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| This is another beautiful lake located
twenty kilometres ahead of the (Changu) lake. Quite big in size,
it lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla pass
and is also the source of the river Rangpo-chu which meets the
Teesta at Rangpo. Like the (Changu) Lake, it also derives its
water from the melting snow around especially from the stream
that originates just below the Jelepla pass. The lake is famous
for its trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also exists
nearby. |
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This ' playground on the ridge' has
for long been in the shadows of its better known big brother
- Darjeeling. Kalimpong enjoys the best climate in the region.
Weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturdays afford some interesting
sights and you can haggle for hours with smiling shopkeepers.
Durpindara commands an impressive view of the snows. |
| The dense forests of golden oak trees
offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen provide an
ideal setting for balmy walks on the thick cushions of russet-brown
leaves. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be pampered
by nature's bounties. |
| The vast rolling meadows covered
with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets
meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one's
eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing
to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region
in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well
as their delicate tints. |
| Monasteries of Kalimpong date back
to 1836 and tell a rich story not only of history but also of
local art and culture. You can visit among others, the Pedong,
the Thongsa, the Thurpa Choeling monasteries. There as you mingle
with boy monks and gyalong blowing lamas, you will want to forget
the rest of the world, for you have made a tryst with eternity. |
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| No visit to Darjeeling is complete
without a visit to Ghoom, which is six kilometres away from
the main town. The hillock is dominated by the famous Yiga Choeling
Monastery and a 4.5-metre tall image of the Maitreya Buddha.
Ghoom is at an altitude of about 2,407 metres, and offers a
spectacular view of the Valley. |
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Chungtnahg, on the confluence of
Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of River Teesta,
has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim.
It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung.
The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche
and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm
prints left behind by the Patron Saint. |
| The place is rich in bio diversity with a large
variety of orchids, plants and wildlife, is 95 kms from Gangtok,
23 kms from Lachung, 29 kms from Lachen and is predominantly
a Lepcha region. |
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| A Bhutia village with a unique loacl
self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat.
Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring
popularity of Yumthang Valley which is just 25 kms from Lachung.
The village, spreads out on either side of Lachung Chu, has
managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. |
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| The Lachung Monsatery on the slope
opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious function
of the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious
functions performed on auspicious occasion a visit to the Monastery
should form part of the tour itinerarary. |
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