 Uttarey is a (6500 ft) small village located 30 kms from Pelling in West Sikkim. The village promises a new heaven for nature lovers and serves as an ideal place to experience rural life in Sikkim. Uttarey is famous for its tranquility and natural beauty. The place provides beautiful view to the Himalayan Mountains and is yet relatively less traveled by tourists. During winter the mountains around here are covered with snow providing heavenly views. It is surrounded by hilltops, waterfalls, frothing rivers, evergreen forest, medicinal herbs and mountain hamlets.
Etymology of Uttarey The word "Uttarey" is derived from "Utey-Tarey" which means "Call and Bring Together" in Limboo language. Uttarey was generally named from the habitations made by different communities who were called and brought a century year ago from different places by the Limboo Chiefs giving them shelter as neighbors in that area then was the pasture land. Places to see at Uttarey 
Uttarey is the "Virgin and Hidden Paradise on Earth", and also is popularly known as the "Base Camp of Adventure Tourism for the Singalila Range Eco-Tourism Trekking Trail towards Kanchendzonga". Uttarey with large stretches of virgin natural beauty along the Singalila range has been a popular tourist place. The Kagyu Gumpha in Uttarey is a highly revered place of worship for the locals and a good place for sight seeing. The monastery is set amidst dense forests. The wall paintings in the monastery might be of interest to the visitors. The Dentum peak and the river are also visible from the monastery. Tourist can also take short walk to the nearby Sherpa and Limboo Villages and experience the warmth of Sikkimese hospitality. The folk dances and songs performed here are also worth watching. There is a rocky swift flowing "Khalez River" where one can go for a picnic or camp for fishing.
Then, there is the Shingshore Bridge which is the second highest gorge bridge in Asia. The Simphok Khola River flows beside this little village which is admired by a beautiful valley of herbal plants. During a stay in Uttarey the tourists can also visit the thick "Raniban" Forest covered with oak, chestnut, and magnolia and rhododendron trees. The forest is a visit of colours during spring season. It serves as a natural habitat of the red panda, Himalayan deer and many spices of birds. Tourists can also experience the invigorating hikes and treks from Uttarey. The calm and tranquil environment in ‘Kagyu Gompa’ and ‘Manghim Mandir’ area in Uttarey also provides opportunity for meditation. Other nearby places can be visited are like Pelling, Pemayangtse, Kaluk, Dentum Valley, Changey Falls, Hee Bermiok, Chaaya Taal, Rinchenpong, Gumpadara, Chewabhanjyangla Pass, Phoktey Dara, Thulo Dhap, Barsey, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and other destinations in West Sikkim. Best time to visit Uttarey 
Uttarey offers a pleasant climatic condition as the temperature remains moderate in almost all season. So, one can visit this beautiful place during any time of the year. However, if one is planning to see the blooming of Rhododendrons, then March is the best month and winter is best for treks and hikes. Despite the global warming, Uttarey sometimes enjoys with heavy snow fall during winter seasons.
Things to do at Uttarey Uttarey-Singalila trek is especially suitable for the trekkers who love to be with nature for longer number of days. The trek starts from Uttarey and ends up at Yuksom or can be done vise versa. Apart from this, tourists can also experience Village home stay, Day Hiking, Jungle Safari, Teesta White River Rafting, Yak Safari, Bird Watching etc. How to reach Uttarey The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is some 160 km from Uttarey. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Transport is also available from Pelling to Uttarey. Moreover, the place is well connected with Siliguri and Gangtok by cars. |
| More Articles in Tourism in Sikkim (32) | |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
