One thing that was vividly evident as we entered the state of Sikkim is the importance the state gives to cleanliness and order. Be it the hoardings about Swatchh Bharath Mission seen across the villages and towns, the beautiful balconies and window sills of local homes ornate with colorful blooms and potted plants, or the lane discipline followed on road.

The actual beauty of Sikkim strikes you as you get away from the hustle of the city. As you drive eastwards from Gangtok towards the district of East Sikkim, you quickly gain altitude to reach the formidable Nathula pass located at around 14000 ft above sea level on the Indo-Tibet border. Due to its proximity to the Chinese border, this region is always under military surveillance which makes your journey through this region even more exhilarating.

Proceeding on the mountain terrain southwards takes you through the ancient silk route which once connected Lhasa in Tibet to Tamralipta port in West Bengal. While it is quite common to see zigzag roads meandering through the mountains in Sikkim, your journey through the 32 exhilarating hairpin bends surrounded by lush green mountains and deep valleys in Zuluk is a view to behold. The icing on the cake is the view of the Eastern Himalayan Ranges.

Heading westwards from Gangtok, you enter the relaxing locales of Pelling in the West Sikkim District. What stands out in this region are the gigantic statues of Buddha and his incarnations perched on hills with panoramic views. The Buddha Park at Ravangla and the Chenrezig Statue with Skywalk at Pelling are a few places you should not miss visiting while in Pelling. This region also is the starting point to some of the popular treks in Sikkim.

One doesn’t fully arrive in Sikkim till they visit the North Sikkim District. Sikkim’s natural beauty amplifies multifold as you proceed northwards. Countless waterfalls greet you as you drive along the snaking road through the hills. The gushing Teesta river or site tributaries accompany you all along your journey till you reach Chungthang.

Kalapathar is a place you should visit if you wish to see snow irrespective of the season you visit Sikkim. True to its name, the only colors you see here are white and green. The jagged peaks towering high, as if to kiss the blue sky offer breathtaking views all around you.

Your farthest destination in North Sikkim is Gurudongmar Lake which is no less than a gem in the crown of Sikkim. As you drive northwards gaining more altitude, you pass through a rugged moonscape often finding your own path in the high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas. The magnificent Gurdongmar Lake glistens in its bluest glory with the backdrop of the snow-covered peaks.

As you take a detour from Chungthan in north Sikkim, you enter the colorful valley of flowers called Yumathang. If you are here during spring, you will be blessed with a massive stretch of rhododendron blooms and delicate primroses. If pine trees, colorful blossoms, and snow-covered peaks are your thing, the Yumathang will be your Mecca.

Dzongu region located in the resplendent Eastern Himalayan region is one of the best-kept secrets of Sikkim. Home to the indigenous Lepcha tribe, the Dzongu region is a protected area and needs a special permit for visit. While here, you find yourself living in perfect harmony with nature. The unobstructed view of the Kanchenjunga range from the vantage points in Dzongu is worth all the effort you take to visit this nondescript region.