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Sikkim is a north-eastern state of India and is one of the seven sister states
in this part of the Himalayan region. It shares three international borders with Tibet(Northern side),
with Nepal(Western side), with Bhutan(Eastern side) and the Southern side is connected with the
state of West Bengal.
Sikkim was an independent dynasty under the kingdom of Namgyal from 1642 to 1975. It
became a protectorate of India in 1950 and an Indian state in 1975(22nd state). During the Namgyal
monarchy, it has been invaded by the bordering countries Nepal and Bhutan several times when it
succumbed to these external forces but regained its control through a strange turn of events. The
origin theory of the name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two Limbu words: su, which means
"new", and khyim, which means "palace" or "house". The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Drenjong
(Wylie-transliteration: 'bras ljongs), which means "valley of rice", while the Bhutias call it Beyul
Demazong, which means '"the hidden valley of rice".According to folklore, after establishing
Rabdentse as his new capital, Bhutia king Tensung Namgyal built a palace and asked his Limbu Queen
to name it. The Lepcha people, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, called it Nye-mae-el, meaning
"paradise". In historical Indian literature, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the garden of the war god
Indra.
Like its culture, Sikkim contents diverse weather, even though it is almost surrounded by the
Himalayan Mountains range. The altitude across Sikkim various widely and the range from lowest
elevation of 280m(920ft) to the highest point of Kanjungha peak which lies at the border of Sikkim
and Nepal and an altitude of 8586m(28169ft). A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its
biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the
highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Ther are around 5000 varieties of flowers including
orchids (more than 400) and rhododendrons that can be seen across the state. In the forests, the
wildlife such as snow leopards, cloud leopards red panda, Tibetan wolf, Asian black bear and other
wildlife dwell freely. In the upper reaches of Sikkim, yaks can be seen in plenty that is used mostly to
carry loads for local and trekkers.
Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok, rests at the altitude of 5410ft.
Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. Here you can enjoy the
activities such as riding ropeway, paragliding or indulge in shopping or the nightlife of bars pubs and
casinos. You can visit the outskirts quaint & scenic mountain hamlets nestled in nature, many offbeat
places, trek along with nature and forest trails, and many tourist spots such as monasteries,
museums, sanctuaries, handicraft centres, parks and gardens, zoo etc.
The mountain state is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. About 450 varieties of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas, snow leopards and other animals can be seen in Sikkim. The largest collection can be seen at the Kanchenjunga National Park which covers an area of 850 square kilometres. As a result ornithology tourism is also gaining in prominence in Sikkim. The National Parks in Sikkim include Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary in East district. You will pass through these forests on your visit to Tsongo lake or Nathula from Gangtok. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary in South Sikkim can be visited based in Ravangla. Short treks in the area are also organized. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in North Sikkim is located near Yumthang valley and can be visited during the North Sikkim tour. Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West can be accessed either from Rinchenpong Kaluk area or from Hilley area. There are nice treks inside the Sanctuary where trekkers huts are also available.
The district capitals are Gangtok, Mangan,
Namchi and Gyalshing of East, North, South and West Sikkim respectively.
East District:
East Sikkim is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Sikkim. It
occupies the south-east corner of the state and the capital Gangtok is located in the heart of the
district. This is the hub of all administrative activity in the state. Apart from the modern urbanization,
one will find beautiful natural areas in its surrounding and access to alpine lakes like Tsomgo, the
Nathula Indo-china border located at an altitude of 14200 ft and many important Buddhist
monasteries. East district is also the Gateway to North Sikkim, a popular destination for visitors who
want to experience the unique cultural landscape of the area. Apart from the modern attractions of
the capital town, in the east, you will also find the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, the historically important
Nathula pass, as well as many monasteries and temples.
North District:
The Sikkimese often considers North Sikkim as beautiful as Switzerland.
Perhaps the most beautiful of all districts, the North Sikkim offers an exquisite experience for the
lover of Nature. Yumthang alone is enough to satisfy most demands, with its panoramic Valley of
Flowers. During springtime, the lush meadows abound with delicate wildflowers that carpet the
valley floor in a rich riot of colours. A must-see here is the Hot Springs and the vibrant Sikkimese
tribal culture and customs. A three-day music festival is held at Mangan in December every year.
Although much of North Sikkim can be toured with ease in the comforts of surface transportation, the
remarkable Green Lake region offering a unique trekking experience does call for several days of
rigorous walking with the logistical support of a camping outfit. Mangan is the district headquarters
located at an altitude of 3950 ft and a distance of 65 km from Gangtok. The road from Mangan goes
straight to Chungthang and then bifurcates on the left leading to the Lachen Valley and the right
going to the Lachung valley. Lachen is the base from where tours to Thangu and Gurudongmar Lake
are organized while Lachung, on the other hand, is the base for tours to Yumthang valley.
West District:
West Sikkim is replete with history and religion. This is where the first
Chogyal of Sikkim was consecrated at Yuksum in 1642 and this is where some of the holiest and most
important monasteries of Sikkim were established, including Dubdi and Sanga Choling, the first
monasteries to be built in Sikkim. West Sikkim is beautiful terrain abounding in lakes and waterfalls
and also has great trekking routes. It is no doubt an adventurer’s delight with its undaunted trekking
routes and frothing rapids. It is here that Pelling, Yuksam, Kheceopalri, Pemayangtse, Hee-Bermiok,
Rinchenpong, Darap and Tashiding the brand names in Sikkim tourism are located. There are many
activities one can be engaged in excursions to nearby waterfalls and monasteries, village walks, short
monastery hikes, lake excursions, high altitude treks, monastic festivals, river rafting and cultural
homestays. While some resort to small excursions, some challenge themselves to mountaineer and
climbing small peaks. West Sikkim ideally offers adventure and nature tourism for the discerning
traveller.
South District:
South Sikkim, the smallest district. With the stupendous view of the
Khangchendzonga range. It lies at an altitude of 400 m to 2000 m with unique and countryside escape
of endless waves of agricultural field and the terraced slopes. Area wise it is the smallest district of
Sikkim and population-wise second. Namchi (meaning Sky High) is the headquarter of South Sikkim
which is nestled among the hills having an elevation of 5500 ft and commands a panoramic view of
snowcapped mountains and vast stretches of distant verdant valleys The Biggest statue of Guru
Padmasambhava stands towering at 108 ft overlooking the town of Namchi. South Sikkim has created
history by bringing the four Dhams under one roof at Solophok, Namchi. The four most revered
Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshwaram; Badrinath has been replicated in this
fantastic complex of Siddhesvara Dham to benefit the devotees who will visit this place. Ngadak
Gumpa in Namchi and Ralong Gumpa in Ravangla are among the oldest monasteries of South Sikkim.
Other places of tourist interest include the organic Temi Tea Gardens, Buddha Park in Ravangla,
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Borong Hot Springs.
Due to its proximity to a neighbouring country like china, Sikkim has certain entry restrictions. There are certain places where the foreigners’ entry is restricted, there certain places where both foreigner and Indians both need prior permission to enter. The permits and entry rules are divided into 2 areas based on travel restrictions. Some part of the state requires Inner Line Permit(these are for the entry permits to Sikkim), some parts require a Protected Area Permit(these are for the entry permits to certain areas.)
In general, Indian tourists do not require any permit to enter the state. However, some of the tourist destinations are known as ‘Restricted Area’ and Indian tourists along with foreigner require a permit to visit these 'restricted' places. These places include Nathula - Tsongo Lake – Zuluk – Memenchu area in East, entire North district, Dzongri – Goechala area in West district etc.
Foreigners(excepts Bhutanese and Nepalese) can avail of only 15 days permit to visit Sikkim which can be extended for a further period of 30
days in two spells of 15 days each. This extension is given from the Sikkim government home department in Gangtok. The permit can be
arranged very easily at several places including at Siliguri, Darjeeling or Rongpo and Malli on the Bengal - Sikkim border. The permits can
also be obtained from the Indian Embassy in different places.
Similarly, special permits are required to visit North Sikkim where foreigners are not allowed to visit the Nathula and Gurudongmar lake
area, although permits for the trek to Green Lake in the same area can be arranged.
Exception: visitors from Pakistan, China, and Myanmar can be given inner line permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India at New Delhi. If you are an international traveller and have already come to the region without obtaining a proper
permit, trvlhimalayas will assist you in arranging the same. Foreign visitors must first get a tourist permit before entering Sikkim. This
Inner Line Permit (ILP) is issued at some places but most tourists collect it on arrival at Siliguri or at the entry check post.
Algarah, or as locally known Algara, is a small Himalayan town, located in the eastern side, at a distance of 15.9 kilometres away from the district town Kalimpong.
Bhutan, the Land of Happiness, is one of the most favourable tourist destinations among the travellers in Asia. This eastern Himalayan country is surrounded by mountains, sharing borders with Tibet(North) and India(South).
Darjeeling District is the northernmost district of the state of West Bengal in eastern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. The district is famous for its hill station Darjeeling tea.
The Dooars or Duars literally means “Doors” i.e. the Gateway. It is indeed the gateway of the Himalayas and Bhutan. The Dooars is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya mountain range.
Ichhey Forest village is a small Himalayan hamlet of Kalimpong District, a treasure hidden behind the veil of beautiful Cinchona Forest.
Kalimpong is a new district town of West Bengal, India. Situated at an elevation of approx.1250 metres (4101feets), above the ridge of the Teesta River.
Kurseong is a seraphic hill station entrancingly stowed on the ridge of the Queen of Hills. Located at an altitude of 1458m(4864ft) and 32 km away from Darjeeling.
Lava is a beautiful Himalayan suburb, situated at the foothill of the Himalayas. It is hidden behind the misty clouds and one of the best getaways in North Bengal.
Mangmaya or Magwa is a beautiful Himalayan destination, located(around 7km & 9km) above the Teesta Bazaar overlooking the unwrinkled convergence of river Teesta and Rangeet and Kalimpong Hills, facing each other.
Mirik is a picturesque small offbeat Himalayan Destination, a perfect summer escape in the Queen of Hills(In 2017 became the sub-divisional headquarter).
Pedong is a small and buzzing Himalayan town, situated to the eastern side, at a distance of 22km from Kalimpong. And standing at an elevation of approx 1240m(4100ft).
Sikkim is a north-eastern state of India and is one of the seven sister states in this part of the Himalayan region.It shares three international borders with Tibet(Northern side), with Nepal(Western side), with Bhutan(Eastern side) and the Southern side is connected with the state of West Bengal.
Beautifully oriented by the aromatic orange orchard along with the undisturbed eye-catching green forest and its habitants, Sittong is apparently a neonate Himalayan destination in the mountains of the Queen of Hills.
