To really see Sikkim, it is necessary to leave the hamlets. It is impossible not to be awed by Sikkim's sharp, lush hills, leaping waterfalls, thundering rivers, and placid lakes. The people, sculpted by lives of low-tech farming and mountainous travel, have behind them generations of communal intermixing.

Foreign visitors to Sikkim must first get tourist permits.

Meanam hill towers over Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Rabongla bazar.The trek from Rabongla to Meanam takes about four hours and from Meanam hill-top on has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more treacherous trails down to Yangyang village. Situated at an altitude of 10,300ft, the scenic view from this height is perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mount Khanchandzonga and its surrounding ranges loom above to dwarf the richly forested and rugged hills. On a clear sunny day, it is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the south, right across to the Indo-China border towards the north. A short walk from here takes one to Bhaledunga - a peculiar looking cliff that protrudes out and resembles the head of a cock. In the west the Khangchendzonga range complete the scene.

This distinctive looking cliff resembles the head of a cock. This distinctive looking feature can be seen from miles away and during the old days used to serve as a guiding landmark to travelers. From the top of this cliff, there is a vertical five to six thousand feet fall. Far down, teesta can be seen snaking its way like a giant python through the valley.