Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. Most of them geese and ducks.
Best time to visit / climate: The city has warm summers from June through August which is the best time to visit Srinagar. Winters start from December-February. The city generally gets some snowfall from December to February. The climate of Srinagar may be described as a humid subtropical climatewith very warm summers

Location on Google Maps:

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How to get there:
• By air via the Indian Airlines which operates daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. They leave directly from Delhi, from Delhi via Jammu, and from Mumbai via New Delhi and Jammu.
• By road: It is easier by the National Highway 1-A which connects Srinagar with Jammu.

This all-weather road has several sharp inclines and hairpin bends.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
1. http://www.tripadvisor.in/SmartDeals-g297623-Srinagar_Kashmir_Jammu_and_Kashmir-Hotel-Deals.html (the best 4 and 5 star hotels with rates, location, etc.,)
2. http://pauri.nic.in/Page32.htm ( has name of hotels, contact numbers and prices)(scroll down to find it)
3. http://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurants-g297623-Srinagar_Kashmir_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html (best restaurants in Srinagar)

Blogs / Sites about Srinagar (with small excerpts from these blogs):
1. History and Culture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinagar
2. The city remained on the itinerary of the Mughal ruling elite, and several Mughal emperors and their consorts had visited the city, and several Mughal gardens in and around the city indicate their close association with Srinagar.
3. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297623-Activities-c1-Srinagar_Kashmir_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html
4. http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/jammuandkashmir/srinagar/history
5. Srinagar in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinagar
6. Places to see: http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/jammuandkashmir/srinagar/history
Photo / Image Gallery:
• http://www.trekearth.com/search.php?phrase=Srinagar&type=&x=0&y=0
• http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/srinagar.html
• http://www.kashmirpicture.com/srinagar-pictures.asp
• http://www.kashmirpicture.com/snowfall_wallpapers.asp

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Chamba is March – June as temperature is suitable for travelling.

Location on Google Maps:

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Route between Shimla and Chamba:

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Route between Chandigarh and Chamba:

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How to get there:
By Road: Well connected from the nearby Dalhousie. Daily bus service is available for Dalhousie and jeeps on hire are also available but it is relatively expensive.

By Air: Not a bad option, with the closest airport being at at Gaggal in Kangra valley, 180 km from Chamba. Indian Airlines operates its flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala sector.

By Rail: Pathankot is the nearest railhead, with Chamba being 122 km from Pathankot. Pathankot, is the nearest broad gauge rail head, which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.

The Distances from other major areas are as below:
Distance of Pathankot to Chamba is 118 KM via Banikhet
Distance of Shimla to Chamba is 378 KM
Distance of Dharamsala to Chamba is 169 KM via Lahru
Distance of Dalhousie to Chamba is 41 KM

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
1. www.hotelium.com/Chamba
2. http://www.tourism-of-india.com/hotels-in-himachal-pradesh/chamba-hotels / : Gives best hotels and restaraunts in Chamba
3. www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g1156021-Chamba_Himachal_Pradesh-Hotels.html
4. http://www.travelmasti.com/chamba.htm

Blogs / Sites about Chamba in Himachal Pradesh (with small excerpts from these blogs):
• History and Culture: Chamba was part of Gorkha kingdom but later ruled by Gharwals.
The area is said to be a place fo Kolian tribes which were subjugated by Khasas.They were later under other peoplelike Gupta, Thakurs and Ranas but by the seventh Century , the Rajput Dynasty came to power and ruled them. Their principal diety was Lord Shiva.

http://hpchamba.nic.in/history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamba,_Himachal_Pradesh

• Chamba is Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamba,_Himachal_Pradesh
• http://hpchamba.nic.in

Photo / Image Gallery:
• http://hpchamba.nic.in/photo.htm
• http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mYqTubKOUrcJ:travel.sulekha.com/chamba-pictures.htm+Photo+/+Image+Gallery:+of+Chamba&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in&client=firefox-a
• http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Himachal_Pradesh/Chamba/
• http://www.indianholiday.com/hotels-in-india/hotels-in-himachal-pradesh/chamba-hotels/

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Bali is from April to September as during this season the climate is good enough for travel, being sunny with moderate humidity.

Location on Google Maps:

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How to get there:
Bali is listed as “Denpasar” in airlines, which is the capital of the island. It takes few minutes (say 15mins) from Ngurah Rai Airport. Domestic flights in Indonesia are readily available. If taken sea route Cruises at stop offs work out from Java and Lombok and by car and bus from Java. For around, Air Bali helps getting helicopters on rent for joyrides and charters.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
1. You can find best deals and hotels in this website
2. www.Balivillas.com : Gives info on villas in Bali and conveyance around. For helicopter tours and private charters (3 to 6 passengers) please contact the Balivillas.com Service Center at 703-060 as soon as you arrive. Most full day tours by car (about 8 to 10 hours, min 2 persons) cost about US$45 to US$50 per person, half day tours US$30 to US$35. These prices include a multi-lingual guide and transport in an air-conditioned private car, all entrance fees, but no meals.
3. http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/indonesia/bali/restaurants.htm : website for the best of the restaurants at Bali.

Blogs / Sites about Easter Island (with small excerpts from these blogs):

1. Bali on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali )
Bali is an island in Indonesia lying between Java and Lombok. It has 33 provinces with Denpasa at its capital. It adheres to Balinese Hinduism, but remaining follows mostly Islam. It is famous for its arts and music and temples.

2. History of Bali: http://www.asianartmall.com/balihistory.htm
People in Bali emigrated from China in 2500BC. This culture had a different and effective form of irrigation and agriculture of rice. Though emigrated from china, there were many Hindu artifacts found and hence there was a tie in it of the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism.

3. Maps and A description along with photos www.bali.com

Photo / Image Gallery:
1. Google Images
2. Shows you albums of exotic locations in Bali and culture of Bali.
3. More photos of Bali

Best time to go : Come here just past the monsoon, when the temperatures are cool in the region. The Dangs are also at their greenest, plus the lack of tourists means that the town has returned to itself and while some tourist attractions have closed
down, all of Saputara is yours.

Location of Saputara on Google Maps:

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How to get there

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.
There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.
By air: The nearest airport is Vadodara, 309 km away.

Lying in a densely forested plateau in the Sahyadri Range, Saputara holds the distinction of being the only hill station in Gujarat. This tranquil small town is situated at an altitude of around 1,000 m, and has a climate that is consistently pleasant, although leaning towards chilly, throughout the year. The name Saputara literally stands for ‘abode of serpents,’ a fact that is highlighted by the presence of an image of a snake on the shores of the Sarpagana river, which flows through the town. This image is worshipped by the region’s tribal folk, especially during major festivals such as Holi. Adding to Saputara’s mystique is the legend that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.

In winter, at the spill of dawn, trek up to the Gandhi Shikhar as the river of light bathes the streams over undulating mountains and the drifting birds, into a magical dance of awakening. In rains, breathe in the rolling hills of Saputara, echoing green hues, lush with flowers, and watch the meditating rain drops sitting still on sloping leaves. Some of the thickest forest cover in the state envelops you. In summer, walk carefree on the expanse of the Governor’s hill and see the sun dip into the Saputara lake as the sky begins to shimmer with stars.

Places to see in Saputara

- Saputara Lake : There is a Boat Club here from where you can hire sailboats, paddleboats and rowing boats and enjoy boating in the lake. The Sun Rise and Sun Set Points provide panoramic and varied views of the sun. It also provides a perfect view of Saputara. You can reach Malegaon after a 1.5 km walk in the direction of Waghai. There are several gardens at Saputara like the Lake Garden, the Step Garden and the Rose Garden.
- Nageshwar Mahadev Temple : It has the idol of the Lord Shiva. The temple is visited by a lot of people because of its religious sanctity. The museum of Saputara is well-kept museum, which provides the information about the tribes of Dangs.
- Vansda National Park : It attracts a lot of tourists. It was originally a private forest of the Maharaja of Vansda. It covers an area of 24 sq km and has tigers, leopards, python, four-horned antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cats and giant squirrels.
- Purna Sanctuary : It is a part of the dense moist deciduous forests in the Western Ghats of Gujarat. It covers an area of 160 sq. km. And is situated at Mahal, which is 60 km north of Dangs.
- Gira waterfalls : These waterfalls make excellent excursion option from Saputara. Just 52 km away from Saputara the Gira Waterfalls should not be missed especially during the months of June to November.
- Echo Point : As the name highlights it is the place where one can hear the echo of what he says, is located in Matheran near Saputara. It is one of the prime tourist attractions nearby to Saputara. The Echo point offers a exquisite picturesque surroundings with many waterfalls, enhancing the breath taking beauty of the location.
- Forest Log huts : These huts are very famous world over. The Main attraction of these wooden log huts are its uniqueness in construction. The architectural beauty of these log huts are imposing.
- Forest Nursery : It offers many varieties of plants and trees. The nursery is run by the forest department. Many flowered plants can be spotted here; different varieties of Hibiscus flowers are attracting many visitors.
- Lake Garden : A nicely maintained beautiful garden on the banks of the Saputara Lake, is an excellent picnic spot. The garden encloses nice plants and rare kinds of trees.
- Pandava Caves : It is also known as Aravalem caves, are renowned by the mythical stories of Pandavas, the great warriors of the epic Mahabharatha. The caves are located in an ambiance of wilderness at a place Valpoi in the district of North Goa, a border district of Goa with Gujarat.
- Step Garden : One another attractive place in Saputara, step garden has the unique feature of a garden set up in steps. Well laid out steps are adorned with beautiful plants, flower pots and in the midst of nice woods.
- Hatgadh Fort : It is an excellent and protruding architectural beauty at an altitude of about 3,500 feet. It is one of the most archaic forts situated in Mulher which is in Nasik district of Maharastra.
- Artist Village : It is an interesting place to be. One can view the traditional art pieces and craftsmen at work here. You can pick some fine pieces of pottery, jewelry, vases, paintings, pen stands, key chains, made from bamboo chips and other locally found material.
- Waghai : A beautiful languorous small town set up in an exquisite surrounding, is a nearby attraction to Saputara located in the Dangs District of Gujarat. It is the main gateway for entering Dangs district.
- Ahwa : A tourist spot in the map of Gujarat, is the District headquarters of Dangs and is in the vicinity of Saputara. The Ahwa city is famed for the tribal fair Dangs darbar held during the Holi festival period. A major attractioni s Dandkeshwar Mahadev Temple, an impressive temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Places to stay in Saputara

Saputara has plenty of decent places to stay in. Most of the hotels provide basic amenities and do not boast of modern-day conveniences like fax and e-mail. Though power-cuts are common in Saputara, hotels run their generators.

- Toran Hill Resort (Hilltop): A very government type building
- Vaity Ropeway Resort (Hilltop) – Saputara Hill: This hotel is particularly famous with corporates as a conference venue and also for employee retreats.
- Hotel Anando (Opposite lake) – Nageshwar Mahadev Road: Good choice if you are looking for hotels similar to those in Lonavla, Khandala circuit.
- Hotel Patang (Lake facing) – Opposite Boating club: A hotel designed for the city traveler. Its only drawback is that it lies at the heart of Saputara and next to the main road – a little too central for people wanting a getaway.
- Hotel Chitrakoot (Near sunset point) – Nasik Saputara Road: Amenities are basic – bed, blankets, sofa, reasonably clean loos and TV. But all the same a decent enough place.
- Hotel Vaishali (Hill-facing) – Waghbari Road

Poovar is like a natural wonder where different water bodies such as Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. A rare find in Kerala, the southern state of India. Poovar fits the definition of an unspoiled and unexplored place, enveloped by serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea, with a bonus of a dream golden sand beach. The historical importance of Poovar lies in its strong ties with the legendary King of the erstwhile Princely State of Travancore, the great Marthanda Varma Maharaja.

Location on maps.google.com

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How to reach ?
Nearest Airport – Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport : (travel time – 45 minutes by road.
Nearest railway station Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) – (travel time – 45 minutes by road).

Poovar Beach, near the Kovalam Beach, separates the River Neyyar from the sea. Poovar is basically a fishing village, and interestingly, the only way to reach Poovar is through water approach. Known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is visited by those who love solitude. There are not too many beach activities or water sports on this beach because of the fishing population and emphasis on fishing. Those who love angling as a sport would like the place.
Poovar is truly a window into paradise. Time stopped a few decades ago bowing to the sheer beauty of Poovar. The tranquility of Poovar is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut groves. You can go out with a camera, fitted with a nice zoom lens, and enjoy some spectacular shots of nature.
Poovar offers several possibilities. Cruise to a neighbouring fishing village in 2 minutes. Alter course, and visit a centuries old martial arts village. Kerala is the birthplace of a unique martial art form. The traditional lifestyles here provide the experience of a natural museum.
The Poovar beach separates the river from the sea and is quite breathtaking. Because of the active fishing population the beach is not really used as a sunbathing spot or for swimming as the currents are quite strong.

Poovar weather:
Poovar lies on the southern coast of Kerala, close to the major tourist resort of Kovalam. Like other regions of India, Kerala enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine, with the peaceful beach resort of Poovar seeing high temperatures all-year round. The best time to visit Poovar is during the dry winter season, from November to February.

Holidays in Poovar – Stay in a unique floating cottage
The beach at Poovar is covered with golden sands and backed by coconut and palm trees, enjoying an unspoilt atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty. Banana groves, exotic flowers and spices add to the scenery and create an exotic environment. Poovar is home to a couple of hotels along the river estuary and on the beach offering modern and comfortable facilities, as well as the Ayurvedic health centres, found throughout Kerala. A must-see in Poovar is the serene and isolated Poovar Island Resort, accessible only by boat from the jetty, offering the unparalleled experience of staying in a floating cottage, which bobs gently up and down in the Arabian Sea. These cottages are

Things To Do In Poovar :
- Beach (and it is spectacular). The tranquil beach resort is the ideal spot for relaxation, in a setting of golden sand backed by coconut and palm trees. The exotic setting is enhanced by lush vegetation and tropical flowers, and the picturesque fishing village boasts an unspoilt charm. Swimming and snorkelling are the main activities on the beach.
- Waterways. Located on the famous Kerala backwaters, Poovar offers many trips along the canals and rivers, providing a fascinating insight into local life. Excursions range from basic canoe trips to luxury houseboat cruises, with the many water-taxis a unique way to get around. These can give a great feeling on gently coasting on the water, relaxing, with a book in one’s hand.
- Ayurvedic Treatments. With Kerala being the home of Ayurvedic medicine, Poovar offers plenty of opportunity to try age-old treatments that soothe the mind, body and soul, with the tranquil ambience enhancing the relaxing atmosphere found here.
- Cuisine. Enjoying the delicious Kerala cuisine is one of the pleasures of a holiday in Poovar, with plenty of places to try the many different spicy dishes, from street snacks to leisurely meals. With affordable prices and an array of varying flavours, dining out is a treat, and especially good for vegetarians. And of course, enjoying sea food is great.
- Shopping. Poovar’s weekly market offers a taste of local produce and offers an array of hand-made goods and crafts, which make ideal gifts and souvenirs.
- Floating Island. Visit the luxurious Poovar Island Resort and enjoy a tranquil stay in one of their unique floating cottages, or a drink or a meal in the restaurant for a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Day Trips. Head out on a crocodile watching expedition, enjoy a sunrise cruise to watch the fishermen, or a romantic sunset cruise for two. Make the trip to the city of Thiruvananthapuram for a taste of bustling life in Kerala.

PLACES TO STAY IN POOVAR :
- Poovar Island Resort (link)
The Poovar Island Resort Thiruvananthapuram belongs to the Sarovar Park Plaza hotel chain. It offers you the very best in luxury and hospitality. Traditional Keralian architecture has been used to construct the cottages. The cottages though traditional in outlook is replete with all modern facilities. Set amidst the verdant green of coconut plantation and overlooking the cobalt blue sea, Poovar Island Resort Thiruvananthapuram, is an ideal place to spend your weekend.
The floating cottages are connected to the main area by a bridge. They are constructed out of hollow light weight hulks. Traditional materials have been used to accentuate the heritage value of the resorts.
- Estuary Island (link)
It is nestled in Poovar Island and offers 46 rooms which show off premium comforts and plush settings. The rooms are categorized as Estuary Suites, Estuary View Suites and Estuary Garden suites – all of which are aesthetically furnished with attractive wood furniture, spacious lounge areas, king sized beds, attached washrooms and baths, and private balconies. Enjoy the tranquility of a beach resort without compromising on the world class amenities.
- Isola De Coco (link)
It is blessed with some of the finest natural bounties, it provides you with the best of comforts. No visit to Kerala would be complete without a reverie stint with this enchanting resort. There are 46 well furnished rooms with fine decor, which are last words in opulence. The ensuited rooms are categorized into Suites, Heritage Rooms and Standard Rooms, complete with private balconies, which offer great views.

External articles / blogs:

1. Wanderlust (link to article):

Poovar Estuary Island resort has an island with a beach and the Arabian Sea beyond, an estuary giving way to a lake and subsequently, the Poovaru (river). There is a vantage point upfront with recliners from where all of them form part of one panoramic view. The island is sandy for the most part (land reclaimed and silted) and looks over to the lake on one side, the sea on the other. There are boats that ferry people from the resort to the island and the boat-jetty is operational 24 hours if prior notice is given.

2. A wandering mind (link to article). Lots of photos in this article.

Poovar is a small island about 30 Kms from Trivandrum, where the backwaters merge with the Arabian Sea. The river Neyyar also empties into the sea here, and thus, at Poovar Beach near the island, one can see the remarkable sight of river, sea, beach, backwaters, as well as lakes (formed at intervals due to the flow of water), all converging at the estuary.

3. Travel and Places (link to article):
4. Holiday Spa Resports (link to article):

Situated on the midst of south-west coast of Arabian Sea, the beautiful land of Kerala, Poovar Island Resort owns a sense of natural beauty in itself, where it has been widespread around 30 acres along with 60 cottages, which looks like that nature itself is creating a true landscape. And not only has this, the secluded beauty of golden sandy beaches where long palm trees surrounds it, made this place a true paradise. That is the reason why the count of tourist visiting Poovar Island Resort of Kerala is increasing year by year.

5. Anoop’s weblog (link to article). Plenty of photos on this blog.

Poovar is a small coastal village in the Trivandrum district of Kerala state, south India. This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivandrum and there is not much distance from here to the Kerala – Tamilnadu border. This village has a beautiful beach which attracts tourists. There are also some good tourist resorts. Poovar was a trading center of timber, sandlewood, ivory and spices. It is believed that the trading ships of King Solomon landed in a port called ‘Ophir’, which is figured out as Poovar.

6. Travel to India Guide (link to article):

Poovar island is 30km from Trivandrum and 12km south of kovalam. Nearest airport and railway station is in trivandrum…Through road if you travel from Trivandrum in the early morning you can avoid the traffic and reach the boat jetty in 45-mts….A 15-minute scenic boat ride through the backwaters takes you to the resorts around the island.

7. Vacation Tour (link to article):

In the southwest coast of India, Arabic sandwiched between the sea and the majestic mountains of the Western Ghats, is a narrow strip of the beautiful countryside. A great country, famous for its natural beauty breathtaking. The lush green country of the name of Kerala, the country of God. ” Poovar Island Resort, http://www. poovarislandresort. com, has a large number of unique habitats. A total of 54 bungalows in a 25 hectares. Charming country cottages, country inns 54, built in typical Kerala architecture, which extends over the island, lined with coconut Haine traditional atmosphere combined with state-of-the-art facilities.

8. Wanderlogue (link to article):

The resort offers stay in either a land cottage, which lies beyond the reception and swimming pool, or a floating cottage – on the backwaters. The floating units are constructed on hollow light weight concrete hulls. They are air-conditioned and fully equipped with all modern amenities.

9. Jaggu’s Blog (link to article):

We had reservations for a floating cottage, which are built on a hollow concrete base and tethered to the shoreline. However, as these cottages were shutdown in the weeks prior to our arrival due to high tides and wind, they were not ready for occupation when we arrived. They put us up in a regular room, with a hammock in the balcony for a couple of days before we shifted to the floating cottage. In hindsight, that was a good break, as I was not very impressed with the cottage, which had quite a shabby feel to it. In contrast, the rooms were extremely impressive, spacious and neat.

10. Rising of a photographer (link to article). Lots of photos in this article.

This stunning location has been successful in attracting many tourists over the years. This charming beach is considered as one of the leading tourists spots in Kerala. Poovar Beach is a place where life goes on as it did hundred years ago

11. Lightning strikes everyday (link to article):

The place is already so beautiful that you feel you are part of some dream sequence. On top of it everywhere you see, there are couples holding hands and walking slowly, couples sitting near the swimming pool and nuzzling each other like newly born kittens. Things are almost in slow motion and where ever you see, couples are walking in slow motion looking dreamily into each others eyes.

12. Scene India (link to article):

Poovar was a trading center of timber, sandlewood, ivory and spices. It is believed that the trading ships of King Solomon landed in a port called ‘Ophir’, which is figured out as Poovar.

Photo / Picture Gallery:

1. Poovar Estuary on Webshots.com (link)
2. Poovar Photos on sulekha (link)
3. Poovar Photos at trekearth.com (link)
4. Poovar Photos on oktatabyebye.com (link)
5. Photo Gallery at royj.net (link)

Videos of Poovar on Youtube:

Poovar Resort (link)

Poovar Island Resort (link)

Fridays Place, Ecolodge homestay, Poovar Island (link)

Poovar Island Resort, TVM (link)

Poovar Island Resort (link)

Poovar (link)

Sikkim is a land of peace and tranquility, an ideal destination for trekking and for seeking some rest from fast paced action of life. People can rejuvenate themselves by being much closer to nature, walking in green areas, among mountains and trees. The Night sky is clear with constellations being clearly visible as opposed to cities where the light hides everything. Spend some time in this cultural wonderland, get some insights into Buddhism, enjoy shopping in the local markets, and overall forget all your tensions and problems.
Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. The state is legendary for its peaceful nature and simplicity. Famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, along with a view of the majestic Mount Everst. The mountain state of Sikkim offers tremendous variety of plant and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix of people with rich cultural tradition.
Sikkim is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna, and can make nature watchers salivate at the prospect of finding nature’s marvels so easily accessible. About 450 varieties of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas, snow leopards and other animals can be seen in Sikkim. The largest collection can be seen at the Kanchenjunga National Park which covers an area of 850 square kilometers. As a result ornithology tourism is also gaining in prominence in Sikkim.

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION:
Airlines:
Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kms) in North Bengal which is about 4 hours drive from Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism operates daily five-seater helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra connecting all civil flights. We also arrange Helicopter service for sight-seeing.

Railways:
The two nearest railway stations are Silliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms).

Road:
Good condition roads connect Sikkim with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Silliguri all the way to Kolkata. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) plies regular bus service from Gangtok to all Major cities and towns in North Bengal and within the state. Booking facilities are available at Silliguri and Gangtok. Private buses and taxis are also available in plenty connecting Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Silliguri.

View Larger Map

Places to visit in Sikkim :

- The Ridge Park : It stretches from the Main Palace Gate to the White Hall. A long idyllic stretch lined by the beautiful cherry trees that in season burst into flower in a profusion of delicate pink blossoms, this is the perpetual haunt of the jogging enthusiasts. The flamboyant marquee or ‘Hawa Ghar’ with ornate design holds sway over the Park where you can laze around or watch the local children romp exuberantly. The Flower Festival which is held year round is just a short walk down.
- Saramsa : It is the home to the Ipecac Garden is another popular tourist destination that is a mere14kms away from Gangtok. Home to many rare orchids and other flora, its shady lawns often play host to picnic parties.
- The Water Garden : A little further away at 16 kms is another alternative worth exploring. Cool off in the small and sheltered swimming pool there. Or else clamber over rocks in the vicinity and dip your feet in the river.
- Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : It was Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last monarch of Sikkim who realized a long cherished dream when he set up this Institute. HH The Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the NIT which is done in typical Tibetan architectural style in Feb 1957. The following year Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the NIT.
- Do-drul Chorten : It is one of the most important Chortens or stupas of Sikkim that is exquisite as it is sacred. It was built in 1945 by Trulshik Rimpoche, a great teacher and interpreter of Buddhism.

NORTH SIKKIM :
- Dzongu : The territory of Dzongu in North Sikkim was set up in 1975. It is a land where pristine glacial streams thread their way through thick virgin forest. Countless waterfalls cascade down the steep cliff-sides and hot-springs bubble inside the hidden caves. The area is very remote, and is surrounded by sharply tilted verdant mountains that are stacked on top of each other at a forbidden angle. The elevation ranges from 500m to 6000m, and these extremes have nurtured an amazing diversity of plants and wildlife.

EAST SIKKIM :
- Rumtek Monastery : It is now the largest Buddhist monastery in East Sikkim and is the place where the monks perform sacred rituals and practices. Many sacred objects are housed within the complex, and one of the most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa.
- Pastanga : The village located in East Sikkim is very rich in culture and folklore; and is surrounded by hills covered with dense forest and cascading streams with rivulets cutting through the landscape and appealing orchids blooming on tree tops.
- Khedi – Located in East Sikkim, is renowned for its two sacred lakes, the Bhale Pokhari and the Pothi Pokhari where a festival is celebrated every year attracting hundreds of pilgrims from all over Sikkim.

WEST SIKKIM:
- Pelling : The city of Pelling located in West Sikkim is balancing on a ridge at an altitude of 2.040 m. One of Pelling’s main attractions is the Pemayangste Monastery. Known as the “Perfect sublime lotus” it is one of the oldest Monasteries in Sikkim being founded in 1705. The Sagachoeling (or Sang Gnak Choling) monastery is an even older monastery, dating back to 1697, and situated on a hilltop close to Pelling. Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered to be a holy lake by both the Buddhists and the Hindus, can be easily reached from Pelling.
- Darap : The picturesque village of Darap, located 8 kilometers from Pelling is a 20 minutes drive downhill passing through cardamom groves and terraced paddy fields.
- Yuksam : Yuksam is situated in the far western corner of Sikkim and nestled at the base of high forest-covered snow-capped mountains. Yuksam literally means ‘the meeting place of the three monks’.
- Uttaray : Tucked away in the lap of mother nature is the tranquil village of Uttaray, the gateway to the Singalila trek. This village provides visitors with many options to go for short hikes or longer treks in the vicinity or visit the Limboo village of Sopakha located an hour walk from Uttaray.
- Hee Bermiok : The newly developed destination of Hee Bermiok with widespread community participation is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to sample unique rural lifestyle of Sikkim. The strong Limboo culture of this area is worth appreciating.

SOUTH SIKKIM :
- Namchi : Sikkim’s South District, is the second largest populated districts of Sikkim. Its headquarter is in Namchi, meaning “High sky”. The area does credit to its name, nestled among the hills it gives panoramic views of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the magic snow-capped mountains in the back.
- Kewzing : It is a typical Bhutia village in South Sikkim under the cover of the forest. At an altitude of 1200 m Kewzing provides its inhabitants with magnificent views of mountains including Mt. Kabru. Best mountain views occur from mid September to mid December. The atmosphere in the village is very serene and peaceful as the local people are very friendly and hospitable.

TREKS IN SIKKIM :
Most of the mountain areas in Sikkim have a fragile ecosystem. This demands any trekkers to obtain special permit to trek. Trekking in Sikkim is conducted in an organized manner. Individuals cannot trek on their own.
* Darjeeling to Kanchenjunga Trek
* Darjeeling and Sikkim Trekking
* Off Beaten Treks
* Singalila Ridge & Goecha La Trek
* Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek(20d)
* Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek(23d)
* Varsey Trek
* Yuksom To Dzongri & The Goecha La

RIVER RAFTING IN SIKKIM :
Rafting in Sikkim is an adrenalin pumping exercise especially in the two snow fed rivers of Teesta and Rangit. During the monsoon season hundreds of small streams can be found all over Sikkim. The two trails that are possible amongst rafters are :
* On River Teesta: Chungthang – Dikchu – Singtam – Melli
* On River Rangit: Legship – Jorethang – Melli

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7200244138493866871

Where to stay in Sikkim ?
- Heritage Hotels
* Norkhill Heritage Hotel, Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok
* Himalayan Heights Hotel, Palzor Stadium Road, Gangtok
- Luxury Hotels
* Tibet Hotel (3 Star), Paljor Stadium Road
* Chumbi Residency, Tibet Road
* Tashi Delek Hotel (4 Star), Gangtok
* Hidden Forest Retreat, Lower Sichey Busty
- Deluxe Hotel
* Tashi Gang Resort, Yangtey near Peling, West Sikkim
* The Bliss Resort, Biksthang, Mangalbarey, West Sikkim
* Hotel Golden Pagoda, M.G.Marg
* Golden Heights, M.G.Marg
* Hotel Tashi Tagay, Tadong, Gangtok
* Hotel Bayul, M.G.Marg
* Hungry Jack, National Highway – 31 A
* Hotel Mount Simvo Tadong, Gangtok
* Middle Sichey, Gangtok
* Tashi Ghang Hotel, Yuksom

The best Season to visit Lonavala is throughout the year, except perhaps May when it can get warmer.
* October to March is ideal for sight seeing, with the best weather.
* April is bit warm, but suitable for outings, but as you get to May, it gets hotter.
* June to September offers some great views of natural beauty of Lonavala in the rainy season with rainfall all around, and can be a good time to visit if you like to look at natural settings when water is pouring all around, and the overall feel is soft and romantic.

Population : 50,000
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English

View Larger Map

Set in the lush green hills of the Sahyadris, Lonavala is the most popular weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune. For a lot of people, it is a regular outing from the busy life in hectic cities, and there are no problems in going to the same place again and again. Lonavala is known as the Jewel of the Sahyadri; if you look at what all it offers, the praise seems justified – it offers the tourist pristine woods and valleys, gurgling and gushing waterfalls, historic caves, and many scenic vistas.
Historically, Lonavala has been there for many centuries, with the surroundings hills being the stronghold of the Maratha rulers, in their fights against the Moghuls and later the British. The Maratha warriors practised guerrilla warfare from here in their battles against these sets of enemies. However, now Lonavala is the epitome of peace and tranquility, with a lot of rich and famous people having setup holiday homes here for their use as a rest away from the city.
Lonavala also provides thrills of adventure sports in terms of rock climbing, including rock climbing at Duke’s Nose.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS :
- Karla & Bhaja Caves: These rock-cut cave temples date back to the 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India; they belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- Rajmachi Point: Located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. Why is it famous ? It is famous for the view; this point commands a magnificent view of Shivaji’s famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrace) and the surrounding valley.
- Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan: The stunning gardens are amongst the favorite picnic spots of the children, owing to the soaring trees and spacious open spaces provided by them.
- Valvan Dam : Located about 2 km from Lonavla. Located at the foot of the dam is a blooming garden, adorned with a wide variety of colorful flowers and other plants, which attracts a number of tourists.
- Tungarli Lake : The lovely Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavla town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavla Station (3 km).
- Lonavala Lake : The tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere offered by the Lonavla Lake are enough to lure tourists here. The lake is also visited by a number of birds, making it a bird watcher’s delight.
- Duke’s Nose : It stands 12 km from Lonavla, it is the finest landmark in Khandala and is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose famous and ample nose it resembles.
- Tiger’s Leap : It is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m. The magnificent view from Tiger’s Leap is enthralling.
- Christian Cemetery : It is worth a visit for the century old tombstones with work on them. However, as happens in a number of such places, vandals have been at them, with most of them having been desecrated and their precious engravings stolen.
- Bushi Dam : During the monsoons, the dam fills with water and the water overflows on the ‘steps’. People can sit on these steps and get wet. There are also a few waterfalls around.
- Lohagad Fort : Lohagad (literally ‘Iron fort’ in Marathi) is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet. A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the ‘Iron Fort’, once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.
- Yoga Center: Lonavala has a Yoga center that provides

How to get there ?
Air: The nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala.
Train: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune, all express trains plying between the two cities stop here.
Road:The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours). However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Lonavala from Mumbai. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).

PLACES TO STAY
- Fariyas Holiday Resort
- Treasure Island Resorts
- Velvett Country
- Dukes Retreat
- Kumar Resort
- Swiss Resorts
- Sahil Sarovar Protico
- The Upper Deck Resort
- Hotel Whispering Brook
- Basilica Holiday Home
- La Exotica Resort
- Biji’s Hill Retreat
- The Lagoona Resort
- Orchard Resort
- Country side Inn

External articles / blogs:

1. Ayushveda.com (link)

Tourists to West India often make it a point to include Lonavala referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’, in their itinerary. Trekkers, campers, hikers throng the hill station while leisure travelers account for the majority of the footfall. It is also fast emerging as a preferred choice of honeymooners. Most part of the year is good to visit Lonavala as it sports pleasant climate.

2. Placesnearpune.com (link). Some great photos of scenery, greenery and waterfalls.

Lions view point was easily the best part of my lonavala trip. The moment you reach the edge of the cliff after walking across the road, you just cannot avoid saying “wow!”. The view is majestic and panoramic. You would see dozens of small waterfalls all over the place with one waterfall pretty prominent in the view.

3. Monsoon trek (link)

On the two hour train journey, we passed Lonavala and Khandala and almost as many waterfalls as the tunnels we went through.

4. Tale India (link)

Lonavala is not only about the picturesque sights and salubrious climate but it is also home to some of the finest places of tourist interest. The most outstanding among the tourist attractions in Lonavala are the Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla located in close vicinity of this hill station. On your trip to Lonavala, you must not miss out on these caves since they offer interesting insight into the development of Buddhism in the region.

5. Trek to Twin forts of Lohagad-Visapur & Bhajje caves near Lonavala (link)

Lohagad: This is one of the most interesting forts to visit as it still has its fortification and doorways in pristine condition. The fort dates back to the Satvahan Era and was mainly used to keep a watch on the trade route passing through the Sahyadris.

6. Lonavala’s secret destinations (link)

Yet, the hidden beauty of the city can be revealed only after a chat with localites. One such place is the Karala caves, which are approximately eight kilometers from Lonavala. The cheapest mode of transport to reach this fabulous place is bus service, which will drop you in 10 minutes to the site. Or else you can also take an auto rickshaw, easily available in the city.

7. Discover India (link)

The must visiting sites in Lonavala during your trip are as follows -
First, there is the Rye Wood Park near the rail way station which is famous for its dense forest of many big and beautiful trees. During the season it attracts tourists with variety of flowers.

8. Lonavala Excursions: A Visit at the 5 Historic Caves (link)

Bhaja Caves are located at the center of Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort. These caves are mush smaller with a Chaitya style. Tourists should take a 250 feet climb to get into the caves. There are 18 rock cut caves as old as since the 2nd century. The first cave is the place of the master architect and ten were reserved for the viharas for priests. The other seven caves have an inscription concerning its donors. A beautiful waterfall is seen at the end.

9. Wonderful Attractions In Lonavala (link)

The Gambhirnath Caves is the most exciting natural attraction. The adventure lovers will enjoy it here This area lies between Thakarwadi and Monkey Hill while departing towards Mumbai. Everyone may reach this location after experiencing some sorts of annoyance. Tourists will get the chance to climb atop the hill. The path will be narrow but is still worth trying for experience.

10. Enjoy the cool and lush greenery of Lonavala (link)

Start your day with a visit to the Karla Caves where you can look at some ancient ruins and Buddhist carvings. Not a very crowded place, it will give you ample time to explore it in a better way. The Chaitya caves are also a must-see. You can also go trekking to the Bhaja caves, which is situated next to Karla caves. The rocks date back to 2nd century BC and make up many temples.

11. A whole new life (link)

For people who are looking for a good place to stay try MTDC resorts Karla – The cottages are good much better than highly priced hotel rooms , the only drawback is the distance from the main city – but its a good place to just relax & enjoy the rains…

12. Maverick – The thought begins (link)

The scenic beauty was amazing, all the mountains were lush green, and covered by clouds and it was raining consistently to add on to the beauty of the weather. As we were heading towards the Tiger Waterfall, the fogs became more dense

13. Pen Shots (link)

Ryewood Park is a picturesque hang out in the hill station Lonavala and is located very close to Lonavala market. This Park has plenty of grounds with greenish lawns and playing grounds for children. The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old. It was a botanical garden and later converted to a Park.

14. Visit to Karla Caves, Lonavala (link)

Admired the symmetrical architecture of the place which was built in 2nd or 3rd Century. The stupa inside the cave is a very common feature in the Buddhist rock cut caves in India

15. Journeys explored (link)

Further reached Lonavala almost at noon. Grabbed up almost anything be with melons, chikkis etc..to suffice our hungry, thirsty souls.

16. Pune to Loanavala (link)

after some thoughts we went for Lonavala and thankfully it turned out to be a worthwhile decision. A wonderful ride for someone in Pune looking out for a decent biking experience. Mind you it is a bit risky, we were lucky not to get into any accident but next time if I am gonna go that route it would be in day time and with some more preparation.

17. Trek, Trips and Adventures (link)

Korigad predates 1500 A.D. and Shivaji Maharaj included this fort in Swarajya along with Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657 and in 1818 Marathas lost it to the British. There is Ganesh Darwaaja half way to the top with idol of Lord Ganesh in small rock cave and big cave near it.

18. My Trip To Lonavla (link)

While going through the old highway there were three things which stuck me most. First being the countryside around me it was beautiful. I have almost visited all the hill stations in northern India so small cliffs now dont entice me so much but i was awestuck by the sights i saw in a cloudy evening.

Photos:

1. Photos of a trip to Lonavala (link)
2. Photos of Lonavala on Flickr (link)
3. The Lion Valley, Lonavala (link)
4. Loanavala Photo Gallery on world66.com (link)
5. Photos at sulekha.com (link)
6. Photo of Karla caves near Lonavala (link)
7. Lonavala in monsoons (link)
8. Photos of famous tourist spots (link)
9. Lonavala: Korigad and Kune falls: Amby Valley: Entrance (link)

Some videos shared by people about Lonavala on Youtube:

1. Lonavala Trip

2. Another Lonavala Trip

3. Lonavala- one of the best trip

4. Lonavala trip waterfall (at Tiger Falls)

5. Team picnic at Lonavala

6. Lagoona Resort Lonavala (link)

7. Ola Lonavala! 26 types of National Chikki (link)

8. The Machan – A Tree House, Lonavala

9. Amby Valley – Sahara City Lonavala

All good things in life come in small packets and Gangtok is a good illustration. Be it the rich flora, the beautiful people, or the serene Buddhist monasteries, this small town, occupies an important position in the itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern life. The eastern state of Sikkim lies couched between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan. Gangtok became the capital of the state in the 19th century and lies to the south of the district of East Sikkim. It is a hilly town and spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River.

Location of Gangtok on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Tourist Maps of Gangtok and Sikkim (link,
Gangtok In and Around Map (link)

An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.

Places to Visit :
1. Do Drul Chorten : It is regarded as the most important ’stupa’ of Sikkim. This stupa also has sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels.
2. ENCHEY MONASTERY : The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. This place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or ’Chaam’ performed in January.
3. Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : The institute promotes research on Mahayana Buddhism.
4. Pemayangtse Monastery : This Monastery is located at the hill top and gives a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills of the region.
5. Government Institute Of Cottage Industries : t was established with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables – known as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets.
6. Lachung : This is the area inhabited by the Lachungpas, a hardy mountain people who consider themselves quite different from the Bhutias and the Tibetans. The lush green, terraced hillsides, even in winter, were a testimony to the grit and determination of these people.
7. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs : These springs are considered holy as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the “Kadosangphu” or ‘Cave of the occult fairies’ and lies on the south of the four cardinal points.
8. Orchid Sanctuary : The sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids.
9. Namgyal Institute : Namgyal Institute was built in the year 1958 to promote research in Mahayan Buddhism and Tibetan language and traditions.
10. Tsuk La Khang : A depository of a large collection of scriptures, this is the principal place of worship and assembly for the local Buddhists. The Tsuk la Khang is also characterised by the beautiful and impressive building with mural covered interior, lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tantric deities and the many fine works of woodcarving.

Excursions from Gangtok :
1. Kabi Longstok : 25-km from Gangtok, here is a spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan – Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed.
2. Changu Lake : 35-km from Gangtok.
3. Chungthang : 95-km from Gangtok.
4. Ganesh Tok : 7-km from Gangtok.
5. Hanuman Tok : 11-km from Gangtok.
6. Menmecho Lake : 20-km from Gangtok.
7. Phoodong Monastery : 40-km from Gangtok.
8. Tashi View Point : 8-km from Gangtok.
9. The Ipecac Garden : 14-km from Gangtok,
10.Yumthang : 149-km from Gangtok.
11.Yumthang Hot Springs : 135-km from Gangtok.
12.Nathula : It is a mountain pass situated about 56 km from Gangtok at an altitude of about 14,200 ft and is covered with rich varieties of alpine flora and fauna.

Places To Stay In Gangtok
1. Heritage Hotels
* Norkhill Heritage Hotel, Paljor Stadium Road
* Himalayan Heights Hotel, Palzor Stadium Road
2. Luxury Hotels
* Royal Plaza Hotel
* Hotel Tashi Delek (4 Star), Mahatma Gandhi Marg
* Nor-Khill Hotel (4 Star), Paljor Stadium Road
* Hotel Dew Pond (3 Star), P.S. Road
* Hotel Central (3 Star), 31A, National Highway
* The Oriental (3 Star), Mahatma Gandhi Marg
3. Deluxe Hotels
* Hotel Rigwa, M.G. Marg
* Orange Village
* Sidlon Residency
* Hotel Sonam Palgey
* Shambhala Mountain Resort
* New Castle
* Chumbi Residency
* Hotel Rendezvous

How to reach there ?
- Nearest Airport Bagdogra Airport (16km)
- Nearest Train Stations New Jalpaiguri (124 km)
- Main Road Highways NH 31A

External articles:

1. Long journey – section of Gangtok (link): Bike journey with photos of difficulties
2. Sikkim’s Gangtok: The Place where great journeys begin (link)

Sikkim is bounded by Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its West and China to its north. The southern boundary is shared with the state of West Bengal. The topography of Sikkim is such that the entire state is covered with beautiful hills and mountains. Not just a tourism destination, it is also a paradise for naturalist and environmentalists owing to its wealth of flora and fauna. There have been many expeditions related to zoological and botanical research leading to the discovery of a number of plants and animals. It is also the spiritual center for Buddhists all over the world and has around 250 monasteries, each having its own peculiar history and traditions.

3. Hotels in Darjeeling and Gangtok (link)
4. Forum post on trip to Darjeeling (link1, link2, link3)
5. Gaga about Gangtok (link)

Our first stop was at the Rumtek Monastery. The Monastery consists of the main shrine-temple, a retreat centre, a monastic college (Shedra), a nuns’ hostel, some stupas, a protector’s shrine, and some other establishments for the community. I was awed by the vibrant basic colors of the walls, festoons, and chandeliers in the monastery.

6. adventures of mak & mainu (link): Many photos of Gangtok as well

So there we were finally, the long awaited Gangtok. Saw the sikkimese people with their chic clothes and finest shoes, supposed to be brought in from china. We checked-in to Sonam Palgey hotel, touted to be one of the best in the area, located right under the Gangtok ropeway. After a warm shower and some rest we went out to explore the area. Started with the Rumptek Monastery, seeing the monks in their maroon robes reminded me of those Dalai Lama movies, the peaceful serenity of the monastery was capturing.

7. Gangtok Hill Station (link)

Gangtok in Sikkim is well connected by roads, rail and air transport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra in West Bengal. There are helicopter services from Bagdogra to Sikkim. The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, which is connected by regular trains from different cities in India. One can easily reach Gangtok by road from the airport and the railway station. The city is connected with West Bengal by all weather roads which connect Siliguri and Kalimpong in West Bengal with Sikkim.

8. Love to travel (link)

The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which has direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. It is a 10-12 hour journey from Kolkata. From New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have the option of traveling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.

9. Alistair D’Souza (link)

Gangtok is 140 km from Bagdogra Airport. You can take a vehicle from the airport to gangtok. No need of booking anything in advance.

10. Travelling India (link)
11. One step closer to Freedom (link)

The road to Gangtok was really breathtaking. Its surely a must try. But today, it had a lot of traffic snarls with the mud and rocks still being cleared with bulldozers. In one place, we were held up for almost an hour. Maybe there was a landslide here last night, I wondered. But the delay there, gave me a unique oppurtunity to take photos of the Kanchenjunga peak which was slowly coming out of the clouds. Let me tell you one thing. The first time you see a mountain peak for real is very special. I have seen many photos of this peak before. But only when you stand here, you get to see the relative size of the peak with everything else around you. That, my friend, you can’t get in a photo. For people like me from the plains, its truly a breathtaking experience to see a mountain peak.

12. Travel & Work, Work & Travel (link). Some great photos of Gangtok.

To my amazement, and utter joy, she stayed for a bit. And then she also rubbed up against the fence and I got a chance to touch the soft, soft fur. That touch seemed to have lasted, because for the next minute or so she pushed into the fence, and I dug my fingers further into her fur. Behind her ear, on her shoulder blades, neck, even (and I admit my foolishness in going this far) but was able to pet her underbelly a bit.

13. Destination Gangtok (link)

The tourist attractions in Gangtok include museums, monasteries and quaint surroundings. The Deer Park is a must-see tourist spot commanding a breathtaking view of the valleys neighboring the city of Gangtok against the backdrop of the elegant Mt. Kanchenjunga. The park is home the rare red panda and the Himalayan Bear. Dul Dul Chortena also features among the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok that was built under the direction of the late most respected Rimpoche and is a place of worship for the Tibetan Buddhists.

14. Discover India (link)

The inhabitants of Gangtok are chiefly dependent on tourism, which is the most important occupation for the residents. A number of superior international standard hotels have turn up in the recent years to cater the escalating demand of tourists. All these hotels are extravagantly built and decorated and offer service which is a combination of conventional hospitality along with modern professionalism.

15. Guide to Gangtok (link)

The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for ‘hillside,’ and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 – a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Lepcha,Bhutia Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry along with people from across India settled and engaged in trade and business activities.

16. Adrian Cycling across Sikkim (link)

I’m now in Gangtok, which seems a very pleasant place so far. It’s got a wide pedestrianised main street with no litter. This is a first for me in India (outside of shopping malls) and it’s very nice. I’m not sure how they enforce it – I suspect large fines and men with sticks. Sikkim is noticeably quite wealthy, which I believe is partly because the Indian government put lots of money into their economy to lure them away from any loyalty to China.

Photos of Gangtok:

1. Gangtok city view on rope way (link)
2. Gangtok picture gallery at India Travelinfo (link)
3. Photos of Gangtok on Slideroll (link)
4. Many photos of Gangtok at SikkimInfo (link)
5. Photos of Gangtok at oktatabyebye.com (link)
6. Gangtok Photo Collection (link)
7. Photos of Gangtok on Flickr (link)

Videos detailing different experiences in Gangtok:

Surviving in Gangtok in Rs 3,000

Gangtok town

How to Get Lost Two backpackers: part 2 of 7: India (Sikkim, Gangtok, Kolkata)

Gangtok – Sikkim – India

Gangtok: A Beautiful Memory

Gangtok calling: This video was taken en route to gangtok when i was about to reach Teesta.

Gangtok: The land of Mystic Splendor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf9lYFp1r6A

Beautiful Snow Fall in Gangtok (26.05.2009)

Gangtok (Sikkim) Road Trip

Gangtok Videos, Sikkim, India

Helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok: Beautiful experience flying over the Himalayas

See towering mountains reach up to a clear blue sky, and seem to touch it. Hear the rhythmic chant of Buddhist monks in an ancient monastery where time stands still, in a land with a mix of religions living peacefully with each other. See the rushing waters of an icy river, the Indus (Sindhu) surge down from a glacial height. This is all part of what Ladakh (the Land of Passes and the Roof of the World) awaits you. From age-old Buddhist monasteries to exciting adventure tours, Leh (the capital of Ladakh) has a lot to offer. Explore a Gompa, go mountaineering in the Himalayas with sheer slopes and rocky cliffs, camp on the Ladakh plateau, trek on treacherous and breathtaking routes and see rare mountain goats ascend the slopes. Tour a land that will amaze you with its stark beauty and delight you with the warmth of the Ladakhi people.
Leh has a cold, arid climate with long, harsh winters from October to early March, with minimum temperatures well below freezing for most of the winter. The city gets occasional snowfall during winter. The weather in the remaining months is generally fine, and leads to a tourist season that peaks between July and September.

Leh (capital of Ladakh) on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Travellers flock to Ladakh from all corners of the globe, and Ladakh is becoming an adventure for a large number of Indians as well. This trans-Himalayan district of Jammu and Kashmir has now become a favourite of both adventure freaks and culture enthusiasts, and a good place to consider going to when you want to avoid those commercial tourist locations.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Monasteries that seem from the ages, quaint lanes, colorful markets, friendly people, and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh an exotic destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, or even enjoy a game of polo in a high altitude arena or watch a local contest of archery between local residents. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh.
Leh is is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the north and eastern part, and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in South East.

Major tourist attractions

• Leh Palace: This is a building built to reflect the grand traditions of Tibetan architecture, and which is said to have inspired the more famous Potala palace in Lhasa (Tibet), built half a century later. The palace was built long back, in the 17th century and had nine storeys with different floors for the royals and for those who server them, but it is now dilapidated and deserted (It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s). Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old ‘tankas’ or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh’s victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.
• Leh Monastery and Gompa: The central area of Ladakh has the greatest concentration of major Buddhist monasteries or gompas, incredibly beautiful and a must see. Of the twelve situated on or near the Indus, the oldest monastery is that of Lamayuru, which is believed to have been a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon. The monasteries of Phiyang, Hemis and Chemrey were all founded under the direct patronage of members of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. Phyang represents an act of penance by the 16th century King Tashi Namgyal for the violence and treachery by which he reached the throne.
• Spituk Monastery – The Gompa is famous for a wonderful view of the commanding river, the Indus. Further, the gompa stands on the top of a hillock, 8 Kms. from Leh. Many icons of Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal.
• Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a fairly recent monument, build with the support of the Japanese Government, and build by a Japanese who wanted to spread Buddhism around the world. The Shanti Stupa is located at Changspa, on the hilltop, and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch. The stupa is connected by a ‘motorable’ road and a steep flight of stairs. The view from the top is great, and you can stop for a snack in the tea shop, and enjoy the panoramic view of the chain of mountains and the peaceful little village of Changspa (having typical Ladakhi houses built along a gushing stream), and the towering Namgyal Tsemo in the distance.
• Shey Gompa: 15 Kms upstream from Leh, a 7.5 metre high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold, and the largest of its kind, is installed in the palace.
• Soma Gonpa (Jokhang): The Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI, in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa contains a statue of Joyo Rinpochey (crowned Buddha).
• Stok Palace Museum: 17 km from Leh town, this museum exhibits precious stones, thangkas, coins, royal crowns and dresses and prayer instruments.
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa – The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was built in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal on Namgyal Tsemo peak overlooking the town. The monastery contains a three-story high solid gold idol of Maitrieya Buddha (future Buddha also called laughing buddha) and a one-storied statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri along with ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful. The associated temples here remain intact, but they are kept locked except during the morning and evening hours when a monk toils up the hills from Sankar Gompa to attend to the butter – lamps in front of the images.
• Leh Mosque – Apart from all the Buddhist structures, the striking green and white Leh Mosque, an exquisite work of Turko-Iranian architecture, stand in the Main Bazaar of Leh. This historical mosque was built in 1666-67 A.D. consequent to an agreement between the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and then ruler of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal.
• The Nubra Valley – The Nubra valley gets clad in endless bushes of yellow and pink wild roses. However, once the rose season is over, a carpet of wild lavender lies gently on it. Nubra is also a relatively warmer valley in Ladakh making it perfect for crops and fruits to grow. Diskit Village located near Khalsar, dotted with apricot plantations is one of the larger village of the Nubra valley. The road between Diskit and the quaint little Hunder Village winds through a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes. A quiet and pleasant evening can be spent amidst nature with snowcapped peaks in the background
• Pangong Lake – This lake is situated at a elevation of 14,000ft. In the Eastern sector of Ladakh, at a distance of 154km. from Leh across Changla pass (17,000ft.). This lake is one of the largest and most beautiful natural brakish lakes in the country. It is located 1/3rd in India, and 2/3rd in China, and one needs a permit to visit the Lake. The trip to the lake is half the pleasure of the lake itself.

Things to do:

Trekking : Leh is a trekker’s paradise. The treks from Spituk to the Markha valley and Lamayuru gompa to Chiling village alongside the Zanskar River are the most popular treks in the region. Another trek route is from Likir to Temisgam. Treks are open from the June end upto mid October. The passes for trekking are as high as 5,000 m in altitude, so you need to attempt these only if you are fit, and have experience. Many trekking agencies in Leh offer trek packages with a guide, packhorses, food and supplies.

Polo : Polo is also very popular in Leh. Apart from a well-maintained polo ground, regular matches and competitions are organised during the Ladakh festival.

River Rafting : One might also take fun of rafting in the Zanskar River in the month of July to September.

Places to stay:

Mehek Guest House
Green Land, Ladakh Hotel
Khangri Hotel, Ladakh
Laser Mo Hotel
Hotel Lumbini
List of places to stay (link to post)
Chamba Camp
The Grand Dragon
Hotel Caravan Center
Hotel Cho Palace
Hotel Dragon
Hotel Gawaling International
Hotel Holiday Ladakh
Hotel Khanglachan
Hotel Mandala
Hotel Lotus
Hotel Namgyal Palace
Hotel Omasila
Hotel Royal Palace
Hotel Shambha-La (link)
Hotel Spic N Span
Hotel Yak Tail
Sangaylay Guest House
Hotel Singge Palace (link)

By Air: The airport is approximately 8 kms away from Leh.

By rail: Jammu is the closest among all with a distance of 620 Kms.

By road: Kashmir valley is the closest place to approach Leh. The approach road to Leh is either through (434 km) Srinagar-Kargil-Leh, or through (473 km) Manali-Keylong-Leh. Both roads are open only on a seasonal basis.

External articles / blogs:

1. Biking from Srinagar to Leh (link to article):

Early on the 10th June we started for Leh. After 8.5KM of uphill we took a 5KM deviation from the main road to visit the Likir monastery. The ride from Likir monastery till the main road was an easy downhill and later the road was relatively flat till Nimmu (our Lunch halt). After climbing up till the Magnetic Hill and facing some heavy wind which made even standing difficult we reached the Pattar Sahib Gurudwara. The road beyond the Gurudwara was a neatly paved downhill for more than 10KM. This stretch gave us an oppurtunity to touch a maximum speed of 77.7KMPH and soon we entered the busy Leh city!

2. Proposed drive to Leh on the 4th of July (link to article)
3. Drive from Srinagar to Leh with some great photos (link to article)
4. Complete guide to Leh-Manali Road (link to article)

It is the difficulty involved in traversing the road that attracts travelers to make the journey from Manali to Leh by road. Nowhere else in India do you get to drive hundreds of kilometers without seeing a single permanent habitation. The road runs above ten thousand feet for almost entire journey, and the highest point on the road is above 18,000 feet. The landscapes are unparalleled. The superb greenery on the way out of Manali will be the last stretch of abundant vegetation that you encounter until the day you return from Ladakh

5. Ice hockey in Leh (link to article)

The famous Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink has become the most sought after destination in Leh during winters for the localites as well as tourists having a passion for Ice Hockey. It is the highest Ice Hockey rink in the country, which is situated at an altitude of 3483 meters above sea level. 2009 has been an year of achievement for the local players from Ladakh, where they got an opportunity to represent their county in International Ice Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia held at Abu Dhabi.

6. Khardung La – World’s Highest Motorable Road (link to article)

Khardung La (la means pass in Tibetan) (elevation 5359 m) is a high mountain pass located in the Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The local pronunciation is “Khardong La” or “Khardzong La,” but, as with most names in Ladakh, the romanised spelling varies. It is the highest motorable road in the world as signs put up by the Border Roads Organization proudly proclaim. The views from this pass are no doubt breathtaking – with the Ladakh range to the south and Karakoram to the north. And snow capped peaks at almost touching distance all around. The pass experiences up to 10 feet of snow in winters, with temperatures dropping to 40 degrees Celsius below zero. Even though temperatures in summers average 20 degrees Celsius, the weather can turn for the worse suddenly.

7. Not walking to Leh (link to article):

We traveled to Leh, in northern Kashmir, a few years ago. Good sample-the-local-culture tourists that we are, we traveled on crowded buses, hitchhiked on trucks, and once, memorably, on a fully loaded gasoline tanker truck driven by a dozing driver. One thing we did not try to do much was hike.

8. Whether safe to plan to drive in October on the highways (link to forum post)

I’m looking at doing the trip from manali to leh. Trying to coordinate the trip with some friends overseas and the only time that works for all of us would be early – mid october. Also we’d only have 12 days from arriving in delhi to leaving delhi. So first of all how trafficable is the route at this time of year – I’ve heard it officially closes in september. We would be self supported on mountainbikes so not opposed to a bit of snow and the like but don’t want to do anything stupid. Also what would we find in the way of tent villages and permanent villages along the way. As for the 12 days (probably 10 by the time you bus out to manali and fly back from leh) is it realistic in this time. I don’t expect or want this to be an easy ride but I don’t want to bite off more then I can chew.

9. Trip to Leh (link to article)

For the spiritually inclined, the monasteries of Thiksey, Hemios, Spitup, and Lamayuru provide perfect refuge. Most monasteries also have small guest houses where visitors may stay and participate in Buddhist rituals with the resident monks. These monasteries offer great insight into the culture of Leh – with their museums holding great treasures of tourist interest. Religion plays an important part in Leh’s culture and it is advisable to listen carefully to your guide so as to not disrespect any religious sentiments.

10. Leh and Ladakh (link to article)
11. Long trip covering Leh and Amarnath (link to forum post)
12. Ketchup with Aubs (link to article)

The capital city of Leh offers a rare insight into what Tibet was like before the Chinese invaded the country. It also boasts the highest golf course in the world at the Indian army base (at about 3,200m). Permission can be sort to play a round. Similar to the Gulf, you carry a piece of artificial turf around and aim for the “greens”, which are actually brown – a mix of oil and sand which offers a seriously challenging putting surface.

13. Manali-Leh highway (link to article):

From Manali, a pretty village in the green foothills of the Himalayas, the journey takes two days and ends up 500kms north in Leh, Ladakh’s capital – a staggering 3505m above sea level. It’s certainly an experience worth having, but the combination of Indian driving and a disconcerting lack of barriers on the windy mountain roads makes for a nail-biting trip. Rather alarmingly, our driver was suffering with altitude sickness and kept momentarily blacking out, reminding me to ‘grab the wheel’ if he fainted. On the plus side, he did own the full Bob Marley collection which blared most of the way, so, you know, swings and roundabouts.

14. Adventure on the Leh-Manali highway (link to article):

arlier this week I took a 20-hour jeep ride from Leh to Manali. Their were 10 people (I was the only non-Indian) in a jeep that was made for 7, so it was uncomfortable. Despite, the discomcomfort, or perhaps because of it, it was a ride I will never forgot. The scenery was stunning, and the road was terrifying. The road was rarely more then 1 lane wide and was on the edge of a mountain atleast 75% of the time.

15. manali-Leh highway (link to article)

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. The road is only open between June and October, and by this time the landscape is a vast expanse of barren, snow-capped mountainous and deep canyons with rivers running through it. There’s the odd house or tiny settlement along the way, but the most people you’ll see are at the numerous rest-stops where drinks and snacks are sold. There are no toilets though – you’ll have to bare your bum at the side of the road – not so bad higher up where you can hide behind a mound of snow, but pretty embarrassing in the open, barren expanses lower down.

16. Wonderful post on travel through India (with Leh at the lower section) (link to article):

I visited Thiksey Monastery (or Gompa) first, leaving at sunrise and watching the incredible changes of light on the harsh, bare, and beautiful mountains. Thiksey sprawls down a mountainside, and has the usual monastery accoutrements of small shrines, huge Buddhas, and many steps. What it did not have many of, that day, was monks, as they were mostly visiting in the village for a funeral. It was fascinating to wander around, though, and is very aesthetically pleasing.
The monasteries have incredible artwork, but what I loved best about this area is the flowers. The garden at my guesthouse is a small treasure, and everywhere at the “gompas” (monasteries) and along the roadsides in the valleys there are flowers of all shapes and sizes, most noticeably vivid hollyhocks. They have such a short season that everything seems to grow with abandon.

Photos of Leh / Ladakh:

1. Photos from Srinagar to Leh (link to article)

2. Photos of Leh-Manali highway (link to photos)
3. Beautiful photos of Leh (link to post)
4. Photos at thisismyindia.com (link)
5. Official site (link)
6. Leh Photo Gallery at world66.com (link)
7. Photo Gallery at pbase.com (link)
8. Blog + Photo Gallery (link)

* Location: Western Region Of Tibet, Tibetan Himalayas
* Duration: 11-18 Days
* Highest Altitude: 6,714m
* Best Time To Visit: June To September
* Temperature: June to September 15-20 degree Celsius. Morning and evening can be chilly between minus 2 to 0 degree Celsius.

A huge number of people would have heard of Mt. Kailash, but a very small fraction of them would have visited the place. So, what is this place ? Isolated for centuries behind the Himalayas in Tibet is a mysterious and mythical mountain. Mount Kailash is 6714m (22,028ft) high. It is a mountain that captures the imagination and breathes sheer excitement into the soul. Kailash has for more than a thousand years been a central pilgrimage site for some of the world’s major religions. It is sacred to 4 religions – Hindus, Buddhists, Bonpo and Jains from India.

For Hinduism, Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred spots of world. Shiva devotees have been going to the Kailsah Mansarovar Yatra since times unknown. Shiva Bhakts go to the holy yatra for attaining bliss, for being at peace with themselves. Devotees here seek harmony in and around themselves. The holy shrines bestows the pilgrims with harmony, peace, heath and wealth. People who return from the pilgrimage are known to feel good with themselves. Tibetans leave any kind of relic here to leave back their egos and pretences.
The mountain name in Tibetan is, “Gang Rinpoche” which is translated to mean, “Supreme Mountain.” Traditional Buddhist cosmology connects Mt. Kailash with Mt. Meru, the great mythological mountain that forms the axis of this world system. The power of this strange, domed peak has gripped the imagination of the people of Nepal, India and Tibet for thousands of years, as well as the imagination of people from all over the world are willing to see it in reality. It is one of the centers of spirituality, and the tough journey only adds to the romance of the place.
Geographic information: The four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent: Karnali (which feeds into the Ganges), Indus, Sutlej and Brahmaputra all originate from Mount Kailash, and thus the region is very important ecologically. The average altitude of the region is 4,700 meters above sea level. To the west of Mount Kailash is the Karakorum range, to the north is the Kunlun range, to the east is Magyal Pomra range and to the south is the Himalayan range.
There have been no recorded attempts to climb Mount Kailash for the past many hundred years; it is considered off limits to climbers in deference to Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. It is the most significant peak in the world that has not seen any known climbing attempts. There is a belief that the First Guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak, climbed the peak way back in history, apparently to have discussions with yogis over there.
Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune, and don’t mind the ardous physical labor that this involved. This circumambulation is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bönpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long and takes more than a day.
The other important place to visit in the region is Lake Mansarovar, also sacred to Hindus. Manasarovar is located at a height of 4580m. The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere.
The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as “Ravan Kund”, is 122-km. A 6-km long natural channel – “Gangachhu” – connects Manas with Rakshas Tal. Where ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to Brahma’s paradise is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and drink of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes.

Getting there from India:
Kailash Mansarovar is connected to almost all the major passes of Uttrakhand. Indians were not allowed to visit Kailash Mansarovar for nearly two decades because of the Indo-chinese border dispute from 1959 to 1980. However, since 1981, tours have been happening on a regular basis. Even though only a limited number of people are allowed to visit yet every Shiva devotee wants to go for a holy pilgrimage of Kailash.
Most of the visitors take a dip in the Mansarovar lake. The Mansarovar lake is 18 miles from the Mount Kailash. Taking a dip or soaking the head in the holy water provides spiritual benefits; however only the brave could take a dip in the icy water.

Visa and Documentation: All foreign nationals including Indians require a VISA to enter Tibet. One must be in possession of a passport valid for another six months to obtain Chinese VISA.

Accommodation: The shrine is in the most distant part of world. You need to assume that facilities are limited, with the tour operator making tent based arrangements to stay.

Clothing: Tibet is a dry cold country where weather may change unexpectedly at any time. Plan your clothing in a way that you can wear layers of clothes. Depending upon the season, the pilgrims should bring their wardrobe.

Now, the journey has become more comfortable, as more options are available to doing the trip in relative comfort in Japanese 4-wheel drive Land cruisers. This enables devout who were not physically fit to do the Yatra as it required (and still does) peak physical conditioning. But on the regulars 11- to 16- days tour by overland and on 7 days tour by helicopter, trekking need has reduced, with being required only during the 3 day Kailash parikrama when one has to cross the 19,500 ft high Dolma Pass.
However yaks can be hired locally on this parikrama and pilgrims need not trek the entire distance. One should also be prepared to walk through landslide zones in Nepal on the first and last day (specially during the June-Sept trips).

By Overland: Traveling by overland from Kathmandu in Nepal to Mt. Kailash, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible 13-day journey, an epic pilgrimage that is expeditionary in nature. This is for those who want to experience the majestic beauty of Kailash but is limited by time. The trip begins by drive from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Zhangmu. After the stay in Zhangmu, drive is done to the Lake Manasarovar across widely spread open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau known as ‘roof of the world’. It is undoubtedly the toughest and most rewarding of all such journeys known to man. Rivers and streams are crossed and re-crossed, treacherous passes are climbed and conquered. The numbing cold at night, the fierce sun during the day, the bitter winds, the looming solitude and the everlasting dust are constant companions.

By Helicopter: The trip begins by airways from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and continues to Simikot. After Simikot, charter helicopter flight to Hilsa and drive to the Lake Manasarovar across widely spread open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau. Then the most attractive part of the trip to Mt. Kailash and follow the pathway across huge dry plains for Nepalese border lies to the south. Finally, we take the trip back to Kathmandu. This is truly the trip of a lifetime with stunning scenery and cultural highlights.

External articles:
1. Dave’s landslide blog, with a potential landslide description (link)

This year the pilgrimage is going to have an additional challenge. I posted back in February about the Chautuldhar landslide in northern India, which was causing major problems in the close area of Tawaghat in Dharchula. The landslide is not quite where I thought it was back then – it now looks as if it is on the section of slope shown on the Google Earth perspective view below

2. Tours to Mt. Kailash from Tibet (link)

Mt. Kailash (6714 m) – also known as Tise, Kailasa or Kang Rinpoche (Jewel of the Snows) has since time immemorial been celebrated in many eastern cosmologies as Mt. Meru, the axis-mundi. As the center of the physical and metaphysical universe, Mt. Meru (Kailash) is sacred to the Hindus, the Buddhists, the Jains, and the Bonpos. For the Hindus, the mountain represents the seat of Shiva. For the Buddhists, a terrestrial projection of the cosmic mandala of the Dyani Buddhas and Boddhisatvas .… The Wheel of Life.

3. Forum post on LonelyPlant (link)

The Kailash kora, which crosses an astonishing pass linking two beautiful river valleys, and passes three fine small gonpas, each sited with scenic views. Lake Manasarovar is well worth a drive around, with stays at Purang down on the Nepal border – the road passes beneath Ghurla Mandata, a couple of football fields short of 8,000m. Chui and Truro gonpas are otherworldly. Depending on time/money, most visit the Guge, on which I cannot comment, except to say I do want to see the high road down there with a sweeping view of the western Himal.

4. Niravana travel deals (link)

Passport is must if you want to be the part of the most holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
16 Days Yatra by Land Cruiser
11 Days Yatra by Helicopter

5. Post on askblogster.com (link)

This holy mountain is situated in remote place of Tibetan Himalayas. As Chinese army entered into Tibet in 1950 and created political and border disturbance, pilgrims stopped going there from 1959 to 1980. After that very limited Indian pilgrims were given permission to go there and obviously under supervision of Chinese army and Indian government. But nowadays many people are going there. It’s a very expensive tour. And many travel agencies provide lucrative travel package for Kailash.

6. Yatra to Kailash Mansarovar (link)

For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fanatastic world pillar 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati.

7. Trip to Mount Kaliash, showing it can be tough (link)

I indoors at Mt Kalish at dusk, which in summertime comes about 10pm; Mt Kailash was bathed in crimson-red hues, a spectacular site, however one shortly obscured by drizzly shower clouds. Exhausted, I curved in for the night at an adjacent yurt on the grassy banks of Damding Donkhang and presently after I set my leader on the filthy pillows, I floor asleep.
I’d been cautioned by several experienced pilgrims that the moment half of the Mt Kailash kora was the most fractious. And, trusty enough, as shortly as I agreed Dirapuk monastery and crossed the Lha-Chu tributary the following morning, the direction became increasingly treacherous. The steep means eventually weak out – as did the air – and then disappeared all together among the large boulders spread about the Drolma-Chu valley.

8. Description of journey to Mt. Kailash over 18 days including the itinerary (link)

The trip begins in Nepal’s capital city-Kathmandu where we obtain China/Tibet visa and also take chance to visit its medieval temples, palaces and monasteries. We will set out overland by 4 WD jeeps with well supplied Nepali crews. In most places, we will be camping, meals being cooked by our Nepali crews. After 4 days circuit trek, retrace drive to Kathmandu or extend to visit Lhasa.

9. 11 day trek to Mt. Kailash (link)
10. Kailash Parvat (link)

The very fact one thought of proceeding to Kailash and Manasarovar is a call from within. Thousands of Sages, ordinary mortals, philosophers and even the Gods had submerged in blissful trance at the very Bight of this divine grandeur. It is the MERU, SUMERU, SUSHUMNA, HEMADRI (golden mountain), RATNASANU (jewel peak), KARNIKACHALA (lotus mount), AMARADRI, DEVA PARVATHA (summit of gods), GANA PARVATHA, RAJATADRI (silver mountain). It was the SWAYAMBU – the self-created one. Kailasa and Manasarovar are as old as the creation. Everything emanates from there are finally return there. It is the centre of creation and the Universe.

11. Circling Kailash and Mansarovar (link)

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the only two places in the whole of Tibet that were visited by Lord Buddha, accompanied by five hundred Arhats. During the turning of the Three Wheels of the Dharma, Buddha Shakyamuni extensively explained the merits of building images. So Indra (the king of gods) offered precious articles of the gods, Ananda (the king of Serpents or Nagas) offered precious articles of the Nagas and Bimbisara (the king of Magadh) offered gold and silver, etc. to the Buddha and requested him to have three images of the Buddha made, as a means of generating merit for the sentient beings in the future.

12. Various tour packages (link)
13. Details of journey at shivam.org (link)

The parikrama (Circumambulation) continued a few meters away from the brim of Manasarovar. There is a Tibeten monastery on the bank, to which the guide took around. The sight of the Holy lake was quite impressing. had there been no clouds the shade of the mountains, including the great Kailash would be seen on this dark green water. From the monastery the parikrama again continued towards a hot spring called chiu gompa. On the way to the left was another huge lake called raaxastal. This is the lake created by rAvaNa after his failed misadventure to lift up the Holy Mount Kailash. While people (Hindus and Tibeten Budhdhists) consider the Manasarovar as holy, the adjacent raxastal is not considered good. Before getting to the Holy water of Manasarovar, we wanted to wash away many days’ dirt from our body. The hot sulphur spring on the high grounds near the lake, served that purpose.

14. 16-20 day package for Mt. Kailash (link)
15. Preparing for the Yatra as part of one of the packages (link). This includes information for documentation and visas, clothes, medicines, equipment, health precaution
16. Photos and blog of trip to Lake Mansarovar (link)

Photos and photo gallery:
1. Chiu Gompa and Gang Rinpoche, Mt. Kailash, Tibet (link)
2. Photo on the journey (link)
3. Beautiful photo of Mount Kailash (link)
4. The holy Kailash in Tibet (link)
5. Photo on the travelchinaguide (link)
6. Photos of Mount Kailash at Photographers Direct (link)
7. Beautiful pictures of the journey and Mt. Kailash (link)
8. The Saga Dawa festival at Mt Kailash (link)
9. Pictures of the peak of Mt. Kailash (link)
10. Panorama photo of Mt. Kailash (link)
11. Beautiful photo of Lake Mansarovar (link)
12. Photos at tibettrip (link)
13. Blue water of Lake Mansarovar (link)
14. Slideshow of photos of Lake Mansarovar (link)