SIKKIM, Khang-chen-dzonga, the snow-sheathed mighty Himalayan Mountain literally dominates both the thoughtscape and the landscape of Sikkim. Literally meant to be the five treasures of the eternal snow, Khang-chen–dzonga is believed to be the storehouse of all that is precious .This majestic wall, the third highest mountain in the world forms the northwest border with Nepal while on the North and North East Sikkim shares the border with Tibbet and on the south with West Bengal. This tiny state in the North East of India has amazing bio diversity offering lush green alpine forest, great tropical forest due to the proximity of the equator, high Himalayan valley to the barren beauty of Tibetan plateau.
Lepchas, the ‘original ‘ Sikkimese, migrated here from Assam or Myanmar during the 13th century, followed by Bhutias( Khambas) who came from Tibet during the 15th centiury. The Nyingmapa form of Mahayana Buddhism arrived with three refugee Tibetan Lamas who bumped into each other at the site of modern-day Yuksom. Throughout the 19th century large numbers of Hindu Nepali migrants arrived, eventually all forming the majority of Sikkim’s population.
Sikkim has an amazing diversity to offer. The lowlands of the south have figs, laurel, sal, and bamboo trees. The temperate forests of oak, chestnut, maple, brich, silver fir, bamboo, teak, and sal dominate the middle heights, while the alpine forests of juniper, cypress and rhododendron green the area just below the snowline.
The animal life of Sikkim is equally varied. A number of exotic animals like the Shapi (the Himalayan tahr), red panda, musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep and the massive Himalayan bear roam its slopes. The state also has over 400 types of butterflies and 550 species of bird.
But Sikkim’s actual wealth is in its flowers. Of the 5000 species of orchids known in the world, 600 can be found in the lower reaches of Sikkim alone. As for rhododendrons, you can find more than 300 species here.
The Capital city of this second smallest state is Gangtok.
GANGTOK
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.
RUMTEK
Rumtek, also called the Dharmachakra Centre, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located 24 kms from Gangtokand was originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century.
TSOMGO LAKE
Tsomogo Lake is 40 kms from Gangtok, situated at an altitude of 12210 ft, The lake is about 1 km. long , oval in shape and 50ft deep . This is an alpine zone and snowbound from December to April and is regarded extremely holy and head of all lakes in Sikkim. It remains frozen from January to April, and attracts 99% of tourists visiting Gangtok. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.
NATHU LA
Nathula means the whistling pass. Nathula is the Indo-China border at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road whereby Indian troops and the Red army stand face to face. This is the closest point an Indian Tourist can travel upto and pose a photo or two with the Red Army.The distance of Nathula is 54 km from Gangtok ,situated at an altitude of 14790ft.
Note - The days for tourist visit is restricted to Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only land needs to be applied at least 24 hrs in advance.
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary:
Distance of Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is 25 km from Gangtok situated at an altitude of 1280 to 2652 mts. It has an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds. Excellent area for short duration trekking trails.
NORTH SIKKIM
LACHUNG
The literally meaning of Lachung is “small pass”. Situated at an altitude of 8800 mts at a distance of 116 km from Gangtok, Lachung is a very small town with scattered settlements, dominated mostly by Bhutias. A visit to the monastery, handicraft centre, or going around the village and of course Trout fishing are main attractions here.
Phodong Monastery
This is one of the major monasteries of Sikkim belonging to the Karmapa sub-sect of Kagyupa monastery. Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal built the monastery sometime in the first quarter of the 18th century. Beautiful moral paintings adorn the walls of this monastery.
Yumthang Valley
At 24 kms from Lachung lies Yumthang,at an altitude of 12000 ft and rightfully called the Valley of Flowers as in flowering season there blossoms vivid colours of variety of Rhododendrons, chimals and blue poppies. Yumthang is located on a flat valley and is close to the tree line. The surrounding mountains seem to kiss the heavens. The journey from Lachung to Yumthang is amazing and is lined with Rhododendrons & 108 other types of Orchids which bloom in different colours from April to May. Whereas November end to March usually sees snows. A natural hot spring is another attraction of the place and dipping in it is believed to give relief to skin ailment . Yumthang valley is a mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower - carpeted meadows against a backdrop of towering peaks.
LACHEN
Lachen the big pass is located at an alt of 2735m, which is 123 kms from the capital. The journey is almost a 6-hrs drive and it is also a base for the Green Lake trek and most of the mountaineering activities around.
This new destination of the millennium, only opened on the 20th of December 2000, for domestic and foreign tourists, is a nature’s wonderland .The people, culture, monasteries , valleys, flowers zone, the famous Yak all are real good experience. Domestic Tourists can also visit Gurudongmar Lake and Cholamu Lake, the source of river Teesta. Since this is a new destination , the infrastructure is bare minimum but all such are compensated by the beauty of the place.
THANGU
The route continues from Lachen to gradual ascend of 28 kms through the mountain ridge and leads to Thangu. Its alpine meadows are dotted with wooden houses and army camps. The calm water of Teesta flowing through the valley presents a fantastic contrast
Chopta Valley
Situated at an altitude of 13200ft, the valley has breathtaking alpine scenery with lofty snow capped peaks, meandering rivers and alpine flowers that bloom in June-July.
Gorudongmar Lake
Situated at an altitude of 17500 ft, Garudongmar lake is the Jewel in the crown. With the Calm and crystal clear water, Gurudongmar Lake is the largest and probably the highest in Sikkim. This lake falls in the rain shadow area of mighty Himalaya. This part of Sikkim is virgin, barren and bleak.
WEST SIKKIM
PELLING
Pelling, the laid back, scenic, but rapidly swelling hamlet is situated at 2,085 m above sea level about 2 km beyond Pemayangtse. Pelling is famous for the magnificent view of the snow-capped Khangchendzonga.. It is an ideal getaway for tourists as its vicinity has numerous waterfalls, soft trek routes, villages and soothing atmosphere for all discerning.
Pemayangtse
Pemayangtse Monastery, the sublime lotus is the premier monastery in Sikkim. It is the oldest monastery here and houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos. Built during the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. This place has got a spectacular view of the Mount Khangchendzonga .It is also a bird watchers paradise.
Khecheopalri Lake
24 km from Pelling, this lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. The vicinity of the lake is an ideal place to find the Lepcha Houses and their communities.
Rabdantse
This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksam and till the year 1814 A.D., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the Rabdantse ruins lie hidden from the main approach road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery.
Yuksam/ Yuksom
The hamlet of Yuksam at an altitude of 1780 m is set amidst pristine hills and lakes, where according to the historical records in 1641 AD the first Chogyal (King) Phuntsok Namgyal of Sikkim was consecrated by the three wise lamas. Yuksam literally means the meeting place of the three learned monks. The Norbugang Chorten and the Coronation throne are the silent witnesses to the event of 1641 AD.This quaint little village is also the starting point for all the treks into West Sikkim like Dzongri and Goechala.
Tashiding
About 16 km away from Yuksam lies this important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. The heart of Sikkimese Buddhism as Guru Padmasambhava considered so and houses the Tashiding Monastery along with Sacred Thongtwa Chorten. Its so holy that even a slight glimpse cleanses all sins. Rich environment flooded with oranges and cardamoms and gateway to Borong hot springs, Tashiding is ideal for soft treks and perfect homestaying at Sikkimese village in the setting.
Uttaray
Small hamlet situated at the extreme southwest corner of Sikkim. Base camp for Singalila trek.
Barshay/ Versay
Located in the extreme west, Versay is noted for rhododendrons. This huge Rhododendron forest during the flowering season from mid march to April end is aflamed with riot of Rhododendron Flowers, hues raging from blood red to pure white against the back drop of the magnificent mountain range.
RINCHENGPONG
The upcoming tourist spot in the western part of Sikkim, has a magnificent command over the mountain views, sunsets and sunrise, flora and fauna, village tourism ,historical sites and heritage of Resum Monastery, old as time. Popular for rich forests and ample areas for soft treks.
SOUTH SIKKIM
Namchi
Meaning Sky High, nested among the hills, commands panoramic view of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. This district headquarters town of South Sikkim is neat, clean and developing fast into a tourist destination with it's immense potential for all round tourist activities.
Ravangla
A small town situated on the ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills. Surrounding villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim are ideal for short stays in the homes of the villagers and popular trek routes. Verdant with monasteries like Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery,the Old historical market of Kewzing, Borong Hot springs, Maenam Peak at 10300 ft holding breathtaking views of Sikkimese Himalayas, Ravangla is worth staying for sometime.
Maenam Hill
The Hill towers over South Sikkim with Tendong on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang Village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Maenam hilltop at 10400 ft
Average Raifall : 2,739mm
Average Temperature : 18º C
Population of State : 540,490
Best Time to Visit : Oct. to May
Raihead : New Jalpaiguri
Nearest Airport : Bagdogra/Chartered Helicopter ride
from Bagdogra to Gangtok available for 5 people.
Tourist Circuit:
Gangtok,Tsmogo,Nathula, North Sikkim ( Yumtham, Gorudongmar) ,Rinchenpong
Pemeyangtse/Pelling,Rinchenpong,Yuksum,Ravangla,
Gangtok,Tsomogo,Nathula ,Pemeyangtse/Pelling,Ravangla
Versay, Ravangla, Meenam Hill ( for flowers & birds)
Pelling/Pemeyangtse , Versay, Meenam Hills ( Birding)
Trekking: Dzongri-Goecha la,Singalila, Green Lake
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