Singtam Diaries: A Gateway to Scenic Tranquility

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What To Expect at Singtam?

Singtam is a quaint, tranquil town nestled in Eastern Sikkim. Here, you will experience a blended experience of thrilling adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. The charming Teesta River flows alongside Singtam, where you can try riverside picnics and white-water rafting. The Sumin reserve forest is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers. You can visit the serene Kali temple and the iconic Gadi Fort. You can also take some nature walks and witness the diverse flora by exploring the beautiful Saramsa garden.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

Best Time to Visit Singtam

Singtam can be visited at any time of the year, as each season here comes with different charms. Based on the type of experience you are looking for, you can choose your best time. The best recommended time is from March to May and October to November, as the weather remains clear during this time with vibrant cultural events and blooming nature.

Weather and Temperature of Singtam (Season-wise)

A detailed breakdown of Singtam’s weather and temperature is mentioned below-

Spring (March – April) comes with a refreshing and pleasant weather where you can witness clear skies and blooming flowers, vibrantly painting the landscape. The temperature ranges between 12°C – 22°C during this time, creating an ideal opportunity for you to enjoy nature photography, trekking and sightseeing.

Monsoon (July – September) comes with cloudy skies, heavy rainfall, along with lush greenery. The temperature ranges between 16°C – 25°C during this season. You must stay cautious as your travel can get interrupted by the roadblocks or landslides.

Autumn (October – November) offers golden foliage, clear skies and crisp air with the temperature ranging between 10°C – 20°C. It is the best season to enjoy a clear view of the mountains and take part in different festivals such as Duchen, Lhabab and Diwali.

Winter (December – February) comes with chilly early mornings and evenings. You can also witness occasional frost during this time, when the temperature ranges between 4°C – 15°C. It is an ideal time to enjoy a peaceful retreat in this quiet and calm season.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Singtam is a beautiful town situated in a district of East Sikkim, just 30 km away from the capital city, Gangtok. Located at an elevation of about 1,200 meters above sea level, it is placed near the convergence of two rivers, Ranikhola and Teesta, creating a charming river-valley terrain. It is a transit hub and the NH-10 connects the West, South and East Sikkim. Its charming beauty gets intensified by the serenely flowing Teesta River.

Attractions and Activities

Some attractions and activities to explore around Singtam are mentioned below-

Attractions

Teesta River- It is an attractive spot of Singtam where you can enjoy adventure activities, riverside picnics and scenic views.

Sumin Reserve Forest- This massive green stretch houses a beautiful Kali temple and the iconic ruins of the Gadi Fort, where you can enjoy spiritual visits, birdwatching and short hikes.

Saramsa Garden- This botanical garden is the abode of diverse flora where you can enjoy some picnic time or take nature walks with your friends and families.

Bermiok Monastery- You can enjoy a panoramic view and some peaceful time in this serene Buddhist site.

Activities

River Rafting-It is a seasonal activity which you can enjoy mostly in the months between March to May in the serene water of the River Teesta, which is especially popular for the Grade I and Grade II rapids.

Trekking & Nature Walks- You can enjoy short treks in the nearby hills and the trails of the Sumin reserve forest and try out activities such as forest photography and bird watching.

Photography- You can capture the ethereal beauty of the Teesta River, Sikkimese lifestyle and lush forests in your camera. The morning mists add to the charm of the beautiful landscape.

Spiritual Visits- You can enjoy some meditative sessions by visiting the serene Kali Temple and the Burmiok monastery and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit in Singtam:

Ranka Monastery- This is a peaceful monastery situated at a distance of 25 km from Singtam, where you can witness beautiful murals, charming views and peaceful surroundings.

Samdruptse Hill & Guru Padmasambhava Statue- It is situated at a distance of 40 km from Singtam, where you can enjoy some serene time in the spiritual ambience while witnessing the iconic 135-feet statue of Guru Rinpoche.

Rangpo- This border town is situated at a distance of 20 km from Singtam, where you can explore the serene Teesta River and the lively market.

Pakyong- It is situated at a distance of 28 km from Singtam, where you can enjoy the occasional cultural events, serene rural vibes and a beautiful airport.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

You will get to taste a blended flavour influenced by the Tibetan, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities in Singtam. The foods here are mostly fermented, simple and hearty by nature and prepared using locally grown ingredients in a traditional cooking style. Some of the recommended dishes to try out here include- Phagshapa, Gundruk & Sinki, Sael Roti, Chhurpi, Momo, Thukpa, Kinema Curry, Selroti with Aloo Achaar, Mesu, Dalle Khursani, Tama, Suja and Tongba.

Spiritual Exploration- It is a tranquil Buddhist monastery surrounded by beautiful prayer flags, spinning wheels and chanting monks. You can witness their daily rituals and enjoy some time in peace and serenity. It is one of the best culturally immersive experiences. There is another local pilgrimage site in the form of a beautiful Kali temple located in the Sumin reserve forest, where you can witness the local devotees carrying out their rituals and festivals, especially during the time of Navratri.

Observing the Traditional Lifestyle- You can get an in-depth idea about the local lifestyle by exploring the nearby ideas, which will help you to know about the cultures of the Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha communities. You will also get an insight about the use of local material and bamboo, observe traditional architecture, experience agricultural life and get to enjoy delicious Sikkimese cuisine and warm hospitality.

Enjoying Local Festivals and Seasons- Different types of Sikkimese festivals are celebrated in the areas near Singtam, such as Saga Dawa, Losar, Pang Lhabsol and Dashain & Tihar. You can take part in these festivals to get an idea about the culture prevailing in the region.

Witnessing the Folk Music and Dance- The locals often perform traditional Bhutia and Lepcha dance performances during the time of their festivals and small gatherings. The locals also play their traditional instruments such as tungna, yangjey and damphu along with their dances.

More Places To Visit Near Singtam

Accommodations

There are a few accommodation options in Singtam, which are divided into different types, such as

  • Budget hotels and lodges- These accommodations are ideal for short stays, solo travellers and backpackers. You will be offered clean, basic rooms with all the necessary amenities. Some of such stays are- Hotel Misty Hill Residency and Hotel Renzy Residency.
  • Homestays- It is an ideal stay option to enjoy a peaceful stay, local cuisine and cultural immersion. A few popular options include Green Hill Homestay and River View Homestay.
  • Mid-range retreats and resorts- These are accommodation options that come with better scenic views, amenities and comfortable stays. You will get spacious rooms with a blend of luxury. Some popular options include- Teesta Retreat and Saramsa Resort.
  • Homestays in Singtam

    You will get a homely feeling in the homestays of Singtam, creating opportunities for you to enjoy the raw beauty of the rustic Sikkim, the daily life of the locals, cultural immersion and delicious food. These accommodations are located far away from the touristy hubs, creating space to enjoy some serenity and indulge in the delicious home-cooked meals prepared by the friendly, natured hosts. Some of the popular homestays of Singtam include- Chalamthang Homestay, Jiba Ghar Homestay, Paddy Field Homestay and Teesta River View Homestay.

    Where Is Singtam

    Singtam is situated in East Sikkim at an average height of 1,200 feet above the sea level in proximity top some of the major cities such as Gangtok, Siliguri and Pakyong. It is well connected by road, air and train and is a gateway town to South and East Sikkim. It also acts as a base to some of the nearby attractions such as Rangpo, Chalamthang and Temi tea garden.

    How To Reach Singtam

    By Air: The Pakyong airport is the nearest to Sington and is situated at a distance of 25 km. You can hire a taxi fromm the airport which will take you around 1 hour to reach.

    By Train: The NJP railway station is the nearest to Singtam, and is situated at a distance of 105 km. The total travel time by a bus or a taxi is about 3.5-4.5 hours from the station premises.

    By Road-

    From Siliguri: The distance between Siliguri and Singtam is about 105 km. You can take a bus, shared ab or private taxi from here, and the total trip by road will take you around 3.5-4.5 hours.

    From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Singtam is about 70 km. It will take you about 2.5-3 hours via NH-10 and Peshok road in a taxi or shared cab.

    Pro-Tips while travelling to Singtam

  • The mornings and evenings od Singtam can get quiet chilly even during summer, thus pack some layer of clothes.
  • Carry comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and rain gear.
  • Carry mosquito repellents, essential medicines and a torchlight.
  • Avoid using plastic bottles; instead, carry a refillable bottle.
  • Conclusion

    Singtam is a precious gem of East Sikkim surrounded by peaceful village settlements, cultural richness and natural beauty. Singtam will welcome you with open arms and offer you an authentic Himalayan experience with heartfelt Sikkimese hospitality, panoramic views and a base to enjoy the southern and eastern parts of the state.

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