About Sikkim

Sikkim is a northeastern state of India. It borders China in its north and east, Bhutan in its east, Nepal in its west and the Indian state of West Bengal in its south. Sikkim is also located close to the Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park.

The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded on the Silk Road by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. It became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the republic of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1975, the Indian military deposed the Sikkimese monarchy. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state.

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery was built in the 16th century around the same time as the other 2 monasteries established by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje and was the main seat of the karma Kagyu lineage for some time and was eventually abandoned to ruins. When the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, he decided to rebuild the monastery as the site was considered highly auspicious.

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of East district and Pakyong is the sub divisional head quarter of East District. Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1780 meters and is a charming, laid – back town. It is the hub of commercial activity is the base for explorations into some of Sikkim’s most alluring features. Prominent feature of this clean town is Orchids, Butterfly, Snow Peak Mountain and beautiful places around, last but not the least the climatic condition are congenial. Package tour can be organized for Gurudongmar, Yumthang and Yumesongdong, known for lakes, snow covered area and hot water springs is worth visiting. One of the hot spot of Sikkim is Tsomga Lake at 3780 meters / Baba Mandir / Nathula Pass at 4392 meters is 56 (38 kilometers Tsomgo Lake and 18 kilometers Nathula Pass) kilometers from Gangtok towards China / Tibet is an oval shaped glacial Tsomga Lake. Open only on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Baba Harbajan Singh Memorial is built in the memory of a Sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment is considered sacred by locals and tourist alike.

Yuksom

Located in the Western parts of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. The once a capital of Sikkim, this hamlet is more known for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal.
Also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’, this Sikkimese village has recently started gaining tourism attention. Well, this is also the reason, you can expect pristine beauty and untouched nature in Yuksom. Home to the oldest monastery in Sikkim, this pictorial hamlet is one amongst the most peaceful and serene places to visit in Sikkim.

Nathula Pass

Nathu La Pass is situated at an elevation of 4,310 meters above sea level, and is an offshoot of the old silk route. The flow of tourists is regulated by the government of India as the soil here is shallow and prone to landslides, nevertheless, this is a must visit site as the location is a Hiker’s haven, as it offers picturesque views of the valley. The old silk route connects the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to the plains of Bengal to the south.

Tsango Lake

Tsango Lake or Changu Lake, is located on the north of the Nathu La Pass, and is a glacial lake in Sikkim. The lake is situated at an average elevation of 3780 meters above sea level. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people.

Himalayan Zoological Park

Although the Zoological Park doesn’t actually lie in the Territory of Sikkim, and is actually located in Darjeeling, is however only at a short distance of approximately 50 kilometres from Sikkim and is a must visit spot if you want to gander at the various fauna that this zoo houses. Also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the Darjeeling zoo, the park was opened in 1958, and covers an area of 67.56 acre and is located at an altitude of approximately 7,000 meters above sea level, making it the largest ‘High-altitude zoo’ in India.

Namchi

The capital of south Sikkim district, Namchi is located at an average elevation of 1315 meters above sea level. The area is fast growing into a tourist destination with its enormous potential for all round tourist activities. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world’s largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi and is a must visit.

Ravangla

South Sikkim & Ravangla - Sikkim is divided in to four districts. East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. Namchi is the capital of South district and Ravangla is the sub – divisional head quarter of South District. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur and Yuksom use to be the earlier capital of Sikkim. Other places of interest are Maenam Hill. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu" is another option. Borong is a village with beautiful landscape and magnificent view offers its guest panoramic view of the snow clad Kanchendzonga range and the numerous peaks of Himalaya.

Pelling

Sikkim is divided in to four districts. East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. Geyzing is the capital of West district and Soreng is the sub – divisional head quarter of West District. Among the fauna to be found in the park area is the famous Snow Leopard. The center of activity in West Sikkim starts from Pelling. Numerous waterfalls, soft trek routes and soothing atmosphere for all discerning are available. Situated at an altitude of nearly 2080 meters i.e. 6825 feet, hence the close up views of Mount Kanchendzonga and her subordinate peaks are dazzling. Sightseeing around the region includes Khecheopalri Lakes, Kanchendzonga falls, Changey waterfalls, Pemayangtse monastery, Sing shore Bridge and much more. Yuksom the old capital of Sikkim is known for its historical value, Kanchendzonga National Park, Dzongri and Goechala trek and Kanchendzonga National Park spreading over an area of 850 square kilometers is one of the most beautiful and spectacular Park in India. Covering the highest elevation range i.e. 1800 meters to 8600 meters approximately in the country.

Lachung

Lachung has multiple reasons to make you fall in love with it! While its location at an enthralling height of 8,610ft makes it a popular snow-destination in Sikkim, its untouched and surreal beauty makes it one of the scenic as well as charming tourist places in Sikkim. Located in the northern part of Sikkim, this quaint mountain village is adorned by the immaculate beauty of the Lachung Chu River and is also known for the Lachung Gompa. Though this village is one of the mostly visited regions in Sikkim, it still holds an alluring charm that can hardly be found in any other destinations.

Zuluk

Touching a towering height of 10,000ft, Zuluk is one of the least discovered destinations in the entire of Sikkim. Located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, this quaint Sikkimese village takes the pride of being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of the Mt Kanchenjunga.In addition to the magical beauty of this hamlet, it is also popular among the adventure lovers as the ride to Zuluk takes them through 32 hair-pin bends.

Yumthang Valley

A visit to Yumthang Valleys it truly a colourful affair! Located at an elevation of 3,500m, this scenic valley is the home to several exotic, rare and wild flowers. It is often said, one who visits this quintessential valley, often gets pleasantly affected by its treacherous colours and alluring beauty!
Come the monsoons, the entire valley blooms at its best and displays the most enchanting colours of the nature. Primrose, cobra-lilies, louseworts and cinquefoils are some of the most commonly found species in Yumthang.

Gurudongmar

Last, but not the least in this list is the Gurudongmar Lake! One of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world, this gorgeous place to visit in Sikkim is located at a towering height of 17,800ft and is also known as Tso Lhsmo Lake.Considered as a sacred lake, the legends say that though this lake remains frozen during the winters, one of its portion never freezes. No matter, how extreme is the weather, this certain portion blessed by Guru Padmasambhava never freezes and thus its water is considered holy by the devotees.