Tourizm and hospitality

21/06/2016

06/06/2016

sizzling sikkim during this monsoon price

24/12/2012

Murshudabaad and Mayapur Iskon tour on the month of January at affordable prices. five star facility available at Mayapur Iscon at affordable prices.

22/08/2012

Annapurna Circuit Trek, a 20-Day Journey in the Nepalese Himalaya

The 4:30am alarm seemed especially cruel because I'd hardly slept at all (few people do above 4,000 meters). I hit the snooze button and thought about the challenges ahead. I was about to climb 1,000 meters up to snowy Thorung La pass (5,416 meters in elevation), then descend 1,600 meters to the nearest village on the other side. The crossing would have to be done quickly to avoid afternoon winds. And, of course, it would all be done at extremely high altitude – the highest I'd ever been.
I lifted the curtain and looked out my window. The sky was dark but clear; the half moon burned just above the horizon – a good sign. I climbed out of my cocoon into the frigid room and pulled on every stitch of clothing I had.

21/08/2012

Thanks for the like Yadavji

18/08/2012

thankz for the like Sourav

18/08/2012

Yuksom of West Sikkim once was the capital of Sikkim, it served as the capital in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. The district was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim. The economy is mainly agrarian, despite most of the land being unfit for cultivation owing to the precipitous and rocky slopes. Attractions include the Khecheoperi lake which as legend has it, not a leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake and the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery of the state. The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district.
In West Sikkim, if you carry on further from Pemayanste, you come to the charming little town of Tashiding. Few kilometers from the town lies the Tashiding Gompa, believed to be amongst the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim. Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo (one of the three lamas who coroneted the king) belonging to the Nyingmapa order. About 16 km away from Yuksam and about 40 Kms from Gyalshing, via Legship is this important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. At first only a small Lhakhang was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo in the 17th Century. The main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal and some of the statues built then still exist. The sacred objects of worship in Tashiding are the chorten Thongwa Rangdol and Bumchu( holy water). The chorten was built by the Lhatsun Chenpo and it is believed that merely to view the chorten is enough to cleanse one of all sins.Carved skillfully on flagstones surrounding the monastery are holy Buddhist mantras like 'Om Mane Padme Hum' by the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil. The heart of Sikkimese Buddhism as Guru Padmasambhava considered so and houses the Tashiding Monastery along with Sacred Thongtwa Chorten. Its so holy that even a slight glimpse of cleanses all sins. Rich environment flooded with oranges and cardamoms and gateway to Borong hot springs, ideal for soft treks and perfect Sikkimese village in the setting.

Kongri-Labdang

Besides Tashiding Monastery there are other attractions in and other Tashiding like Sinon Monastery. Tso-Nim-Dawa (Pokhri Danra) Hungri Monastery and Pao-Hungri. The Paha Khola falls on the way to Kongri is worth visiting. The wild beehive on the side of the falls makes the visit more interesting. Its is also a point for the trekkers visiting Kasturi Orar, adjoining Khangchendzonga (Dzongri) trail. One can also access to visit Jhang Lhari Nyingpo. One of the most sacred caves of Sikkim from Labdang.

Barsey

It lies at an elevation of 10000ft and has motorable road access upto Hiley. An easy 4 kms treak from there takes one up to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng of Dentam in West Sikkim. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at "Guras Kunj" trekkers hut.

Hee Burmiok

Bounded by Kalez Khola in the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit Khola in the East and Samdong reserve Forest in the South, Hee bermoik village in West Sikkim has a beautiful setting. Apart from many scenic spots, such as, Sirijonga Yuma Samyo Mangheem, (Limboo temple), Srijanga Cave and the Wadhan Falls, Shivalaya, Kailaspati and Alley caves, Pheng doji falls and Phur Cha-Chu (hot water spring) Legship , the area has a good deal of flora and fauna and flat lands suitable form developing golf courses. More than 65 species of birds have been located in the surroundings.

Norbugang

True to the prophecy of Tibet's founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, some nine centuries prior, three learned Lamas, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo, Nga-Dak Sempa Chenpo, gathered at Yuksam in 1642 from various directions and enthroned Chogyal Phuntsog as the first religious king of Sikkim. A stone throne shaded by a 300 year old fir still stands here today. A foot print in stone in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, and a nearby chorten (stupa) contains soil and water from all over Sikkim. Thus Yuksam occupies an important place in Sikkimese history as the first capital, and Norbugang as an historic cultural site maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. Norbugang is easily reached on a 15 minute walk from Yuksam.

Biksthang

A short distance from Pelling is the small hamlet of Biksthang. Also know as Chuchen and Mangalbaray, calm, serene and tranquil natural surrounding is the main attraction of Biksthang. It is a new and upcoming tourist destination in West Sikkim and you can watch the majestic Khangchendzonga and its lesser peaks standing tall from dawn to dusk on a clear day.



Legship

This gateway to western Sikkim, has a holy Hindu Shrine of Lord Shiva on the banks of river Rangit. A must visit for all tourists specially the Indian Traveller. The festival of the temple takes place in the month of November known as the Bala Chaturdesi. Legship also houses the first ever built dam in the state for hydro electricity purpose. The water accumulated in the dam is used for Rangit Water World and local folks come here for picnics and rafting.

It is bounded in the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of the Zemu glacier. The eastern boundary of this park comprises of the ridge of the Mountain. The southern boundary includes Mount Narsing and Mount Pandim. The western boundary comprises of the mighty Kanchenjunga which presides over its namesake park and the Nepal Peak. Being bounded by such formidable features, it is no wonder that the park has remained ecologically untouched and therefore has provided a natural protection to the flora and fauna it shelters. The fauna includes the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Baking deer and many other species. Many places in this park have perhaps never been trod by man and it is very likely that new species may be discovered here.
Sanctuaries in Sikkim
The Khangchendzonga National Park (High Altitude) extends from the cold desert of Lhonak valley and the ridges of Lachen in the North District to the historical place at Yuksom. The western boundary of the park runs along the international boundary with Tibet. The park Covers area of 1784 sq km. and occupies as much as 25.14% of the land area of Sikkim. This area lies within reserved forest and expect for a small Tibetan village community at Tshoka, there are no other village settlements inside the park. The park has spectacular wilderness with one of the world's highest peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forests. This park is the home to Snow leopard , Clouded leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Blue Sheep, Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Goral ,Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Impeyan Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Osprey, Lammergeier, Sunbirds etc.



Khangchendzonga National Park (previously named Kanchenjunga National Park) also Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a National Park and a Biosphere reserve located in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The park gets its name from the mountain Kanchenjunga (alternative spelling Khangchendzonga) which is 8,586 metres (28,169 ft) tall, the third-highest peak in the world. The total area of this park is 849.5 km2 (328.0 sq mi). There are many glaciers in the park including the Zemu glacier. Animals like musk deer, snow leopard and Himalayan Tahr all make their home in this park.

he park contains many mammal species including musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, wild dog, sloth bear, civet, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan blue sheep, serow, goral and takin, as well as reptiles including rat snake and Russell's viper.
Trekking

Most of the trekking routes start from Yuksom (145 km (90 mi) from Gangtok) in West Sikkim. Necessary Permit can be obtained from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation centre at Yuksom or from the check post. State Tourism Department along with other travel agents organize treks to Dzongri (4,050 metres (13,290 ft)) and other places. The popular trek routes are:

Yuksom - Tshoka - Dzongri
Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng - Goechala
Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng
Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding.

Lucanes Jakchen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake
Lachen-Thasngu (13,695 feet (4,174 m)) - Muguthang (16,000 feet (4,900 m)) - Thay La (17,000 feet (5,200 m)) - Khyoksa La (18,000 feet (5,500 m)) - Rest Camp - Green Lake.
Most of these trekking routes pass through the Khangchendzonga National Park.

Fambong Lhu wildlife sanctuary is located at a distance of 25km from Gangtok town, the capital of Sikkim. The famous Rumtek Monastery is located at the southeastern boundary. The snowy ranges of Kanchendzonga are clearly visible from Golitar the buffer area of the sanctuary towards northwest. Elevation starts from 1524 m and the highest peak Tinjurey, a triangular hiltop is at 2749m. The ridges further connect fambong Lho peak and Rogorathai peak. There are bridle paths constructed along the ridges up to Rumted peak. The main vegetation is Oak Quercus sp., 'Katus' Canstanopsis sp., 'Champ' Michelia sp., ' Kawlo' Machilus sp., ' Kimbu' Morus sp., thicket bamboo forests, ferns and a lone fir Tsuga dumosa at Tinjurey. In the lower reaches of the sanctuary there are tree ferns Cyathea sp. Rhododendron arboreum interspersed with 'Angeri' Lyanio ovalifolia is seen gregariously on high hills and saddles. The sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, mosses and lycopodium sp.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary translates to “Treasury of Medicines” is located in South Sikkim above Rabongla town and covers an area of about 3,500 hectares with its highest point being at Maenam. The sanctuary is home of many medicinal plants and shelters Red Panda, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, Barking Deer, Marbled-Cat, Leopard-Cat, Goral, Serow, Civet-Cats, Blood Pheasant, Blue necked Pitta, Sunbirds and many other animals of the temperate forest.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in Yumthang, North Sikkim. The sanctuary has wide variety of rhododendrons. Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. The sanctuary stretches from Chamzomei Tso upto Lava pass. The Yumthang Chu (river) flows through the sanctuary. The sanctuary houses around 40 species of Rhododendrons and shrubs. The rarest Banded Linsang (tiger-civet) was also spotted in this region. Lachung village is the last settlement before reaching this sanctuary. Government has forest rest house in this area, and one at Yumthang, which can be used for 1 or 2 days halt. This sanctuary also contains ground flora such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, saxifrages, poppies and aconites. Brown Trout were introduced into Yumthang Chhu at Phunyi in 1978 and have been flourishing since

Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary is located near Tsomgo Lake. Sanctuary is rich alpine flowers such as Premolars Rhododendrons and Poppies, and shelters wide variety of Birds such as redstarts, forktails, blue whistling thrush and wild animals like Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Lesser Cats, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Impeyan Pheasant. The blooming timing of the flowers are slightly varied in the region, after the blooming season sanctuary awaits its first snowfall. Many highly endangered plants with great medicinal value are found here such as Podophyllum emodii, Aconitum spp. and Nardostachys grandiflora. Visitors may expect to see signs of musk deer, serow, goral, common langur and the red panda in the higher ranges of the sanctuary. There are records of leopard and black bear too.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (West Sikkim) is located in west of Sikkim and stretches about 104 square kilometers to the north. The sanctuary was established in 1998. This sanctuary is home for all 600 varieties of Rhododendrons out of 1000 available in Sikkim. Sanctuary include Leopard Panthera pardus, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis, Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula, Masked Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Goral Nemorhaedus goral, Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak, Asian Black Bear Ursus thibetanus, Red Panda Ailurus fulgens, Crestless Porcupine Hystrix brachyura, and Himalayan Mouse- Hare Ochotona roylei. There are unconfirmed records of the Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus chanco and Wild Dog Cuon alpinus.

16/08/2012

HOMESTAYS :The Macmillan Dictionary describes homestay as a visit in which you pay to stay in someone’s house rather than in a hotel, hence however and whatever we want to elaborate, the meaning is sharing the house with the host. We must also understand that the kitchen under such circumstances is common and the same food is usually being cooked for the host family is shared. In the past, visitors considered this where there were no hotels or lodges in remote areas or in cities where hotels were packed and there used to be a high demand for accommodation.
The Homestay concept has undergone a great change. Today visitors seeking for Homestay bookings look forward to authentic local experiences. Forest dwellers living in the small hamlets within reserve forest areas in Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts have joined hands to initiate community based tourism to improve their socio-economic conditions. Hence, the qualities of homestays are also diverse infrastructure wise, but all of them confirm strong local experience. Even where there are hotels, resorts and lodges, a homestay with 01 or 02 rooms are always in demand for a particular category of tourists who look forward to the feel of the place and the people.
‘Homestay Lodge’ is a little beyond the Homestays, where the host due to continuous pressure of tourists, looks forward to the privacy for the family and hence because of need creates an infrastructure adjoining to the residence, managed and run by the family from home. The kitchen and dining here is dedicated for the visitors only but joined by the host. The number of rooms are usually between 03 to 06, but sometimes extends to 08. Though the size is that of a lodge, but being run by the adjoining home, the authentic local encounters are still retained.
The Homestays are easy to maintain, uses mostly local resources and are not affected to a big extend for bad seasons as the overheads are extremely low. This is also a pride for the host, as he can host his own family guests with a good standard. The Homestay also helps to upgrade the hygiene and living standard of the host family, giving better opportunities to the younger generation towards global exposure. The appreciation of the visitors for the local natural and cultural phenomenon gives a sense of pride to the host community.
What TOURIZM N HOSPITALITY Offer
There are 220 forest villages in north Bengal, out of which 20 villages have been identified, considering idyllic locations, where tourists can start visiting.
Around six lakh people reside in these villages. Tourists can stay in the guest houses of the forest villagers and enjoy the local cuisine and culture at close quarters. The beauty of this is that a tourist during his stay in a place among the local communities becomes a part of their lives. He can immerse himself in day to day lives of the local and indigenous people while helping them to preserve their environment and cultural heritage and thus get to know the locals at grass root level. Added to this, excursions to the forest, mountain and historical ruins can be arranged for them.
In the hills the selected hamlets include Mungpoo made famous by Tagore who visited the place for four consecutive times. There is an abundance of orange and cincona plantations. Located very close to it is Sitong, another hamlet famous for orange orchards.
In the Dooars, selected local villages like Buxa Sardar, Lepchakha, Lataguri and Kodalbasti have started their community based tourism.
People can say in the local homes while enjoying wildlife nature at Gorumara National Park, and other Sanctuaries. Buxa has attractions like Tiger Reseve, Buxa Fort, Rupam Vally, Lepchakha, Drukpa village where tourist enjoy traditional sports like archery.

11/08/2012

10/08/2012

exploring the offbeats in September : RIKISUM,SANTARABARI, LEPCHAKHAN, LINGTAM, DENTAAM, MARTAAM......

02/08/2012

Thanks for the like Debashish