Sikkim is the land of mountains. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the tiny Himalayan state for the amazing glimpses of the snow-covered peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Kanchenjunga, standing on the Sikkim-Nepal border, dominates the skyline of Sikkim and beyond.
Today, the major tourist spots in Sikkim such as Pelling, Rinchenpong and Silk Route offer majestic views of Kanchenjunga and its adjoining sister peaks, compositely known as the ‘Sleeping Buddha’. Thousands of tourists visit these famed tourist spots to look up at the eternal snow peaks of the Himalayas towering above the lush green hills.
A resting point at the entry of Tarey Bhir
Apart from the Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks, Sikkim has something more to offer, which includes lush green meadows, swift flowing rivers and beautiful valleys. Sometimes looking down can be no less rewarding than looking up. The cliffs of Tarey Bhir in South Sikkim district (now Namchi district) probably provide the best downward view in the whole of Sikkim.
Tarey Bhir is located near the village of Sukhbarey, around 16km from Namchi, the district headquarters. The word ‘bhir’ means cliff in Nepalese and Tarey Bhir is a 10,000ft-long cliff edge with almost 3,500ft abrupt drop. Tarey Bhir is a 3km-long stone ridge on which pedestrian footsteps have been built along the narrow ridge top and leads to a vantage point providing grand downward views of the lush green valleys.
A meandering small pathway above the edge of the cliff would take visitors to the middle of the ridge. This vantage point provides a sweeping view of the lush green and beyond. The views extend all the way to the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, which are located at a lower elevation. The prime attractions are the two meandering rivers — Teesta and Rangeet. On a clear day, the view down from the cliff edge extends all the way to the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet and extends further beyond toward the Gangetic plains.
To enjoy the majestic downward views, one need to climb down a series of steps. Don’t worry, the slope is gentle and there are railings all the way. Still, one needs a sturdy pair of legs and comfortable pair of shoes for the long descent. Also getting back is more difficult as it involves climbing up along the same flight of stairs. Again, this is not difficult as the stairways have concrete benches, some even fitted with concrete umbrellas, at regular intervals. A short climb with frequent breaks for rest will make the climb back easier. No wonder the little extra effort will definitely be rewarded with the one of the most spectacular valleys of Sikkim.
Tourists head back from the Tarey Bhir vatage point