Sikkim

Sikkim also known as Shikim or Su Khyim; see Toponymy for other names is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains. The state is bordered by Nepal to the west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south.

With 610,577 inhabitants as of the 2011 census, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi). Sikkim is nonetheless geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas; the climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine, and Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, is located on Sikkim's border with Nepal.

Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. It also has the only open land border between India and China. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok.

History Of Sikkim

The Lepchas are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. However the Limbus and the Magars also lived in the inaccessible parts of West and South districts as early as the Lepchas perhaps lived in the East and North districts. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is said to have passed through the land in the 8th century. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism, and foretold the era of monarchy that would arrive in Sikkim centuries later.

Major Sightseeing Locations

image KABI LUNGCHOK

This historical place is 17 kms. from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

image SINGIEK

The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.

image CHUNGTHANG

Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river teesta , has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids , plants & wild life, is 95 kms. from Gangtok, 23 kms. from Lachung , 29 kms. from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.

image YUMTHANG

Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Yak and Yeti Travels organise 'Alpine Package Tour' for 2 nights and 3 days and also for 7 nights 8 days and the night stay for the tour is at Lachung, a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.

image RAVANGLA(RABONG-LA)

A small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South & West Sikkim, Rabongla(68001t) saddled on the ridge between the Menam(10,600ft) and Tendong(8500ft) peaks of the South District of Sikkim. Ravangla is situated on the state highway between Gangtok & Pelling and is an ideal destination to experience the rich culture & national heritage of Sikkim. 52km from Pelling, 65km from Gangtok, 120km from Siliguri, 134km from NJP.

image TENDONG HILL

Above Damthang , overlooking South District Headquarter town Namtse , there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft.,surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill . Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges .

image NAMCHI

Meaning Sky High nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500ft. commands a panoramic view of the Snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also the H.Q. of the South District 78km. from Gangtok and 100 km from Siliguri. At children Park, Namchi one can see the rare species of Orchids in a riot of colors during the exhibition during February.

image SINGBA RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY

Singba Rhodendron Sanctury (Area; 43 sq. km/Alt 3048-4575 mts.) is located in North Sikkim in the famous Lachung Valley at a distance of 137 km. from Gangtok, The sanctuary is bouded on its southern pheriphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. It is hemmed in on the east by high regged Chuba - Sagochen mountain ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava pass. The picturesque Yumthang river flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species of which are recorded from Sikkim alone, that ablaze in color during March - May. Rhododendron nevium the state tree occurs through the sanctuary, which is also rich in ground flora such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, larch, juniper, maple with trailing lichens. The also abounds in silver fir, spruce, dense carpet of moss protecting the soil and its inhabitants from the chhu at Phunyi in 1978 and have been flourishing since. Lachung is the last frontier village before reaching the sanctuary. Facilities include Angling in Phuniya Chhu & Yumthang Chhu from April to Spetember, Log brige over Yumthang chhu, waterfall at Phuniya, Hot spring at Yumthang & Log house at Phuniya, Lachung & Yumthang.Yak and Yeti Travels organise package tour to this exotic places.