The magical kingdom
From the world’s third-highest peak to yak riding and treks, tea gardens and mountaintop monasteries, Sikkim refreshes the mind, body and soul.
- Published: 4 Mar 2013 at 10.49
- Newspaper section: Asia focus
Northeast India offers one of the richest tapestries of culture and nature on earth. With so many places to see, where should a trekker begin? At the International Tourism Mart (ITM) held in Assam earlier this year, participants were given a choice of tempting itineraries, but I already knew Sikkim would be my choice.
Rushing out of the hotel in the dark at 5 am with 30 kilogrammes of gear, I joined seven others on a ride to the train station in Guwahati. Ahead of us was a six-hour train journey to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, followed by a three-hour car ride to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. “This journey had better be worth it,” I said to myself.
Travelling to Sikkim by land can be a physical and mental challenge, particularly for city folk such as myself. But it’s a good chance to cultivate a sense of adventure and a carefree spirit while leaving the ordinary behind.
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