Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is an incomparable hill resort of northeast regions of India and it is doubtlessly one of the most frequently visited places in India. Gangtok is situated on the ridge of a hillock at an altitude of 1,700 metre. It is very widely known and esteemed for its scenic beauty and striking views of the mount Kanchenjunga, 3rd highest peak in the world. The hill resort is about 110 km from Siliguri and it is very well linked with other important places of this region. With various cultures and religions thriving in perfect concord, Gangtok has proved that 'unity in diversity' exists in Sikkim. Sikkimeses possess firm bonding with their antique customs and traditions. Gangtok is emphatically not behind the rest of the places in the world in terms of modernization and urbanization. The town has broad roads, discotheques, educational institutes, fast-food centres, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, and all other advanced and modern comforts that the heart can want for.
Fast Facts
Weather:
Summer: 10 to 28 CWinter: -5 to 16 C
Best Season:
Sept - Jun
Getting to Gangtok
AIR
The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok. This airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can get connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Both are well connected with many cities in India and abroad. Helicopter services are available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, only once during a day. It takes about 20 minutes to cover one way journey.
RAIL
The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri, which is nearly 148 km away from Gangtok. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India.
ROAD
The Gangtok city is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Gangtok to Bagdogra (124 km) and to Siliguri (114 km).
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum and surrounded by beautiful lakes like Dal, Nagin and Anchar whose glittering waters reflecting the rays of the sun is a sight to behold. The vividly vibrant houseboats sailing along the scenic Dal Lake against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains makes Srinagar a dream destination for every traveler.The summer time (April to September) is ideal for sightseeing and is the peak tourist season with a maximum temperature of 30 C and a minimum well below 14 C. It is an excellent time to visit the lakes and beautiful gardens when the natural beauty of Srinagar is at its peak. The winters on the other hand is extremely cold, heavy rainfall occurs and results in road blockages and disrupting road and air connectivity with rest of the country.Srinagar is a popular tourist destination. The summers are excellent for visiting the lakes and beautiful gardens and the natural beauty is at its pinnacle during this season. The winters on the other hand is extremely cold and freezing and not suitable for holidaying. Heavy snowfall occur during the winters but results in road blockages and disrupting road and air connectivity with rest of the country.This city with almost a million inhabitants is most famous with the tourists for the houseboats that provide a scenic view of Dal, Anchar and Nageen Lake. The most perfect picture of a shikara is the florist's shikara, in which the florist carries varied flowers for sale. The town has some other splendid attractions, which in recent years have once again been open to visitors after long periods of being off-limits. Chief amongst these are two of the most revered mosques, Jamia Masjid, deep in the heart of the atmospheric Old City, and the lakeside Hazratbal. Another important Islamic place of worship is the Sufi shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, halfway up to the inaccessible fort.The most important Hindu temple is the Shankaracharya Mandir, atop a hill overlooking Dal Lake.Of the city's secular sights, options include the engaging Sri Pratap Singh Museum and the Mughal pleasure gardens that surround the lake, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Lake side views, magnificent sunsets, floating markets, verdant greens, authentic Kashmiri cuisine & hospitable locals are just some of the reasons why tourists from all over the globe flock to this 'Paradise on Earth'. Indulge in shopping for the famous Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts & last but not the least, enjoy some adrenaline rushing activities like skiing, trekking, white water rafting, paragliding, camping and Kayaking.
Fast Facts
Temperature:
Summer: 29.5 - 10.6 CWinter: 7.3 - -1.9 C
Best Season:
Throughout the year, though winter months can be quite cold
Getting to Srinagar
AIR
The city's airport is connected to different cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu and Leh.
RAIL
The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi which is connected to all major cities and places in India.
ROAD
Srinagar is connected by good motorable roads to all major places in India.Srinagar is:429 km from Amritsar630 km from Chandigarh876 km from Delhi293 km from Jammu204 km from Kargil398 km from Pathankot847 km from Shimla434 km from Leh
Tawang Tourism is an interesting outdoor deal for hikers and trekking enthusiasts coming from different parts of the world. Situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft. beyond the sea level, the traveling experience to Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, India may seem little tiring to you. The place is very adventurous and normally looks like a hill station and delicately shares borders with Tibet and China. Further, its assorted high altitude lakes hold you back to move ahead, but the natural enigma attached to the overall beauty of Tawang is so boosting that you actually feel like challenging your zeal and discover it at least once. However, the district was a centre of Tantric religion before emerged as a Buddhist Monastery 400 years old established by the monk Mera Lama, and is one of the biggest in India. Alternatively, known as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse', the Tawang Monastery is blessed with interesting displays. Such as Thangkas (Tibetan painting on cloth) and a mammoth size gaudy figurine of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) in the prayer hall. Further, there are over 100 lakes, waterfalls, deep valleys and mountains to cast a spell on you. Where the west of the Tawang when stretches over the horizon seems like a large prepared fire south on the end exposes the Tawanchu river engraving a deep chasm as it rages by. The snow covered peaks point towards the east and the craggy cliffs advances towards the north. The best time to visit Tawang is from April to October and is immaculate to discover some of the treasured manuscripts penned in gold. It is indisputably a serene and isolated retreat where over 500 monks meditate and advance Buddha teachings.
http://www.hellotravel.com/india/lahaul-spiti
Located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, this spectacular valley houses some of the ancient monasteries and natural wonders.Earlier there were two separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. But, presently, Keylong in Lahaul is the administrative head quarter. One can come to this place from Manali hiring some private vehicles.Lahaul is noticeable for the consistently high mountains and gigantic glaciers. Lahaul is a land of splendid Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti contain wonderful ancient murals, thankas, classic paintings, wood carving, and golden images of Padmasambhava. The cool and pleasant weather of this valley turns it into an ideal destination to arrange your trip during summer. Monsoon in Lahaul is not so heavy but turns the valley into more wonderfully decorated vicinity with green grass and alpine flowers. For trekkers and climbers summer is an ideal season to enjoy a long and unbroken move in soothing sunshine to experience the wilderness and scenic beauty of the inner Himalaya.The geographical character of Lahaul and Spiti valleys are quite different. Spiti is more barren in comparison to Lahaul. It is like a common mountain desert type area. It has an average annual rainfall of only 170 mm.
Fast Facts
Temperature:
Summer: 20 - 30 CWinter: 0 - 24 C
Best Season:
Jun - Sep
Getting to Lahaul-Spiti
AIR
Bhuntar (Kullu district) has the nearest domestic airport for Spiti. From here tourists need to book either a bus or take a taxi for Spiti. The nearest international airport is at Delhi.
RAIL
Jogindernagar has the nearest railhead but the place has limited connectivity. Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest broad gauge railway station and are well connected to most of the cities. Direct buses or taxis can be hired for Spiti from these places.
ROAD
Buses are available from Chandigarh, Shimla and many other places around Lahaul and Spiti.
Important Tourist Destinations
Tabo
The ancient village of Tabo is located on the left side of river Spiti. The village is surrounded by hills. The village is the home to one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries. It is believed to be the next famous monastery to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet.
Kaza
The village is around 47 km from Tabo and 210 Km from Kalpa. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district are located here. The village is located on the bank of river Spiti. Kaza has a Hindu Temple and Buddhist Monastery.
Key Monastery
This is known as the largest monastery in Spiti Valley, located at a distance of 7 km from Kaza. The monastery was set up in the 11th century containing ancient Buddhist paintings and scrolls. Large number of Buddhist monks and nuns reside here.
Kibber
Kibber is known as the highest motor-able road in the world. It is around 18km from Kaza.
Pin Valley
The Pin Valley is known for its wonderful and prominent monasteries. The valley is known as the land of snow leopards and Ibex.
Chandratal Lake
The scenic beauty of this lake is breath taking. The entire lake is surrounded by snow and the water of the lake is blue in color. River Chandra runs close to the lake.
