Gazing and Star Trail Photography, Time laps Photography.
Camera used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens, Canon 50mm lens, canon 18-55 mm lens