LINGTAM
Lingtam is a small hamlet or a village located in the eastern part of Sikkim, India. Lingtam is basically a stopover on the way to Old Silk Route. Lingtam is perched at an altitude of (1524 meter) 5000 feet and is mainly known for its surrounding natural landscapes and view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. A small rivulet or Himalayan stream ‘Bakhuter Khola’ flows through Lingtam. ‘Khola’ means river. Before entering the famous Old Silk Route, Lingtam is the first check-post after crossing Rongli. The village of Lingtam is a sub-division of Rongli of East Sikkim. Lingtam is mainly known for its untouched natural beauty, authentic homestay accommodations and the warm hospitality of the local Sikkimese people (those mainly belongs to Bhutia, Rai, Tamang and the like communities). At Lingtam tourists can easily spend a day or two in absolute solitude far away from the busy life. For tourists those who cannot avail the full Silk Route trip can easily opt to spend two days at Lingtam and visit the others nearby places. One can immerse themselves in the surrounding greenery, flowing rivulet, the local village life and above all the stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and others at Lingtam.
Activities and attractions in and around Lingtam:
Lingtam being a small village on east Sikkim route has many things to offer to its tourists. As in and around Lingtam there are many local attractions and activities to experience.
- One of the prime attractions of Lingtam is the Kui Khola falls located at distance of about 56 meters. Kui Khola falls is on the way to Padamchen from Lingtam. Kui Khola falls is surrounded by thick natural vegetation from all sides and is an ideal place at Lingtam for nature lovers and photographers.
- The un-parallel scenic beauty of Lingtam is a sight worth admiring. In a leisure day tourists can opt to sit back on a chair and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape of Lingtam with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges at its backdrop.
- Exploring the village of Lingtam is an adventurous activity in itself. On leisure day one can opt for a village trail and explore the daily lifestyle of the local inhabitants of Lingtam. As Lingtam offers a unique offbeat travel experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion and adventure.
- Bird watching is another prime activity to try while at Lingtam. The village of Lingtam is inhabited by numerous species of birds and bird watchers and photographers can get ampule chances to spot these native birds at Lingtam. Apart from that the birds of higher altitude very often comes down at Lingtam during the winter making it more adventurous for bird photographers to spot these migratory high altitude birds at Lingtam in the winter.
- From Lingtam in a day tour tourists can easily visit all the local watchable of entire Silk Route namely Aritar (28 km via Rehnok – Rongli Highway and NH 717B), Mankhim (30 km via Rehnok – Rongli Highway and NH 717B), Padamchen (35 km via NH 717B), Zuluk (17 km via NH 717 B), Old Baba Mandir or Adi Baba Mandir (52.4 km via NH 717B), Lungthung View Point (35 km via NH 717B), Nathang Valley (45 km via NH 717B), Kupup Valley (48.3 km via NH 717B), Kui Khola or Que Khola Waterfall (56 km via NH 717B), Thambi View Point (31.2 km via NH 717B) and Yak Golf Course (50 km via NH 717B).
- From Lingtam is a day trip tourists can also opt to visit Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary located at a distance of 65.3 km away. The altitude of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary ranges from 1760 meter to 4390 meter (5770 feet to 14400 feet). Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary of East Sikkim. From Lingtam there is a trek route upto Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
- At Lingtam there are two monasteries namely ‘Lingtum Gompa or Lingtam Monastery‘ also known as ‘Upasana Mandir’, this is the old Gompa of Lingtam. And the other is ‘New Gompa’ or ‘New Monastery’. The periphery of both these two monasteries is full of Buddhist prayer flags along with lush greenery all around.
- For landscape photographers Lingtam is also an ideal place with the surrounding scenic landscapes and rising mountains along with the stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- At Lingtam tourists can opt to taste the local delicacies at Lingtam which are prepared organically. These authentic local delicacies of Sikkim are worth tasting. Some of these delicacies are Sha Phaley, Thukpa Gyathuk, Tongba (Millet Beer), Kinema and Gundruk, Phapar/ Kodo Ko Roti, Phagshapa and the Local Rice and Dal.
- Trekking enthusiasts can also indulge in trekking activity in Lingtam. From Lingtam few trekking trails has emerged those goes to different locations of East Sikkim and these trekking trails are worth enjoying.
How to reach:
By Air: There are two different airports from where Lingtam can be reached. The nearest airport to Lingtam is Pakyong Airport located at a distance of 46.4 km via NH 717A and NH 717B. From Pakyong Airport it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Lingtam. The other one is Bagdogra Airport located at a distance of 135 km via NH 10. From Bagdogra Airport it takes about 4.5 to 05 hours to reach Lingtam. Though Pakyong Airport is the nearest, but Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport tourists need to hire vehicles upto Rongli. From there one can reach at Lingtam.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail-head to Lingtam located at a distance of 127 km away. NJP railway station is well connected by good railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station tourists will get vehicles on reserved basis to reach Lingtam via Rongli.
By Road: Lingtam is well connected by good road networks with Siliguri located at a distance of 120 km. Apart from that Lingtam is also well connected by good motor-able roads with Kalimpong (70 km), Gangtok (75 km), Rongli (09 km), Jorethang (80 km via Melli – Nayabazaar Rd and NH 717B). From all these places tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Lingtam.
Best time to visit Lingtam:
Lingtam can be visited throughout the year. But it advised to avoid the monsoon season due to messy road condition. Summer April to May is best to enjoy the stay at Lingtam as during this time the temperature stay cool and pleasant. During winter the temperature drops below the minimum level making Lingtam chilly and very often during winters Lingtam also receives occasional snowfall. During spring season the climate remains very clear and comfortable. And tourists can also witness numerous species of flowers in full bloom.
YANGSEL RIVER RETREAT
Yangsel River Retreat is located at Lingtam and is basically a farmstay with terrace and garden. Yangsel River Retreat offers tourists with homestay type accommodations. Yangsel River Retreat has spacious rooms and are all valley facing. Yangsel River Retreat is set on an amazing location offering quick access to all the places. Yangsel River Retreat can easily be compared with a star category property. Yangsel River Retreat is set amidst tranquil and serene ambience with lush greenery all around. On a clear day Yangsel River Retreat offers breath-taking view of the surrounding landscapes of the eastern Himalayas.
Amenities available:
Spacious rooms.
Attached western toilet.
Geyser facility available.
24 hours running hot water.
In house dinning area.
Serve organic meals.
Pick up and drop facility available.
Arrangement of car for local sightseeing.
Doctor on call.
Tariff:
INR @ 1300/- per day per person.
Tariff includes both food and lodging.
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).
