📿Tashiding Monastery is believed to be the holiest monastery in Sikkim. The legend is that just the glimpse of Thongwa Rangdol Shrine (chorten) , washes away your sins. Seeing is cleansing here; no need to take a holy dip into a holy river. The walk up to the monastery is dotted with prayer flags . The carvings on the walls which lead to the complex are the Buddhist Chant-“Om Mane Padme Hum”. Tashiding means “The Devoted Central Glory”.
✨The magic vase & Bumchu festival:
The monastery has a sealed pot (magic vase) of holy water, which is taken out once in a year during the Bumchu ( Bum means pot and Chu means water) festival. This festival is celebrated on the 14th and 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. Buddhists from all over the globe come to attend this festival in which the sealed pot is opened by the monks and the water level is checked. Buddhists believe that the water level helps in predicting how prosperous will be the upcoming year. A full pot implies a prosperous year ahead. Low water level is a sign of famine. Dusty water indicates a year full of conflict and clash.
📍Tashiding Monastery - Location
This monastery is located at an altitude of 1465 m is built on top of a hill above the confluence of the Rathong Chu and Rangeet rivers, with the Mt. Kanchendzonga providing the scenic back drop. It is about 16 km from Yuksam, 40 km from Gezing via Legship. It is about 4 hours (100 kms) from Gangtok and about 1.5 hours from Ravangla (40 kms).
🏡Where to Stay:
Tashiding has very few accommodations for travellers. Sanu homestay and Rabney Hotel are some good places in Tashiding where you can stay. Otherwise you can also stay at Ravangla (Barfung Retreat) which is about 1 hour from Tashiding.
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Jordan Lepcha, a skilled bamboo craftsman from Sikkim, is set to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award for 2024 in the field of art (craft-bamboo). This is a well-deserved recognition for his dedication to preserving and promoting the ancient Lepcha tradition of bamboo weaving.
Lepcha, fondly known as the “Lepcha Maestro,” hails from the Lower Lingdong village in Mangan district. For over 25 years, he has been tirelessly working to keep the craft of weaving traditional Lepcha hats, called “Sumok Thyaktuk,” and other bamboo items alive. These hats are not just mere fashion accessories; they are steeped in cultural significance, often adorned with stories of historical events, family values, and popular Lepcha folktales.
Lepcha’s meticulous attention to detail and use of natural materials sourced locally have earned him recognition not only within Sikkim but also across India. His bamboo hats, which take about a month and a half to complete, can cost anywhere between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 25,000. He also creates everyday items like mugs and hair clips, showcasing the versatility of bamboo as a sustainable and beautiful material.
The Padma Shri award is a fitting tribute to Lepcha’s exceptional contribution to the art of bamboo weaving. His dedication and skill have ensured that this ancient tradition continues to thrive, adding a touch of cultural magic to everyday life in Sikkim and beyond.
• Lepcha started learning the craft of bamboo weaving from his grandfather at the age of 12.
• He has participated in numerous exhibitions and workshops across India, showcasing his skills and promoting Lepcha culture.
• Lepcha’s work has been featured in several documentaries and articles, raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional crafts.
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Cleanliness drive at Bulbulay, Gangtok with the Tourism Stakeholders of Gangtok, Sikkim on National Tourism Day 2024. 25th January 2024 successfully completed.
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Lachung Monastery offers a unique blend of spiritual and cultural experiences for visitors to North Sikkim. Its serene ambiance, rich history, and architectural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists and spiritual seekers alike.
Lachung Monastery is open to visitors. However, the best time to visit is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the views are breathtaking.
Lachung Monastery is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the charming landscapes and rich cultural heritage of North Sikkim. Its spiritual significance, architectural beauty, and fascinating history make it a truly remarkable place to experience the essence of Sikkim’s Buddhist culture.
Follow @ourguestdiary for authentic travel experiences 🏔️
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🏔️ Muguthang, a picturesque tourist destination in North Sikkim, was unfortunately affected by a devastating flood in October 2023. The flood, triggered by a glacial lake outburst, caused widespread damage to the region, washing away houses, bridges, and roads.
🏔️ The rising water levels forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in temporary camps. The Indian Army, Air Force, and other disaster response agencies worked tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and provide relief materials.
🏔️ The impact of the flood on Muguthang has been significant. The once-thriving tourist destination is now grappling with the task of rebuilding its infrastructure and livelihoods. Many local businesses have been destroyed, and the tourism industry has suffered a major setback.
🏔️ However, amidst the devastation, there is also hope. The people of Muguthang are known for their resilience and determination, and they are already working hard to rebuild their lives. The Indian government and various NGOs are also providing assistance to the affected communities.
🏔️ It is still too early to say when Muguthang will fully recover from the flood, but there is no doubt that the spirit of the people will not be broken. With time and support, Muguthang will rise again, stronger and more beautiful than before.
Follow @ourguestdiary for authentic travel experiences ⛰️
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⛰️⛰️Lachung, a quaint village, is home to several tourist attractions, including the 19th century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards.
The area also features Mount Katao 🏔 and the Yumthang Valley's 🌺🌺Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which safeguards various species of rhododendron.
The valley also boasts waterfalls, pine forests, and hot springs, making it a desirable destination for adventurers and those interested in Sikkimese culture.
One can trek up to the Yumthang Valley or engage in other exciting activities while in Lachung
🗓When to Visit?
The village has pleasant weather all year round, but the best time to visit is between March and July when the village is relatively warm and dry. However, if you are a snow enthusiast, visit Lachung during winter when the region transforms into a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall.
Where to stay: There are many homestays and hotels for stay.
OG recommended homestays:
🏡Ourguest Camp (this one's an exception, it's a glamp/camp)
🏡 Dug Cottage
🏡Bichu Homestay
🏡Zangmu's Homestay
🏡Keerong Cottage
🏡Golden Fish
🏡Padma House
It's important to note that you need a permit from the government to visit Nathula Pass and Lachung.
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Timelapse of Gnathang top looking down at zuluk and kanchendzonga.
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Video credit @_riinchendorji
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#gnathang #zuluk #dzuluk #kanchendzonga #timelapse #clouds #whereisnortheastindia #ourguestdiary
📍Do-Drul Chorten, Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim.
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A glimpse into our Heritage and Culture walk.
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🐈⬛This one-of-a-kind experience goes beyond typical sightseeing, providing an insider's look into the city's history and culture.
🐉Traverse through the city's old town, explore forgotten corners, and immerse yourself in the unique combination of past and present that makes Gangtok so special.
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📩DM us for queries.
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📲 Call us at 7669503993 | 9734813101
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"Nakima"
🏵Edible flower with medicinal properties.
"Pork-nakima",
"Churpi-nakima" pc @kitchensalubrious
Okay, a wild flower vegetable/ orchid vegetable.
Bitter-sweet aftertaste. Warm. Nostalgia.
🥗It's popular in Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan.
In Sikkim, the flowers are eaten in curries and pickled. In Bhutan, it's often cooked with meat.
From around mid-September, the bitter tasting orchid vegetable can be found blossoming near the base of the plant, resembling asparagus shoots, usually in green-purpleish color.
First batches of these flower veggies start off with cost price of Rs 500-600/- per kg, simmering down with time. By November, the magic is over, we'll until next year.😌
🪻The flower has therapeutic properties and holds promise for increased popularity among consumers.
Research has shown that this plant is easy to cultivate and has high nutritional value, with notable protein and fiber content. It has a low sodium to potassium ratio, which can help reduce high blood pressure.
🏔Nakima is part of Himalayan kitchen, a core memory of mountain children.
Be sure to taste Nakima when you're traveling to Sikkim/Bhutan.
Save the reel for now.
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The Ourguest team visited Imran Cafetria in Khayam chowk, Srinagar and we were clean bowled (world cup fever) by the delicious Kashmiri kebabs. The kebabs (visible from the road and impossible to ignore) were succulent and marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt. It tastes best when it is had fresh with roti or naan.
Picturesque green meadows, lakes and traditional art forms are undoubtedly the greatest attractions in Kashmir but the mouth-watering delicacies and exotic recipies also play a vital role in mesmerizing the tourists and all their senses.
Several different cultures, including the Persians, Mughals and Central Asians, have left their mark on the cuisine of Kashmir.
Kashmiris eat a lot of rice and meat, especially lamb, as these are the two most commonly consumed foods. As a result of the extensive use of spices and herbs, Kashmiri food has a unique flavor. Fennel, ginger, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon are some of the most commonly used spices in Kashmiri cooking. The fresh and natural ingredients used to prepare Kashmiri cuisine make it not only tasty but also healthy.
Kashmir is a wonderland not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its delicious cuisine.
Bon Appetit
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Grateful to all supporters
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Held in the spectacular Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India, the Ziro Music Festival is a four-day annual affair and one of India's premier outdoor music events. This Year, the event is on 28 Sept 2023 - 1 October 2023.
It is hosted by the indigenous Apatani tribe who are known for their rich traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources management and conservation.
The sustainable practice of using locally sourced materials like bamboo and employing local community members to host attendees is highly prioritized in the festival which also
empowers them to actively involve themselves in pushing the festival to success.
The festival was first organized in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty. Ever since its inception in 2012, the music fest has captivated the interest of myriad audiences, particularly globe-trotting music lovers and adventurers, and is aptly considered the largest non-pilgrimage tourist-attracting event in the state.
Various musical artists renowned nationally and internationally give live performances at the event.
The best independent music acts from across India and the world are engaged along with artists, artisans, and local youth groups through community outreach programs.
Apart from stage performances, attendees of this festival are welcome to explore the tribal cuisines, and handicrafts, and also participate in dance classes, tapestry making, indigenous music workshops, village heritage walks, trekking, birdwatching, and butterfly trails.
#ZiroMusic #Ziro #Arunachal #Arunachaltourism #Incredibleindia #Travelgram #Travel
#Wanderlust
Far from the maddening crowd and amidst the grandeur of nature,
Our Guest Travels brings you Munlom.
Translated as 'Blessing', Munlom Nature Resort is located in 'Gyathang', a village in lower Dzongu at an altitude of 5100 ft.
The property is constructed of materials all locally sourced with a minimal environmental footprint.
Monsoon only gets greener and better here.
Come experience the silence and peace of nature with Our Guest Travels.
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Join us for a magical adventure to Lashar Valley, North Sikkim. This year we will also be visiting the Yule Khangtse Glacier above Lashar Valley.
Group Departure dates: 18th July to 23rd July, 2023
To book the tour or for any queries, you can call us at 9733300414 or email us at [email protected]
The highlights of this year's group departure:
👉 Alexandra David Neel Cave - the first woman from the western world to set foot in Tibet.
👉 Yule Khangtse Glacier - An untouched glacier on top of the beautiful Shakaya Cho Lake
👉 Drukpa-Tsechi festival - A unique festival of the Dokpas, a Himalayan tribe
👉 OX-Bow Lake - A beautiful lake right near your campsite at Lashar Valley
LIMITED SEATS left...Book NOW !!
The above video of Gurudongmar Lake (North Sikkim) was shot in August. Did you know that the best time to visit Gurudongmar lake is in August?
Here is why:
1. In Spring time (March to May) it is believed the local wild Rhododendron flowers emit a certain fragrance that heightens the chance of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). During Monsoon season this is not the case.
2. There are much fewer tourists during that time so you get ample time to walk around and take some great shots
3. The transport and hotel rates are much cheaper. Maybe even the airline fares.
4. You can enjoy unique festivals like Pang Lhabsol which happens during end of August.
Only thing to watch out for are the roads from Gangtok to Lachen during monsoon but they are much better than a few years back. From Lachen to Gurudongmar lake, the roads are not affected by monsoon. So if Gurudongmar Lake and Lachen is in your bucketlist, do give it a shot in August
5. Also in August, the weather is quite pleasant and it isn't as cold as October to March
#sikkimdiaries #northsikkimdiaries #visitsikkim #mountains #lakes #gurudongmarlake #travel
🏔️ If you're planning a trip to Kashmir, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience! Here are our top 3 tips to remember:
1️⃣ Tipping culture: In Kashmir, it's customary to tip service providers such as hotel staff, drivers, and guides. Keep some cash handy for tipping to show your appreciation for their hard work.
2️⃣ Cost of transport: While taxis and hired vehicles are readily available in Kashmir, it's important to negotiate the cost beforehand. This way, you can avoid being overcharged and ensure a fair price.
3️⃣ Safety: Kashmir is a breathtakingly beautiful destination, but it's always important to prioritize safety. Be sure to research any areas that may not be safe for tourists and always take necessary precautions.
🌟Ready to explore this stunning destination with OurGuest? Book your tour now and leave the planning to us!
#OurGuest #OffbeatTravel #KashmirTour #TravelTips #BookNow
