6 lesser known destinations of Eastern Himalayas

Aritar
Easily accessible but far from the noisy crowd, Aritar, in east Sikkim, is an ideal place for those who want to spend a short vacation in the lap of nature. Enjoy a clear view of the Kanchenjunga range, the surrounding forests, and the lake. Pay a visit to the old Gumpha (monastery) belonging to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Lampokhari Lake is believed to be one of Sikkim&rsquos oldest boating facilities available here. Trek to Mankhim Dara for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside the temple here belongs to the ethnic Rai community. Aritar is about five hour&rsquos drive from Siliguri in West Bengal and three hour&rsquos drive from Gangtok in Sikkim.

Kupup Lake
Also known as the Elephant Lake because of its shape, the lake is located near Kupup village. There are two ways to reach this alpine lake nestling in the middle of high mountains. One from Aritar and the other from Gangtok (via Baba temples and Chhangu Lake). The nearby Yak Golf Course is maintained by the Indian Golf Union the Guinness Book of World Records has certified this as the world&rsquos highest altitude gold course in December 2006. Running through the golf course is a part of the famous Younghusband Track of the historical military expedition to Tibet in 1903.

Pedong
Although only 22km from the popular tourist town of Kalimpong, Pedong attracts only a handful of mountain and nature lovers. Perched on a ridge along the old Silk Route (between India and Tibet), it offers a nice view of Mt Kanchenjunga in its snowy raiment. There is a church and school run by the German missionaries. From Cross Hill, you can see a large section of eastern Sikkim. Pedong can be your base to explore the surrounding countryside, including Sillery village and Tinchuley view point. Hotels and homestays, though limited in number, are well appointed.

Reshi
Located 17km from Pedong and 26km from Aritar, this little village is located on the West Bengal-Sikkim border, by the bank of the Reshikhola (&lsquokhola&rsquo means a hilly stream). You can stay at an eco-resort here. Check the road condition first if you are visiting during the rainy season.

Sillery
A hamlet tucked into the hillside, named after the leafy vegetable it grew, Sillery offers a panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day do not miss the play of colours on the snow peaks during sunset. Even without it, the village, reached via Pedong, will hearten you with its green hillside, quietness and hospitality. A nearby pine forest is so quiet that local people have named it as the Silent Forest. From the Ramitey View Point, 3km away, you can see both Mt. Kanchenjunga and the meandering Teesta River. Homestays are the only accommodation available.

Zuluk
Perched at a height of over 10,000 feet, Zuluk lies along the ancient Silk Route (between India and Tibet). Natural beauty is its only attraction. If you are lucky, you can catch a sight of some rare Himlayan fauna, especially the various types of pheasants. Thambi View Point (11,200 feet), 14km away, offers a sweeping view of the Kanchenjunga range. But what really endeared Zuluk to photographers was the top view of the winding road to Lungthung (known for its Nag Temple) the road snakes across the hills in 32 hairpin bends. From here, you can cover Nathang and Kupup Lake. In August-September, a lot of wild flowers bloom. Homestays with basic but modern amenities available.