Ravangla

Ravangla is a relatively new tourist spot in South Sikkim. It is a small picturesque town on the highway from Gangtok to Gyalshing at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Ravangla is one of the few places in Sikkim which offer undisturbed views of the Greater Himalayas (Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru).

Understand
In April and May lots of flowers are in full blossom. The weather in Ravangla is very volatile, so always be prepared for rains.

Get in
Ravangla is situated about 65 km west of Gangtok and 52 km east of Pelling. It is directly accessible from Gangtok (2 hr 15 min), Siliguri (126 km - 4 hr 30 min), Darjeeling and Kalimpong. If you want to reach Ravangla by evening, make sure you book or hire a taxi by afternoon. Beyond afternoon, one can reach Ravangla by traveling to Namchi and from there another taxi to Ravangla.

By jeep or taxi
Jeeps arrive at and leave from the crossing at the southern end of the market. A few taxis go directly to Pelling, but normally you will have to change cars at Gyalshing.

By bus
Buses to Gangtok leave at 9AM, to Gyalshing at 11AM. There are two buses to Namchi at 9AM and 1pm. If you want to go to Darjeeling, you will have to take a bus or taxi to Jorethang first and change cars there.

See




Do
Ravangla serves as basis for moderate treks to Menam (3,200 m) and Tendong (2,575 m).
 * Menam trek. The ascent to the Maenam is about 12 km long with a difference in altitude of about 1,000 m and takes about 3 to 4 hrs. Weather permitting it offers splendid views on the steep peak of Mount Narsing (5,825 m), Kanchenjunga, and other prominent peaks of Sikkim. It is not easy to find the path, therefore a local guide (₹1000-1500, group of 4 in 2015) is highly recommended. A small brick hut at the few minutes before the top can be used as accommodation. The hut can accommodate up to 5 people and can be managed for even 6 people. No availability of water at the top. There is a small Gompa (a small Buddhist temple) at the peak. The path winds through a forest of oak, chestnut, magnolia and rhododendron trees. There are few trees along the trek whose barks have unique property of glowing in the dark. The guide will get you one if you ask, but its effect is short lived (2 to 3 days) and not sure if it glows until you carry it back to your place. There are two types of paths along the trek, one which is made as a footpath for easy and gradual climb and another is a very rough short route which goes very steep crossing the footpath at many places. Only sufficiently fit people use the short route according to the guide. Flowers are in full blossom in April and May. The area is the natural habitat of the red panda, Himalayan black bear and many species of deer and is designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Before starting the trek one must register his/her name in the forest barrack which is just near the entry point of the trek. If guides are not available to anyone, the person in the forest office will either help you find one or he himself will come as a guide. The forest entry fees is ₹25 (2015) per day. The entry point to the trek is near the Buddha Park entry gate and any local will assist you to the forest office on asking for it.
 * Tendong trek starts with a 13-km drive to Damthang and 2 hr 30 min trek. Tendong peak (8,500 ft, 2,575 m) offers a spectacular view of the mountains of Sikkim and the distant plains of North Bengal.

Eat
Be sure to have your dinner in hotels before 8PM as most of the hotels start closing by that time.
 * best momos in town

Sleep
Good accommodation options include Hotel Meeenamla and the Mt. Narsing Village Resort.

Go next

 * West Sikkim
 * Gangtok
 * Nathula Pass