BIKERS CLUB APRIL 2019 ISSUE | Page 59

NATHULA PASS RAVANGLA The once a part of the historic 'Silk Road', a visit to Nathula is a must in any of the Sikkim travel packages. One of the highest motorable pass in the world, this amazing pass is located at a towering height of 4,310 meter above the sea level and connects Sikkim with Tibet. The pass is open to Indians; however, one has to obtain permission from the tourism department in order to visit this pass. And for the foreign national, they cannot make it to Nathula. Nestled amidst the Maenam and Tendong Hills, Ravangla is among the best places to visit in Sikkim; especially in the southern part of the state. A scenic town between Gangtok and Pelling, this hill-town also hosts some of the most popular treks in Sikkim. PELLING If you are an ardent fan of the captivating Himalayan Range, Pelling is the destination for you! It is from this Sikkimese town, one can have the best views of the Himalayas and the Kangchenjunga Peak, and can experience the best of their Sikkim holidays, which is located at a height of 7,200ft above the sea level. LACHUNG Lachung has multiple reasons to make you fall in love with it! While its location at an enthralling height of 8,610ft makes it a popular snow-destination in Sikkim, its untouched and surreal beauty makes it one of the scenic as well as charming tourist places in Sikkim. RUMTEK MONASTERY Counted amongst the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state. An ode to the Buddhist cultures and traditions, this monastery is located near Gangtok and is also known as the 'Dharma Chakra Center'. NAMCHI Translated into the native Tibetan language, Namchi means the 'top of the sky'. And on a visit to this magnificent Sikkimese city, this will be proved! Located around 92km from Gangtok and at a height of 1,675meter above the sea level, it is also one of the most gorgeous cities in the state. More than tourism, Namchi is more considered as a pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. The city also has a 108ft Lord Shiva statue and is visited a large number of Hindu devotees as well.