The city being in the grip of an incessant heat wave, Calcuttans are surely looking for ways to escape its relentless oppression and head to their favourite summer destinations. However, popular hill stations in India like Darjeeling, Shimla, Nainital or Ooty are overcrowded during peak summer months, and the noisy, jostling crowds from all over the country turn it into a less than pleasant experience for those seeking to get away from it all for a few days.
For holiday travellers who seek refuge from the heat and also enjoy peace and quiet during their holiday, hope springs in the form of Yangang, a little-known, small town in south Sikkim. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the mountainous town possesses that rare blend of beauty, serenity and opportunities for unadulterated pleasure that is tough to match in any tourist getaway.
Yangang is not your run-of-the-mill tourist spot. In fact, many are not aware of its existence. And neither was I, until I went there on a short visit, from another oft-visited, popular hill station, Gangtok. Ideally, you can drive to Yangang from Sikkim’s capital city, which will take a little over two hours. Or directly take a car from New Jalpaiguri railway station or Bagdogra airport. The scenery throughout the journey is quaint and picturesque. The occasional bumpy country tracks as you get closer to your destination will simply add to the mountainous experience.
At Sinclairs Yangang, the boutique hotel where I stayed, you can indulge in the rare luxury of watching the sun rise from behind the mountains as you wake up to the chirping of birds in the trees adjacent to your hotel room. Or enjoy a steaming cup of tea sitting on the balcony, and watch the mists and clouds gently lift from the mountain peaks to reveal them in all their stunning glory. Located a few hundred meters from the main marketplace of the town, Sinclairs Yangang is a beautiful property and the first and only hotel in a place that is still virgin territory as far as tourist footfall is concerned. As you drive through the narrow, winding hilly road to its gates, you are greeted by a canopy of colourful, flowering creepers that leads into a small, well-kept and manicured garden with pretty potted plants and a tastefully-furnished summerhouse. The main building has four floors and has a total of 17 guest rooms and suites in several categories to cater to the needs of individual travellers, couples, families and corporate guests. Orchid, the spacious banquet hall-cum-conference room, makes the property suitable for social and business events. The suites and premier rooms have wide, full-length windows and balconies from which guests may enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear, cloudless day, you can even glimpse the snowy peaks of the majestic Kanchenjunga from your room, which I was lucky enough to spot on the very first afternoon of my stay. The gorgeous Bhaleydhunga mountain, whose peak is the highest point in south Sikkim, and the Maenam wildlife sanctuary along its slopes, which is renowned for its medicinal plants, are also visible from the property.
After a quick, hearty lunch of delicious, authentic Sikkimese dishes, at Saffron, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, I set off on a tour of Yangang. Located at an altitude of nearly 6,000 feet, Yangang experiences very cold weather from October to March and enjoys cool, moderate temperatures for the rest of the year. Surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, lively rivers, streams and waterfalls and verdant forests blessed with an abundance of rare flora and fauna, Yangang and its neighbouring areas are a boon to nature lovers, explorers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure tourists alike. The town, which is not much more than a hamlet, looked neat and picture-postcard-perfect, with a police station, a hospital, some eateries and a handful of tiny shops selling provisions to meet the locals’ everyday needs. Driving through the hilly terrain from the hotel, I saw the Bhaley Khola river in the distance. From Sinclairs Yangang, you can take a short drive down to its banks, and enjoy peace and solitude while angling or simply revel in nature’s beauty. License for the sport along with all necessary equipment is already available to the hotel authorities. Those with an adventure fetish, can go on trekking and camping expeditions to the Bhaleydhunga peak, along a route that experiences heavy snowfall every winter. Essential camping and trekking gear are also available for rent from the hotel. Paragliding and mountain biking are also popular activities among tourists who have visited Yangang so far. Bird watchers can focus their binoculars on rare varieties of birds of diverse species. Nature lovers can indulge in leisurely walks along the hillside and visit monasteries or local farms that have long been models in organic farming. You can visit avocado and orange orchards, see the black cardamom, millet and maize plantations, or take a tour of the many poultry farms. However, the most happening activity for tourists to Yangang will be a ride on the recently-inaugurated Bhaleydhunga passenger ropeway, which is soon expected to be open to the public. The 3.5 km high-altitude ropeway ride which will carry tourists from Yangang to Bhaleydhunga peak near Ravangla (another tourist hotspot) will offer breath-taking views of the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills from the end-point of the ride.
Evenings in Yangang can be blissfully spent under the stars in Sinclairs Yangang’s well-designed outdoor area, just humming your favourite tunes or strumming a guitar, while you soak in the beauty of the night. Or you can have your private party on their aesthetically-decorated terrace that has a fireplace for an open barbeque and bonfire. Their friendly and ever-smiling staff will ensure that your experience is an unforgettable one.
So if the mountains are your go-to destination for a holiday, pack your bags and get ready to surrender yourself to a Yangang summer. Whether you are looking for a peaceful sojourn or a trip full of action and adventure, Sinclairs Yangang’s warm hospitality and cheerful ambience will guarantee that your holiday is made up of pleasurable moments to cherish forever.
The snowy peaks of the Kanchenjunga set against an azure sky is one of the most amazing views from the hotel.
You can enjoy a leisurely meal in the garden restaurant adjacent to the main building as you take in the natural beauty all around.
The spacious suites offer enchanting views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
A premier room with large front windows and a private balcony offers a breathtaking view of the mountains.
Orchid, the conference room, can also be used as a banquet hall.
Picture courtesy: Sinclairs Hotels and Resorts