SIKKIM ( DENZONG )

"The Hidden Valley of Rice" - as the local call. Once the tiny Kingdom but now the 22nd state of India . Situated in the Eastern Himalayas , is protected by Mt. Khanchendzonga (8534mtrs), the third highest mountain of the world and reverted by the Sikkimese as their protective deity, whose benign watchfulness ensure peace & prosperity for the land. Sikkim shares its border with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and the state of West Bengal in north.

With an area of 7,300 sq.Kms , the elevation ranges from 244 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level . Within hours one can move from sub-tropical heat of the lower valley to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes of perpetual snow.

A naturalist paradise, Sikkim is noted for its floral & fauna wealth where over 4000 varieties of flowering plants and shrubs are found along with 6000 species of birds and 600 varieties of Butterflies. Sikkim is very well known mainly for its orchids of which there are more than 400 species and rhododendrons numbering more than 35 species. The forest of Sikkim have well known animals like the Snow leopard, The Blue sheep, Kiang the Tibetan Wild Ass, Musk deer and barking deer's, Red panda. The rivers have trout, carp and many other varieties of fishes.

Lepcha, Bhutias and Nepalese make up the major population of Sikkim . Lepchas are considered to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim . The people of Sikkim are by nature simple, polite and docile. Their culture and customs are as fascinating as the surrounding in which they live.

Best season : Mid February - Late May and October - December.

Clothing : ( Summer : Light woolen ) !!! ( Winter : Heavy woolen )

Climate : (Summer: Max- 26 degree C. Min - 13 degree C) ! ! (Winter : Max- 14 degree C. Min- 07 degree C )

Area: 7,300 sq.km.

APPROACH:
AIR: The nearest airport is Bagdogra 124km(5hrs) drive to Gangtok. Regular Indian Airline & Jet Airway flights connect Bagdogra with Calcutta , Delhi and the north east states. Or fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive.
RAIL: The two closest railway stations are Siliguri(114km) and New Jalpaiguri(125km) connecting all metropolitan cities and main towns.
ROAD: Gangtok is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling , Kalimpong, and other areas within Sikkim . Sikkim Nationalised Transport buses plies regular bus services to the above places. Private taxis and buses are also available on hire at Bagdogra airport and Siliguri/NJP.

ENTRY FORMALITIES: All foreigners intending to visit Sikkim has to avail of an Indian Visa which can be obtained at any Indian Embassy or mission abroad and The Inner Line permit(ILP) and can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemaynagtse. The ILP is issued at all Indian Embassies abroad and in Sikkim Tourism Office at Delhi , Calcutta and Siliguri. Special permits issued from Gangtok are required for Trekking to Dzongri/Goechala and visit to North Sikkim and Tsmogo Lake in east.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN SIKKIM

EAST SIKKIM

Rumtek Monastery : This is the largest monastery in Sikkim and is situated 23 kms frome Gangtok. The main monastery is three storied high. It has a large prayer hall on the ground floor.

The Nehru Botanical Garden : The Garden is located half a kilometre before the Rumtek monastery on highway . It has a mixture of well tended tropical and temperate plants and trees, The garden is an ideal picnic spot with an excellent view.

Research Institute of Tibetology : A kilometre downhill from the main market of Gangtok amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and birch trees stands the institute Tibetology. This world famous building is an example of Tibetan architecture . It's library and museum ate open to the public on week days from 10 am to 4 pm .

Chorten Monastery : Chorten monestery is a huge and towering stupa. The periphery, of Chorten is surrounded by 113 small prayer wheels. It is an ideal example of Buddhist architecture.

Flower Show : Flower exhibitions are organised round the year at the flower show venue near White Hall Complex , Gangtok. Orchid shows held during spring is a popular tourist attraction.

Government Institute of Cottage Industries : This is located about a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It has a beautiful collection of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture.

Tashi View point : This place offers an astounding view of the Kanchendxonga range. A park above the view point is a good picnic spot.

Ganesh Tok : This temple of God Ganesh is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 6500 feet. All the snowy peaks on the western border including the Kanchendxonga is visible from here.

Hanuman Tok : This temple of God Hnuman is at an altetude of 7200 feet. The temple is very neat and clean and presents a panoramic view of the Ksnchendxonga.

Tsangu Loke : It is a spectacular lake at a height of 12 , 400 feet. There is a temple of Lord Shiva on the lake side. During winter the lake is frozen . There are Yak and mule rides on the lake sites. Because of the high altitude heavy woollens are required to be worn through out the year. It is advisable to visit visit the lake for noon .

Shanti View Point : It's a peaceful area which gives an excellent night and morning view of Gangtok.

Saramsa Gardens : 14 kms from Gangtok is Sarsmsa Garden , home of Sikkim 's exotic orchids and tropical and temperate plants.

Famboglho Wildlife Sanctuary : This richly forested area of 51. 76 km is richly forested with a lot of animals and birds.

NORTH SIKKIM

Lachung : Lachung is 116 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 8800 ft. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang valley which is just 24 km away from lachung. The village spread out on either side of lachung chu, has managed to retain its unigue culture and tradition. A visit to the Lachung Monastery is a must .

Yumthang : Yumthang at an elevation of 12,000 feet and 140 kms from Gangtok is a paradise for nature lovers. It has a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breath taking scenic grandeur. Yumthang's scenic beauty is akin to Switzerland and it's also famous for its multi- coloured Rhododendron.

Phodong Monastery : Its one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim and is located 38 kms from Gangtok.

Singhik : This place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt . kanchendzonga and its ranges .

Chungthaang : The distance between Gangtok to Chungthang is about 100 km. It is the starting point of river Teesta and has a very rich flora and fauna . it's the junction for the two passes lachen and lachung .

WEST SIKKIM

Pemayangtse Monastery : It is situated 6 kms. From Gayalsing town. The main hall of the monastery has an area of 1,500 square feet. The monastery houses nomerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity.

Water Falls : The hill sides of west sikkim are broken by cascading water falls like Rimli falls, Kanchanzunga falls and Chagay falls.

Kechopari Lake : It is located on a bifurcation on the road between Gyalsing and Yaksom. The water of the lake is placid and crystal clear . there os a beautiful dense forest above the lake . it is also known as the wishing lake.

Pelling : It is at an altitude of 6800 ft. and 132 kms from Gangtok . from Silliguri it is 135 km. It offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges.

Tashiding Monastery : This monastery is constructed on top of a heart - shaped hill with the back drop of Mt. Kanchendzonga . Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as " Thong-Wa-Rang- To" which means saviour by mere sight. Another important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water festival.

Singshore Bridge : Singshore Bridge is the second highest bridge in the world. It's a piece of mechanical marvel where engineers have fought against nature to connect two hills. Singshore Bridge is a hanging bridge.

Dentam Bazaar : There's a trekking route between Versey and Dentam Bazaar. Besides its an attractive tourist spot.

Yaksom : Yaksom is at an altitude of 4,600 ft. Yaksom is served bu an all weather road from Pevsyangtse, which is at a distance of 32 km. From Yaksom, the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of the famous Mt. Kanchendxonga begins.

SOUTH SIKKIM

Ravangla : At the base of Menarm Hill is Ravangla. It's a transit destinations in south and west Sikkim . One can also trek to Menam hill and Borong from here. Also a trek to the sacred cave " Shar Chok Bephu" is a memorable experience.

Temi Tea Gardens : It is the only tea estate in the state spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificient view of surrounding villages.

Menam Hill : Situated at an altitude of 10,300 feet it provides apectacular view.

Versey : It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. an easy 4 kms trek from here takes one to the versey Rhododendron Sanctuary