SIKKIM 
Sikkim has the unique distinction of being bounded by three sovereign nations, Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and China 's Tibet in the north. It also shares its southern border with the state of West Bengal . It has an area of around 7096 sq km and it is about 64 km from east to west and 110 km from north to south. Mt. Kanchendzonga , the third highest peak in the world dominates the landscape of the State and is revered as Sikkim 's guardian deity. The state has a good number of glaciers and some of the very important ones are Zemu, Rathong, Lona in North Sikkim . The river Tista is the lifeline of Sikkim and it originates from Lake Cholamu . Its tributaries are Rangeet, Ramam and Rangpo. Sikkim offers best buys for hand woven carpets, thankas and other paintings. Other items typical of the state and are large cardamoms, Lepcha weave bags, purses, jewellery and liquors etc. The main inhabitants of the state are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.
LOCATION
Sikkim lies between 27.5 and 28.1 degrees North latitude and 88.4 and 88.58 degrees East longitude.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : |
7096 sq.kms |
Population : |
540493 (Provisional Census 2001) |
Altitude : |
224 mts to 8590 mts |
Temperature : |
Summer Max 28 degrees C Min 13 degrees C
Winter : Max 18 degrees C Min 7 degrees C |
Clothing : |
Summer : Light woollens
Winter : Heavy woollen |
Languages: |
Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, English, Hindi, etc |
ENTRY FORMALITIES
Domestic Tourists
Except for a few restricted areas, Indian tourists need no entry permits to visit Sikkim .
Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists require a special permit that can be obtained from all Indian Missions abroad who are authorized to issue a 15- day permit. The Tourism Officer at the border town of Rangpo is also authorized to issue a 2-day permit to foreign tourists to enable them to enter the state and acquire the full 15-day permit. Permits can also be obtained from the following offices:
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Maghe Sangkranti Mela
A three-day holy festival of the Hindus, this mela is held in the month of January. Huge fairs are regularly organised in and around the riverbanks and the confluence of Jorethang, Saramsa, Rorathang and Triveni rivers.
Bumchu
It is held during January/February at the monastery of Tashiding. The abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and foretells the future of the state.
Losar
This festival held around the first week of February is celebrated to welcome the Tibetan New Year with feasting and merrymaking.
Saga Dawa
It is an important festival of the Mahayana Buddhists. Saga Dawa is celebrated in the month of May in all-important monasteries of Sikkim . Lamas with painted masks, ceremonial swords leap and swing to the tune of the drums, the trumpets and the chanting of the monks.
Pang Lhabsol
Unique to Sikkim , this festival held during the month of August to worship the snow peaks of Mount Kanchendzonga . An important feature of the celebration is the warrior dance with its intricate steps and leaps accompanied by martial war cries.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat
An important festival of the Lepchas community of Sikkim . This festival marks the celebration of the Tendong Hills where it is believed that the hill rises like a horn to save the Lepchas from a great flood. The festival is celebrated during the month of August.
Dasain
It is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim where elders of the family apply 'tika' on the young and bless them. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil and it is held during the month of October.
Tihaar
This festival is celebrated as the festival of lights with the lighting of lamps accompanied with traditional carols called Deusi and Bhakti. The festival is held during the month of November.
Losoong Festival
Losoong is an important festival of the Bhutia community of the State. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan Year. It is celebrated in the Monasteries of Tsug Lakhang, Phodong and Rumtek with religious dances (Chaams) feasting and archery contests. It is held during the month of December.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Sikkim is endowed with a rich species of flowering plant, including 600 species of orchids. There are magnificent magnolias in the temperate regions and over 40 varieties of rhododendrons in the higher regions. The red panda, the Himalayan black bear, several species of deer, leopard cat, flying squirrels, the blue sheep, the Tibetan wild ass, the bearded vulture and around 600 species of butterflies are found in the State. There are six wildlife sanctuaries and one National Park in the State.
The five sanctuaries are the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary, Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Fambong La Wildlife sanctuary.
The only National Park in the state is the Khangchendzonga National Park known as the highest National Park in India .
TOURIST ATTRACTION OF SIKKIM
Gangtok/ Bakkhim / Dzongri / Pemayangtse/ Yuksam/ Yumathang
Changu Lake
Location
Located just 35 kms from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim .
Tourist Attractions Nearby
Kyonqnosia, Kyonqnosla Alpine Sanctury, Tseten Tashi cave, Nathula pass, river Lungtze Chu and a little Shiva temple are some of the other added attractions.
Best Activities
Fishing and just lazing around.
About Changu Lake
Changu Lake is literally known as the ' source of the lake' in Bhutia language. Situated around 35 kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim , this calm lake is located at an altitude of 12,310 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway.
The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It's cool, placid water smoothly merges with the scenic beauty around. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.
The lake has charming Alpine forests, which is home to some rare animals like the Red Panda, Brahminy ducks and variety of birds. Between the month of May and August one can see a variety of flowers blooming like the Rhododendrous, various species of Primulas, Blue and Yellow Poppies, Iries etc.
NOTE : Foreigners are not allowed to visit Changu Lake and the Indian tourists are allowed only if they have inner permit, since the Lake falls in the restricted area.
Yumthang Valley
Location
Located 145 kms from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim .
Tourist Attractions Nearby
Chungthang, the Sikkim countryside, Lachung and Kangchendonga National Park are the nearby places which people visit along with Yumthang valley.
Best Activities
Trekking.
About Yumthang Valley
Yumthang is a valley in the high reaches of Himalayas also known as the valley of flowers. The Yumthang valley is situated at an altitude of 1180 ft ( 35564 m) with a close proximity of Tibet . Yumthang is a beautiful destination, covered with Rhododendron and Primula flowers. It also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. A number of hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunity to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Rich in sulfur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power. A tributary of the river Teesta flows past the valley and there's the town of Lachung , the nearest inhibited center.
NOTE : Foreigners are allowed to visit the valley only if they procure a permit from the tourism department of Sikkim .
Getting There
Air
Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (124 kms), where flights fly to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok and Bagdogra.
Rail
Visitors can travel by rail from Kolkata up to New Jalpaiguri. Gangtok is about 15-km by road from this place. Taxis are available at the station for hire.
Road
Gangtok is well connected with other parts of Sikkim and the country by weather metaled roads.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available at the valley. One can stay at Lachung, which is about an hour away from the valley. There are hotels, Lodges and tourist hostels in Lachung but not as compared to other destinations in Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery
Location
Located just 24 kms from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim .
Tourist Attractions Nearby
The Nehru Botanical Garden is another attraction that people look forward to.
Best Activities
Participate in celebrations called Tse-Chu and dances called Kagyat.
About Rumtek Monastery
The largest monastery in Sikkim sprawling over a huge area. It was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and was reconstructed to the present state by the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It includes a school built on modern lines to impart teachings in Tibetan and various aspects of Buddhism. An aviary containing the most exotic birds also exists in the monastery complex. Some distance above the monastery is a hermitage in which monks go into complete seclusion for meditation for period's up to 3 years.
It is believed that the monastery is an absolute replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu , Tibet . The center houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.
The Events in the Rumtek Monastery
The main offerings / dances of Rumtek also called the "Tse-Chu Chaams" are held on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar around June. The 'Kagyat' dances are held on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.
Getting There
Air
The nearest airport is at Bagdogra ( West Bengal ).
Rail
The nearest railway stations are in Siliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms).
Road
Reach Rumtek by the SNT bus service from Gangtok. One can also hire jeeps and taxis.
Accommodation
There are not many options available as far as accommodation in Rumtek is concerned. There are just a few hotels and guest houses to choose from.
