In Photos: Hidden gems of West Sikkim

Western part of Sikkim is mostly unexplored. People often visit Gangtok, Pelling, North Sikkim, East Sikkim but many of are not aware the places like Uttarey, Barmihok, Rinchenpong, Barsey etc. So we decided to explore this places. On reaching Siliguri from Kolkata, we hired a cab that took us to Jorethang from where we hired another cab to our first destination Uttarey. Siliguri to Uttarey is like 158kms but it took us around 7-8hrs because there was no cab available from Jorethang to go to Uttarey. Finally we got one after hours of waiting. It was 5pm in the evening we started from there and reached Uttarey at 9pm. The electricity was not there and it was pitch dark, finding our hotel just with the help of our cab's headlamp. After almost 10mins we found it!  

Let's not waste time and let the photographs tell the story ~ 

Next day woke up to this view. Just outside the hotel there was a wasteland with complete greenery which I was unaware of till today morning. Beautiful horses grazing around. 

Today we planned to do a day trek to Mainbass Falls, which is located at around 14kms distance from Uttarey in a dense forest area. This route is the route for Dzongri Trek to a point, then it bifurcates. Anyway we gathered energy and started the trek with a local guide. Carrying a pouch of salt is mandatory as Sikkim is very moist and famous for leeches. 

On the way found a Trout fish rearing centre. Where they are piscicultured. Trout fishes are tasty and its one of the most consumed fish in hilly areas. You might have heard of it if you've visited Himachal Pradesh. 

We trekked all through such dense forest of Pine, Oaks, Deodar. Trekking through this route was one hell of an experience! It was full of surprises. Every turn you take you see something different. It was like opening up the layers within the layers.

Such gushing streams and nalas were all along the journey. 

Finally reached where we were headed to, Mainbass Falls. It was only us and none were there. I think people rarely come to this place because they don't know. But see such a beauty is hidden in a pocket within the forest. 

We rested there for a while and took some photographs. This is one of them. It was so beautiful to watch, the sound of the splashing water was the only sound we could here. After waiting there for half n hour or so we headed back to the village. 

Next morning we left Uttarey. Today we were about to reach a place which is just next to Kanchendzonga. Yeah really, I'm not joking. The mammot was just infront. We'll see in sometimes. Sikkim receives rainfall almost all through out the year. It's misty, foggy and soo visionary at times!  

On the way stopped at a rock garden.  I don't remember the name though. It was raining, still I managed to get some shots out of my camera. 

You will find some exquisite vibrant flowers here. Mostly Sikkim is home to Rhododendrons which blooms around March-April time. Sikkim becomes so colorful that time. 

Reached Barmihok. The hotel where we stayed had a large gallery type balcony. This was the view from there. We were told by locals there that Mt. Kanchendzonga is just infront. But were unlucky, it was complete cloudy that day. We thought we won't be able to experience the majestic view. 

But surprisingly the clouds moved and the curtain was raised. It was the showtime! The huge mountain just infront without any barrier. We immediately took our camera and our tele lenses to photograph it. I called everyone down to the balcony to have a look of this view. It was around 4.30pm in the evening. 

Couldn't resist myself from stop clicking this. 

Found a Blue Himalayan Finch. Sikkim's forest is also a home to some exclusive species of birds. 

Found this little children going for their school with their umbrellas. 

We left Barmihok and went to Rinchenpong a small village with very few population. Rinchenpong also has a majestic view to Kanchendzonga Range, other than it also has a monastery. It was again raining a lot. We had nothing to do staying at our hotel rooms, so we decided to go out and have a look of the monastery.

Prayer wheel is a symbol of peace and positivity. There is a Buddhist mantra printed on it called "Om Mani Padme Hum". It is believed if this wheel is rotated clockwise a positive energy of vibe is emitted and flows through the surrounding, keeping the place peaceful. 

After several days of  clouds and rains, we finally saw some sun rays penetrating through the clouds and reaching us. 

That day I experienced a beautiful sunset. The sky was like a palette of colours. Blue, yellow, orange, red all mixed together. 

As the weather got better, we again a chance to watch the complete mountain range. I was lucky to capture the first rays of sunlight falling on the massive 8000mts peaks.

 A panoramic view of the complete Kanchendzonga Range

From Rinchenpong we then traveled to Hilley. A small village from the Barsey Rhododenrons Sanctuary begins. In of my previous blog post, I mentioned about the trek from Hilley to Barsey, do check it out here if you haven't.

The trek was through such dense forest and in such a dreamy weather. I felt I was watching a horror movie. 

After a long trek we reached Barsey in theevening. This is where we stayed in Barsey, "Gurashkunj". The only accommodation available. When in West Sikkim, this trek should be in your bucket list

The view from Gurash Kunj next morning

The only reason to write this article was to just show the beauty and charisma of West Sikkim and the off beat, unexplored places in West Sikkim through my photographs which I took all along the journey.

Go and visit Sikkim. It's a wonderful state with some awesome bunch of people. Read my experience of Hilley to Barsey Trek  

Comment your views and for any information contact me on Instagram or Facebook

Happy Travelling!