northeast

northeast

Tuesday, 19 December 2017 13:03

Orchid Glade

Sometimes the most unassuming place can be your best bet. And that’s exactly what this charming place is all about. It’s a 50-year-old timber house refurbished into a cozy home with four lovely bed-rooms that’s known for its excellent bed and breakfast service. Set in a garden surrounded by bamboo grove and it can remind you of your home. Rightly so, it’s ahomeawayfrom home that lets you be. Once you check in be assured of care and comfort especially with an owner like SailashPradhan who passionately supervises the running of this place and ensures utmost care for every guest.  Even if guests decide to bring their furry four-legged, the place will more than welcome them provided an advanced notice is given at the time of booking.

The four-rooms are cozy with generous use of wood that lends warmth and style. Well-maintained, homely and comes with functional and good amenities that spell comfort. Should guests like to cook, the shared kitchen comes handy and there is always help available.Some of the comfort that this place guarantees are impromptu services deepening on the weather, or your mood. When it gets too cold and chilly in winter, enjoy a bone fire. If you feel like a local food, the cook will happily lay it out for you. There are also cars on request should you want to hire to explore the city.

Located in the Gangtokin the central neighborhood area and within walking distance of Enchey Monastery. Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery and Phensang Monastery are just an easy car ride from the bed and breakfast.

Dining

Thein-house restaurant is equipped to handle all kinds oftaste buds. From delicious and wholesome local food to North Indian flavors, guests love the simple flavour dished out with love.

LOCATION:

Bagdogra Airport is only 78 km
Siliguri Junction Railway Station is only 114 kilometres
Development Area, Jeewan Theeng Marg, Gangtok 737101

Tuesday, 04 July 2017 14:18

Summit Norling Resort & Spa

The winding road with a picturesque backdrop leads one to Summit Norling Resort & Spa, a four-star luxury resort, which is situated at the head of a secluded valley on the North of Gangtok city. The three-acre resort allows one to enjoy the best of Sikkimese hospitality – there are lush green lawns, a meditative pathway with a peaceful sound of the waterfall inside the resort, haiku-like bamboo grove and nibbling fish in the pond. The subtle design of the resort brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of the tranquil location.
“Sikkim at its finest” is how Summit Norling’s experience can – and should – be described. The staff is warm, helpful and generous and happy to create informal itineraries should guests want suggestions to explore Gangtok. The pristine environs of Gangtok allow outdoor activities to be experienced, something that the resort can organise easily for guests. Here’s a resort where prestigious luxury accommodation meets exemplary service and cuisine in the context of a perfect setting to simply relax, indulge and rejuvenate; a place where guests receive the warmest welcome and indulge wholeheartedly in the sense of occasion presented by lavish surroundings.

Rooms

From the four Chalet rooms that are ideal for a romantic weekend getaway through to the self-contained seventeen premium rooms, Summit Norling has everything for the discerning traveller. Each Chalet room retains architectural features and gives a 180-degree panoramic view of the beautiful valley from the private balcony. The premium rooms are elegantly appointed with refined and sophisticated furniture that are spacious and comfortable ensuring a tasteful experience for guests even as they relax and unwind here. The Chalet rooms, with their warm and earthy tones, are inviting and so comfortable, and the interiors done in fine wood, offer picturesque valley views. The Chalet rooms offer en-suite bathrooms as well, which are equipped with premium quality personal care products.

Dining

The multi-cuisine restaurant at the resort is called Tsomgo, which means ‘source of the water’ in local dialect. It is also the name of a lake that is 38 km from Gangtok. The lake, for the record, is associated with many myths and legends, and revered by the Sikkimese as sacred. The resort’s dining experience, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say, is nothing short of sublime and sacred. The restaurant serves a wide section of cuisine, appetising, tasty, wholesome and hearty. The Northeastern cuisine is diverse and Sikkimese cuisine is considered topnotch in terms of quality and taste. You can sample a wide variety of local cuisine at Tsomgo.

Experience

The resort organises fun evenings for guests by way of bonfires, barbeque evenings and games to allow guests to unwind. For those who are health conscious, there’s a well-equipped gym that overlooks the green expanse. It’s a subliminal experience especially for those of us who hit the neighbourhood gyms that are boxed, claustrophobic and chaotic. Gangtok, on its own, is thoroughly charming and full of grace. The fine architecture of Rumtek monastery, one of the largest in Sikkim, which closely resembles the original 12th century one in Tibet, is an invitation to the spiritual even as Ganesh Tok, a temple devoted to the elephant-god, its path hoisted with Buddhist flags, is a lesson in oneness. Tourists don’t miss places of interest, such as Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Temi Tea Garden, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Banjhakri Waterfall, MG Marg and Do DrulChorten. You shouldn’t too!

Location

Summit Norling Resort & Spa, Rongay, Near Central Jail, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

http://www.summithotels.in/summit-norling-resort-hotel-spa-gangtok

Tariff

INR 7000 onwards, exclusive of taxes; Chalet rooms start at INR 9,000 onwards

Getting there 

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop.

From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Summit Norling Resort And Spa

Tuesday, 04 July 2017 14:17

Summit Newa Residency & Spa

The town of Pelling is bestowed with abundant blessings of Mother Nature. Besides the pristine air that one breathes, everything else, from the lush green mountains to the breathtakingly gorgeous waterfalls, and the numerous Buddhist monasteries, are inviting. The virgin territory, which is waiting to be discovered by more travelers, forms the base from where trekkers undertake numerous expeditions in West Sikkim. The area, bathed with alpine vegetation, which is covered sometimes in snow in the winters, and the numerous waterfalls, which line the hillside, add to the appeal of this picture-perfect town.
It is in this town that luxury awaits you. Summit Newa Regency, a four-star luxury hotel in Pelling, West Sikkim, is majestic, adding its own charm to the scenery of the place, with opulent views of the Kanchenjunga. It’s Himalayan magnificence at its best if you decide to stay in Summit Newa Regency. With its impressive wood and red brick structure, Summit Newa Regency is a marvel that’s waiting to be explored. With its spacious interiors, fabulous rooms, and ample facilities, this is the hotel that should be your abode while you’re exploring Pelling. In the otherwise pristine wilderness, the luxury and comfort that this hotel provides allows one to celebrate and experience timeless beauty of this beautiful West Sikkim town.

Rooms

Simple, elegant, spacious – the hallmark of Summit Newa Regency is providing stylish comfort to its patrons. For those of you who want a quiet break from busy, chaotic lifestyles, a stay in Summit Newa Regency truly beckons. The rooms, both Deluxe and the Suites, offer inspiring views to mesmerize your senses while providing excellent amenities for your comfort. In the Suites, there’s a spaciousness that’s unparalleled, one that appeals to your senses, the moment one enters it. The large windows of the suites offer delightful views of the horizon. The interiors of the rooms are inviting – the wooden flooring exudes warmth, there are designated areas for writing (you are, after all, bound to feel inspired to write watching these gorgeous vistas), for having your coffee and tea, for keeping your clothes. The tall windows allow for natural light to stream in gently. The bathrooms are spacious with complementary toiletries and other amenities. These are rooms that are fit to be your home for as long as you vacation; rooms that offer views, offer relaxation and ensure you are comfortable.
While the rooms are comfortable and spacious, the common areas of the hotel – an outstretched terrace, lobby area, entertainment area, spa, dining areas, among others, have been thoughtfully designed. In fact, all the properties of Summit Hotels and Resorts are disabled-friendly with ramps created in places for easy access to all guests. 

Dining

Rabdentse, named after the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, is the name of the multi-cuisine dining restaurant of Summit Newa Regency. This is where patrons are served a range of delicacies, local cuisine of Sikkim but also, if guests want, hot paranthas, delicious chowmein and hakka noodles, melt-in-the-mouth dimsums, curries, dals, and numerous other vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. There’s round-the-clock room service, and nutritious breakfast is served here. For those guests who might have special preference in meals, the chefs are accommodating and will serve you well.

Experience

The in-house spa of the hotel is an invitation of sublime luxury. There are treatments catering to guests who want to relax, unwind or ensure banishment of certain ailments. Experts at the spa personalize the treatments based on individual concerns – the well-appointed treatment rooms are equipped with the best quality products and the treatments are given by those who are seasoned and professionally trained for spa services.
While the hotel offers an unparalleled experience for those visiting Pelling, the place in itself is enchanting. Blessed to have pleasant weather for most part of the year, an exploration of Pelling will take you to ancient monasteries, some of them dating back to the 17th century. There are monasteries, rock gardens and waterfalls, for instance, which are waiting to be explored at nearby Rimbi. There is the imposing Kanchenjungha falls, the quaint Singshore Bridge, the Chhange Waterfalls, the Khecheopalri lake, which is considered holy to Buddhists. A trip to the ancient Pemyangtse monastery beckons and other locations, which are close to Pelling are Yuksom, Rinchenpong, Dzongri and Hee Burmiok.
For those fond of adventure, activities like white-water rafting on the Rangit, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, sightseeing, traditional sports and bird- watching are trending in Pelling. Pelling’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for nice nature walks and small treks. If told in time, arrangements to go to these places can be arranged by the hotel.

Location

Pelling Rimbi Road, Lower Pelling, Near SBI Bank, Pelling City, Sikkim 737113

Tariff

Approximately, Rs3,500, exclusive of taxes, onwards

Getting there

Pelling is 115 km from the state capital Gangtok and about 135 km from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Regular jeeps connect Pelling to the towns of Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport.

Summit Newa Regency, Pelling

Tuesday, 04 July 2017 14:13

Summit Golden Crescent

From the prestigious brand of Summit Resorts & Spas comes a property that is rated among the best-rated experiences in Gangtok. Summit Golden Crescent is a four-star luxury resort located close to the heart of the city. The hotel offers all the services which are ideal for guests, whether couples, adults, groups and / or business travellers. The hotel’s point of difference is its emphasis on appealing designs, a warm and welcoming environment with careful attention to details and personal service. The architecture of this hotel is awe-inspiring, especially with its fabulous stone structure and sloped roofs, an invitation to quiet, understated luxury and the overall essence of this property is to let guests soak in the experience of warm Sikkimese hospitality. 

Rooms

All of the 28 executive rooms and suites have their own distinctive style and are complimented with eclectic furniture. The décor’ is a celebration of contemporary art and design with inspiration that has been sought from traditional Sikkimese art and architecture. While there are several well appointed rooms, the piece de resistance is the Presidential Suite at Summit Golden Crescent, which has the finest, most chic décor with elements consisting of classy wooden architecture, a very graceful living room, an extravagant master bedroom attached with a dressing area, powder room, and a lavish bathroom packed with high quality personal care products and a Jacuzzi. It’s private, elegant, super luxurious, with even bedding that has been master-crafted for a wonderfully uplifting experience. One must note that Summit is anyway regarded as a specialist in luxury bedding, thus, there is no compromise on offering guests quality bedding products – any surprise then that the comfortable pillows and duvets allow one to have an exceptional sleep experience. Guests can choose from architectural marvels that have been created here by way of executive rooms, suites, family suites and the presidential suite.

Dining

Yuksom, the fine-dining restaurant in the resort is named after the first capital of Sikkim. Start a conversation with any of the servers in the restaurant and they will be happy to tell you about the special religious and cultural significances of Yuksom, of the bygone eras, the stories of bravery and how people of this land protected their kingdom. Many of the recipes, signifying the cultural importance of Yuksom, passed down generations have been painstakingly recreated in the dining room of this resort. From traditional Sikkimese food to the latest in the food trends, Yuksom delivers it all from its kitchens to the dining table.

Experience

Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of birds tweeting, the gentle rustle of the leaves on the trees, the calming touch of the morning breeze on your face, the moist dewdrop on grass gently caressing the soles of your bare feet… imagine views of the majestic mountains in the backdrop, the rising sun being the balm for your soul even as you perfect a yoga pose against this magical setting… At Summit Golden Crescent, there are several experiences waiting to be savoured. While the early, misty mornings should not be missed, there’s so much more you can experience here. The spa treatments in the well appointed treatment rooms are a delight, soothing your tired nerves and getting you rejuvenated again. But there’s the ultimate experience of relaxation that shouldn’t be missed – sit inside the lush green lawns of this resort, the silence broken by the chirping of birds, the aroma of richly brewed coffee, of watching the sun go down and enjoying the changing colours of the skies with a nicely curated cocktail in hand or, simply, a nice candlelight dinner with your loved one. Privacy, discretion, luxury and serenity, these are experiences you should indulge in while staying at the resort.

Location

Summit Golden Crescent Resort & Spa
Near Sichey Co-operative Taxi stand, Lower Sichey, Gangtok, Sikkim – 737101
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Tariff

INR 4,500 onwards, exclusive of taxes

Getting there

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop.

From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Summit Golden Crescent Resort and Spa

Tuesday, 04 July 2017 14:12

Summit Denzong Hotel & Spa

Summit Denzong Hotel & Spa is very close to M.G. Marg, one of the most important areas of Sikkim. The location is what makes Summit Denzong absolutely marvelous – its proximity to some of the most important landmark sightseeing destinations of the capital city. For business or leisure travellers looking for accommodation in close proximity to the centre of the city, Summit Denzong is ideal for guests to experience the local living with luxury in this beautiful city. Take a stroll to M.G. Marg or just sit and relax on a bench at this boulevard square, wherein an array of restaurants and bars are located, this is one hotel that is primed to set a new standard in style, service and contemporary elegance.

Rooms

The hotel offers 70 guestrooms, looking out to the stunning panoramic vistas of the city and the remarkable Kanchenjunga range. Each of the 45 Deluxe rooms, four Suites and 21 Family rooms are designed with contemporary elegance and style combined with the warmth of Sikkimese hospitality to make your stay comfortable and memorable in this mountain state. While each of the 45 deluxe roomsare fully equipped and stylishly decorated, offering the perfect blend of space and luxury, the layout of the rooms, with special emphasis on spaciousness and comfort, ensures you a relaxing stay. While the deluxe rooms are ideal for business travelers, the family rooms are ideal for large families.  But it’s the suite room that’s the piece de resistance. A paragon of outstanding luxury and privacy with breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range and the Gangtok city, this is designed for travellers looking for more than luxury. Each of the four Suite room features luxury amenities and facilities with the finest and most chic décor consisting of a classy wooden architecture, graceful living room, an extravagant master bedroom and a lavish bathroom.

Dining

Rated among the finest restaurants in Gangtok, the in-house restaurant of this hotel serves the most sumptuous multi–cuisine preparations with the finest of Indian, Continental, and Oriental cuisines to impress all your senses and tantalise your tastebuds. If you are looking for a range of texture, taste, different style and levels of cooking, the highly proficient chefs of the hotel will match up to your expectations. The kitchen of this hotel prides in getting the freshest produce, using local ingredients for some of the delicacies that are served here and even getting organic vegetables and raw material for dishes that are superlative in taste, offering a fabulous experience.

Experience

The capital of the state of Sikkim, Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique ambience which comes from its happy blend of tradition and modernity. If there are stupas and monasteries, there are also nightclubs and party hangouts. If there are local bazaars that still manage to lure the tourists there are also the glitzy malls. The beautiful hill town, this is one place that many tourists combine along with a visit to Darjeeling because despite all the development, Gangtok is one place that continues to retain its charm and peace with residents who come from a mix of different cultures and ethnicity. Spread over a forested mountain that faces the Kanchenjunga snow peaks, there are many vantage points in and around Gangtok from where you get magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan snow peaks. In fact every spur extending from this hill town offers a setting of a great sight. If M.G. Marg, where the hotel is situated, is the main hub of Gangtok, stretching into an open promenade area of sorts, from Rumtek, a short distance away from Gangtok, the perfect views of the city can be experienced. It is easy to be absorbed in Gangtok what with great view points, monasteries, gompas with awesome architecture, museums, gardens, waterfalls, lakes and pools, adventure activities and so much more.

Location

Summit Denzong Hotel & Spa, Kazi Road, Near Power House, Gangtok, Sikkim – 737101

Tariff

Approximately Rs9000 onwards, exclusive of taxes

Getting there

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop.

From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Summit Denzong Hotel

Friday, 19 May 2017 13:38

Terrace Valley Clarks Inn, Gangtok

Terrace Valley Clarks Inn is an elegantly designed, super deluxe luxury resort in Gangtok, which is headed by a professional hotel management team of industry experts. Home to green hilly terrains, a breathtaking landscape with misty foothills, with perfect views of the Himalayas, and clean, crisp air, this is a property that combines comfort, luxury and a sense of coziness, all at once. Visitors won’t be disappointed given the natural setting of the place that makes it even more endearing – elegantly decorated rooms get an edge with the natural setting – a river valley with views of green paddy fields, the sound of mountain lakes in the distance, the enchanting wilderness, it’s all here.

Rooms

The hotel has 53 elegant rooms that boast of plush but understated interiors. The amenities fulfil every box that should be ticked in any good resort of repute.  Aesthetically designed and tastefully furnished, with the latest facilities for the well-travelled visitor, most of the rooms offer fabulous views of Kanchenjunga. There’s something else that sets apart this resort from the others – a room for the physically disabled. While many hospitality chains are already looking at potential target consumer who may be disabled, it is worth mentioning that Valley Clarks Inn has created a room specifically for the disabled – with better facilities in the room and easier access to the areas of the disabled friendly resort, including conference room, spa and other areas.

Guests can also choose from deluxe rooms, deluxe view rooms, super deluxe and luxury suites, which allow guests to relax comfortably. In fact, those who have experienced staying in these rooms will agree that staying in this resort is like experiencing Switzerland amidst verdant views of the rolling hills and clear, blue skies.

Dining

Clarks Inn boasts of quite a few places, in house, for its patrons to unwind and relax. Whether you’re a business traveller or vacationing with family, a trip to Bailey, the resort’s multi cuisine restaurant is a must. With 90 covers, the restaurant serves delicious food that’s prepared with care. There’s also the bar, Lashkush, which has 20 covers, a place for relaxed quiet evenings, offering magnificent views of the courtyard. The bar area serves an array of snacks, exotic cocktails and delicious mocktails. It’s here that you can sit back and unwind with a nice drink in hand. For corporate events or family events, there’s Mandala, the banquet hall while Luniva, the conference hall, is another area that’s perfect for banqueting, conferencing, seminars, weddings, dinners and private parties. While the food and drinks are available in all these locations, you can also opt for the courtyard area, an inviting area with ample greenery, blossoming flowers where live evenings of folk songs are organised to help you unwind in the best possible way.

Experience

Terrace Valley Clarks Inn curates a range of experiences for its patrons: Imagine outdoor camping with delectable cuisine; the views of the setting sun in the horizon as the chefs get the riverside barbeque ready for the evening party; munching on sandwiches and snacks after a round of angling and other outdoorsy activities. A short distance away from some of the more enchanting monasteries, including Enchey, Phodong and Rumtek, Terrace Valley Clarks Inn is the perfect destination in itself for those visiting Gangtok.

Location

Terrace Valley Clarks Inn,
NH-10, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
http://www.clarksinn.in

Tariff per night

Rs 4,000 onwards, per night

How to reach

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop. From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes. However, their services depend on the weather conditions. Chopper flights also get cancelled on the pretext of insufficient bookings.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kms away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Road/Self Drive

Tourists rolling in from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata prefer to drive to Gangtok. The roads are well-maintained, except in a few places.

Friday, 11 August 2017 13:37

Mayfair Spa Resort, Sikkim

This resort sits on a mesmerising green hillside offering a view of the world-famous Rumtek Monastery. In the early evening, you could sit out on a terrace overlooking the verdant green mountains all around. Or, you could spend your day doing a spot of monastery hopping around Sikkim. Set on a sprawling 48 acres of forest pine and woods, Mayfair Spa resort is a destination.

About 10 kms away from Gangtok, Mayfair Resort combines a subtle monastic theme with hints of traditional Sikkimese and colonial architecture. The design sensibility extends to all the 63 rooms that have modern amenities juxtaposed with oriental details, which is the hallmark of Mayfair’s architecture across all its properties in India.

DINING

Presenting the best dining destinations in town in exquisite settings with its signature genuine hospitality, Mayfair’s restaurants offer local delicacies, lavish buffets, spectacular drinks and breathtaking views from a beautiful tea lounge.
The four restaurants include Orchid, Rumtek Lounge, Jungle Café and Tonga Bar. Orchid is a spacious multi-cuisine dining hall with a décor that stresses on local traditional motifs and accents. The restaurant serves elaborate buffets across Chinese, Indian and Continental cuisines. Rumtek Lounge is a beautiful coffee shop with gorgeous views over the surrounding hills and the iconic Rumtek Monastery. For authentic Sikkimese food, Jungle Café serves mouth-watering local delicacies made from fresh local ingredients and organic produce that Sikkim is famous for. One can’t miss Tongba Bar, which serves scintillating concoctions with signature cocktails, getting rated as being the best amongst the bars in Gangtok.

FACILITIES

The charming retreat, besides providing spacious rooms for patrons who can choose from Grand Villa, Imperial Villa, Regent Villa, Suite, Crown Villa, Suite, Family Room, Cottage to Deluxe Room. The wooden flooring, tall glass windows, overlooking the green expanse, are a treat. For those who want to soothe the tired nerves, the in-house spa is your place to go to. The tranquil environs of this award-winning spa, complete with 12 therapy rooms offers an exhaustive array of facials, spa treatments, body massages and salon services. Many of the signature treatments are offered on cocoon-like dry floatation beds, which mimic the motion of sea waves on a beach.

EXPERIENCES

Forests drenched in mist and stunning views of the Himalayas welcome you to the enchanting town of Gangtok. Each season has its own charm in this alluring hill station. Spring brings bright sunshine and beautiful flowers while during the monsoons, everything looks fresh. When fall comes, you get some of the best views of distant mountains while there is nothing like a cozy vacation during a chilly Gangtok winter. Tourist attractions in town include Rumtek Monastery, Himalayan Zoological Park, Institute of Tibetology and MG Marg.

LOCATION

Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino
Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool 737 135, Gangtok, East Sikkim, India
Telephone : +91-9237500101
http://www.mayfairhotels.com/mayfair-gangtok/

TARIFF PER NIGHT

Rs 16,000 + taxes, and above

HOW TO REACH

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop. From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes. However, their services depend on the weather conditions. Chopper flights also get cancelled on the pretext of insufficient bookings.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kms away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Road/Self Drive

Tourists rolling in from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata prefer to drive to Gangtok. The roads are well-maintained, except in a few places.

BOOK NOW

Friday, 19 May 2017 13:35

Bon Farmhouse

This is a resort like no other. It is a home that’s serene, quiet, charming and responsible. Bon Farmhouse is a lovely place nestled amidst lush green cardamom forests, with acres of cultivated fields, tea gardens, and livestock for fresh milk and eggs. It’s a throwback to the village life, except it comes with more than just a hint of luxury, comfort and first class amenities. It’s the best way to experience the surroundings of Kewzing, a delightful southern district of Sikkim which is76 km from Gangtok, which in every sense is a treat to the eyes, a balm to tired nerves. At an altitude of 1700 meters, with the highest point being Maenam hill, Kewzing, when translated from Sikkimese Bhutia language, means Land of Wheat Fields. It is also called the Land of Chestnut Forest. The village, with a population of not more than 200 people, is blessed with nature’s bounty, the most vital being zero pollution. Home to some of the most exotic birds of Sikkim, the village is dotted with cardamom and tea plantations, and blessed (as locals would have you believe) with Buddhist monasteries on all the four sides.

Bon Farmhouse, the family-run place, nestled amidst these natural surroundings, fresh air and round-the-year lovely weather, promises to make your stay relaxing and peaceful, a nice breakaway from the din and bustle of daily life.

Rooms

Nothing short of an architectural wonder, this traditional homestay has hand-painted doors, a gentle reminder of the finesse with which doors in monasteries stand, wooden and bamboo interiors, and a rich-looking building set in grey stone. The farmhouse has a total of eight rooms, designed in traditional Sikkimese style, wooden furnished with all the modern amenities and attached bathrooms. The ‘log house’ suite, in fact, is newly built with local pine wood to add to the true experience of in living during natural surroundings. There are also ‘villa’ rooms, which have personal balconies with seating arrangements, offering stunning views of the mountain range. There’s also a separate ‘family cottage’ with two rooms, their verandas facing the magnificent Kanchenjunga.

Dining

Bon Farmhouse is a homestay and that’s the reason why you shouldn’t expect elaborate a la carte fare. That said, this charming abode makes the ordinary, well, extraordinary. The meals are freshly sourced from the farms that belong to the family, a reason why even the simplest food is nourishing, wholesome and tasty. You can have breakfast with a view – from paranthas to puri and sabzi to eggs, toast, porridge, fresh fruit while for dinner you can look at traditional Sikkimese food. The family serves only breakfast, dinner and evening snacks, no lunch.

Experiences

Bon Farmhouse provides various experiences and facilities, including guided tours for trekking, hiking, birdwatching and sightseeing tours around the nearby areas with vehicles. Don’t miss the experience of Dotho, the traditional Sikkimese hot-stone herbal bath. There’s nothing better than to inhale the fragrance of the woods in this village – a village and nature trail through the villages of Kewzing, Doling, Barfung, Bakhim and Mambru will get hikers to experience the rich and diverse vegetation of Sikkim. The walks are along plain ridges with undulating elevation making the walks easy and less tiring. One can also see the unique cultivation practices and varied range of crops planted by the farmers of villages. A good idea will be to take a night camp in the Maenam and Tendong hills of Sikkim. If the sunbathed hills and forests present a pretty picture in the mornings, the nights are balmy with starlit skies, quietude, and the sound of the wind on rustling leaves of trees. Imagine waking up the next morning to the first rays of the sun. It’s a nice idea to get into the kitchen of the farmhouse and learn to prepare delicious Sikkimese cuisines by the local experts.

Tariff

Rs 4,000 onwards, per night, exclusive of taxes

Location

Bon Farmhouse, P/O Kewzing Bazaar, Below Kewzing Monastery, Ravangla Subdivision, South Sikkim, Sikkim
http://sikkimbonfarmhouse.com/

How to reach

By Air: The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok is stunning with gorgeous mountains and River Teesta as your backdrop. From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes. However, their services depend on the weather conditions. Chopper flights also get cancelled on the pretext of insufficient bookings.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kms away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

Road/Self Drive

Tourists rolling in from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata prefer to drive to Gangtok. The roads are well-maintained, except in a few places.

Friday, 19 May 2017 13:33

Etho Metho

Promising the “true spirit of Himalayan hospitality”, Etho Metho (in the local dialect of Dzongkha the terms means rhododendron), nestled in the quiet, calming and green environs of Lachung, is one of the most friendly and comfortable resorts that you will encounter. Overlooking some of the most amazing views of the Himalayan range, the glorious snowcapped mountains and the clear blue skies for company, EthoMetho is the place where business travelers can unwind and those on family vacations can truly escape the mundaneness of their otherwise dull lives.

Situated 9,600 feet above sea level, Lachung will bowl you over with its pristine beauty – the mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, it is home to the 19th century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs.

Rooms

One must appreciate that many of the resorts, homestays and hotels in the northeast are challenging to maintain. Many times the region’s pristine villages are not always equipped with amenities and facilities. In these trying circumstances, many of the hotels, including EthoMetho are doing the best they can to ensure patrons of a superlative experience of being guests of the hotel. The property has 21 spacious and elegant rooms for you to choose from – guests can choose from standard double rooms, deluxe queen rooms and quadruple room with mountain views – all of them equipped with electric kettles, television sets, private bathrooms with amenities, including free toiletries, slippers, clean towels, among other amenities.

While all the basics are taken care of, the friendly manager is happy to organise anything else you might require.

Dining

A humble dining service serves scrumptious meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks. Complete with wooden interiors, and crystal chandeliers that add to the beauty of this area, the dining room is an inviting place for guests to experience. The buffet is laid out with care and there’s an a la carte menu separately. The meals are wholesome, nutritious and there’s the unmistakable fresh taste that’s hard to miss. The chef is happy to whip traditional Sikkimese cuisine, a must try for guests. A separate area of the dining room also houses a neatly stocked bar.

Experience

Lachung, in the local dialect of Sikkim, means “small pass”. At an altitude of around 9600 feet, it is approximately 125 kilometers from the erstwhile kingdom’s capital, Gangtok. Before the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950, Lachung was a trading post between Sikkim and Tibet, after which it was closed down. The town’s economy has been boosted by tourism in recent years as the region has been opened up by the Indian government. The tourist’s attractions are aplenty: Yumthang Valley, home to over 26 varieties of rhododendron is barely 45 minutes away from Luchang.  The perfect time to visit is anywhere between October and May. The valley’s very own ‘EthoMetho’ or ‘LaaliGuras’ is in bloom from mid-March until the summer end. There are some fabulous Sulphur hot springs, which according to locals, promote healing. For those fond of fishing, there’s nothing better than experiencing trout fishing in Lachung. The journey, of course, is incomplete without a trip to Lachung Monastery, which was established in 1880. Belongin to the Nyingma sect, it holds special significance amongst Sikkim monasteries.

Location

EthoMetho by RightClique, Shingring, Near New SBI Bank, Lachung, Sikkim 737120

Tariff per night

Rs 6,500 onwards, per night

Getting there

By Air: Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airport to this place. The airport is about 128 km away from Lachung. From the airport, you can take taxis or private buses to reach this magnificent city.
By Rail: Lachung does not have its own rail station. The nearest railways station is at New Jalpaiguri, which is approx 127 Kms far from Lachung. From New Jalpaiguri, you can take private or public transport service to reach Lachung.
By Road: Lachung has a good connectivity with all its nearby as well as major destinations though the road. The road transportation is quite well here. Direct bus services from New Jalpaiguri, and Gangtok enable the travellers to reach Lachung.

Wednesday, 22 February 2017 17:49

Yarlam Resort

Yarlam resort welcomes guests with Sikkim’s renowned warmth and hospitality paired with its unparallel charm. Overlooking the pristine mountains of Lachung, which is perched at an altitude ranging from 9000ft. to 12,500ft. and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, amidst the silver fir and the rhododendron forests,is the beautiful resort. It’s strategic location allows guests to explore Sikkim’s most fascinating nature.

Lachung is located at a distance of 120 km from Gangtok and all visitors who wish to visit lachung must spend a night in Gangtok. Yarlam resort, a 30-room wellness retreat is located on an elevated hill offering spectacular view of mountains and partly river flowing. In a place where it’s hard to find any hotels, this hotel is outstanding with proper amenities. All the rooms are spacious and aesthetically designed with generous use of wood exuding warmth and elegance. Since the temperature drops to a minimum during winter, heating is of utmost importance. There are heaters in all the rooms and electric blankets to ensure comfort for guests.

Yarlam’s spa is a place for personal peace, rejuvenation and wellbeing that features good treatments. Recreational activities in the form of table tennis, pool table, carom and a pretty lounge on the top floor are for guests’ comfort. For those who want to curl up with their book, the library on the ground floor is the place to be.
Dining: A wide variety of food is served in the restaurant, Guras. Expect a good selection of multi cuisine and along with local food provides a variety of comfort food.

LOCATION:

Airport in Bagdogra in North Bengal, 124 km from Gangtok.
Heli service is also available from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
Railway stations - Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km)

Tariff per night

INR 7,819 - INR11,427

Contact address:

Deorali Girls' School road, Gangtok-737102
Tel: +91 3592 281663
Mobile: +91 94343 30033/35
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.yarlamresort.com/