Pakyong: A Paradise Waiting to be Explored with the new UDAN Scheme Connectivity!

If your spirit is being pulled by the call of the mountains then, Pakyong is your place to be. Situated in the district of east Sikkim, the town is located at an altitude of 3650 feet bordering Tibet & Bhutan. The recently built Pakyong Greenfield Airport developed under UDAN scheme will save you from burning a hole in your pocket & a full day of travelling as compared to the previous flight route from Bagdogra Airport, near Siliguri. 

A safe haven for nature lovers, Pakyong is surrounded by meadows dotted with tall conifer and pine trees, terraced paddy fields & mountain peaks. The view of the town’s fluttering religious flags peeking from lush greenery binds you to its simplicity & serenity. With agriculture being the main source of income, Ginger & Dalle Khorsani (indigenous species of chilies) are cultivated on a large scale in the region.

Home to several ethnic groups like Nepalese, Lepcha, Bhutias & Marwari, Pakyong is, without a doubt, a cultural melting pot and equally diverse in spoken languages. Festivals too are aplenty including Diwali, Holi, Makar Sankranti, Christmas, Easter, ‘Eid, and Buddhist festivals of Losar, Loosong, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, & Drupka-Tesh which also means, that you will never fall short of reasons to join in the celebrations and enjoy the local delicacies.

In contrast to the size of the town is the culinary culture here. From Marwari delicacies like Dal Bati Churma and Badam Halwa to Wanton, Thupka and Momos, everything here is easily available in the small restaurants located along the winding streets.

For the history buffs or souls that seek adventure & spiritual connections, the town offers places like:

• Changey Gumpa: Located on a hilltop, the monastery commands panoramic views of the hills & valleys below and, is the center of all Buddhist celebrations including the annual festival of Chaam or Masked dance. 
• Karthok Monastery and Monks’ Retreat Centre: Established in 1840 AD, this monastery occupies a very important part in the everyday religious life of the locals & houses esoteric relics handed down to the descendants of Saint Kathog Kuntu Zangpo.
• Wednesday Bazar: The Bazaar or haat (as it’s called in the local dialect) serves as a major lifeline of the Pakyong economy with vendors selling out local produce, handlooms, handicrafts & authentic cuisines to items imported from other parts of the country.

There’s also the Dikling mane-lakhang, Shivalaya Temple, Pacheykhani cave, Devi Mandi and the virgin valley, are also popular among tourists. This smallest hamlet in east Sikkim encompasses a universe of its own awaiting to be explored. So, get going! 

Looking for a chance the visit the North East? 

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