How Anand Mahindra’s post about this rare Himalayan “Sikkim Sundari” is a perfect travel inspiration
When India’s one of most respected business leaders and ardent traveller posts about a remote Himalayan plant, people listen and attention naturally follows. In a recent update, Anand Mahindra took to his official X handle (formerly Twitter) to share his astonishment after seeing “Sikkim Sundari”. For those who don’t know, it is a rare mountain plant that spends decades storing energy before a mesmersing bloom. It can be found at 4,000–4,800 metres above sea level. The ace businessman wrote:“I knew nothing about this extraordinary marvel: the ‘Sikkim Sundari’ Thriving at staggering altitudes of 4,000–4,800 meters, this “Glasshouse Plant” stands like a glowing tower against the mountains. Its life is a masterclass in patience.” He called the flower an extraordinary marvel and “Glasshouse Plant” which stands like a glowing tower against the mountains. How it is a travel inspirationMahindra in his post said, he “knew nothing about this extraordinary marvel” before seeing the images of the plant. It is known scientifically as Rheum nobile. The plant has absolutely translucent, pagoda-like blooms which are formed after 7–30 years of slow growth. And that’s the fact which makes it more captivating for both scientists and travellers alike. He calls it a “Glasshouse Plant” which blooms in extreme alpine conditions. “It is monocarpic, which means that it lives as a small rosette of leaves from 7 to 30 years (!!) quietly storing energy. Then, in one final, heroic act, it shoots up to 2 meters tall, blooms into a magnificent pagoda, releases its seeds, and dies.” writes Mahindra. The Sikkim Sundari is a rare plant and unseen by most travellers because of its remote alpine habitat.Sikkim: A Himalayan paradise
Sikkim is one of the most underexplored Himalayan states blessed with dramatic landscapes. In a single day’s journey, travellers can transition from lush subtropical valleys to snow-tipped alpine heights, with views of Mount Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak, dominating the skyline. The state is blessed with some incredible alpine lakes including Tsomgo and Gurudongmar. The place is also home to some ancient Buddhist monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, and Labrang which attracts travellers from all over.“It’s the stuff of poetry, yet my school biology textbooks (from ages ago, of course!) never mentioned it, even while describing flora from halfway across the world. I wonder if current Indian school curricula finally reference this local legend?One more reason to explore the heights of Sikkim…”Best time to visit SikkimMarch–June: During this time, Sikkim enjoys pleasant weather, clear skies, and colourful blooms, making it the perfect time for nature walks. September–Mid-December: During this time, Sikkim enjoys cool and dry conditions offering ethereal views of the Kanchenjunga range.December–February: This is a cold but magical time! It is the time when Sikkim turns into a snowy wonderland. Travel within Sikkim often requires permits:
Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for all visitors (Indian and foreign). It is usually free and can be obtained at entry checkpoints like Rangpo or online prior to arrival. Anand Mahindra’s post just shows how Sikkim is brimming with unseen rare beauties like ‘Sikkim Sundari’. A perfect place for offbeat travellers!
