Sikkim – Just Heaven

The Nepalese called it Sukhim – ‘The New Place’; for the Bhutias seeing those endless tracts of paddy fields it was Demazong, ‘The Valley of Rice’. But it original inhabitants – the Lepchas understood this land best - for them it was simply ‘Nye-mae-el lang’ – abode of the Gods.

Spread over 7096 sq. km, it enfolds the upper valley of the Teesta River, the major tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Its southern borders with West Bengal are shared with the Rangit and Rangpo Rivers; the Singhalila Range acts as a natural barrier with Nepal in the west and the Dongkhya Range runs along the borders from the north to the north east. Elevations range from 270 m above sea level in the south to over 8589 m in the north and north-western region.

This land of intense natural beauty, imbued with a mystic aura, is steeped in legends and history. The profusion of lofty peaks, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, orchid nurseries, heli-tours and stunning trekking routes make Sikkim a multi-dimensional holiday destination.

Gangtok (1572 m), the capital city in the east district, is the seat of governance and the primary hub of commercial activity. The drive up the Teesta gorge to this prettily located first town of Sikkim is spectacular. The pile of white water rafting equipment near the river bank, at one point, reminds you how popular this tumultuous waterway is becoming for adventure sports enthusiasts. Situated a short distance from it is the ancient Rumtek Monastery. The town is a convenient base for trips to the ethereal environs of the mystical Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.

Flower-filled meadows and hot springs, splendid vistas and tribal culture lure travelers t to the north district – just perfect for cultural tours and tribal village visits.

The stunning environs of the west district are adventure sports country. There’s white water rafting down the Teesta and Rangit Rivers and trekking through rhododendron forests amongst the mountainous tracts. The misty, fairytale-like village of Pelling, the great tourist attraction, has sensational views of Mt. Kanchendzonga. Close by is the sacred, prayer-flag encircled Khecheopalri (wishing) Lake.

Some of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim are located in its south district, which is the starting point for treks to Maenam and Tendong Hill. This is mountain biking country and a haven for naturalists.

Sikkim Cities

Gangtok	Gezing	Namchi
Pelling	Jorethang	Kalimpong
Yuksam	Mangan

Tourist Attractions in Sikkim

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology : This world-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the world’s largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and manuscripts on science, medicine, astrology, etc.

Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms : You can spend a leisurely time at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms. You can see craftsmen in the process of weaving, woodcarving and painting typical Sikkimese designs.

Himalayan Zoological Park : Covering an area of 205 hectares, the Himalayan Zoological Park (8 km) is the semi-natural habitat of the endangered red panda, barking deer, spotted deer and bear.

Enchey Monastery : One of the most important monasteries of Sikkim and the Nyingma order of Buddhist, the Enchey Monastery (5 km) is constructed on a site blessed by Lama Druptob Karbo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly over 200 years old.

Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass : You can drive up to the hallowed, oval shaped glacial Tsomgo Lake (3780 m) to enjoy its mystical environs (just 38 km from Gangtok) and yak rides.

Rumtek Monastery : The picturesque 24 km drive from Gangtok to the impressive Rumtek Monastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the town. This lavishly built monastery is said tobe a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order, in Tibet.

Zurmang Kagyud Monastery : Just 20 km out of Gangtok is the Zurmang Kagyud Monastery at Lingdu. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden : On way to the Rumtek Monastery at the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden established here in 1987. This entire tract comprises of virgin temperate forestland rich in oak and about 50 varieties of trees.

Bakkhim : Bakkhim, the base for Dzongri, is a feast for the senses with more than 20 varieties of rhododendron. The lush green environs are a riot of colours and medley of shades. Bakkhim is also the base for mountaineers and trekkers going to Dzongri 10 km away.

Dzongri : Home of the red panda, black khaleej pheasant and the yellow-necked woodpeckers, the fascinating mountain trail up to Dzongri is a trekker’s delight. In the season, the slopes are aflame with great varieties of rhododendron.

Pemayangtse Monastery : The 17th century Permayangtse Monastery (Perfect Sublime Lotus) of the Nyingmapa order is perched at a height of 2085 m surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Soak in the haunting beauty of Khangchendzonga and its retinue of peaks. It is Sikkim’s second oldest monastery.

Tashiding Monastery : Up a steep track, perched atop a conical hill, close to Pemayangtse, is Sikkim’s most venerated shrine, the Tashiding Monastery, built in 1717.

Adventure Sports in Sikkim

Sikkim is a paradise for adventure sports lovers. Its fabulous topography offers a dazzling variety of adventure options. Go climbing, trekking, enjoy river rafting, try mountain biking, take a yak safari or thrill to the joy of hang-gliding.

Fairs and Festivals in Sikkim

Sikkimese festivals are held according to the Buddhist calendar so the months of the English calendar given are approximate. One of the most intriguing dance forms is the Chaams. These are ritual dances of the lamas, which feature colourful masks and quaint musical instruments and are held at various monasteries during the festivals.

Flight Operational Areas in Sikkim

West Sikkim Flight (5 pax)
Duration : Around 60 minutes.
Route : Gangtok-Singtam-Geyzing-Yuksam-Dikchu-Gangtok.
Landmarks : Rumtek Monastery, Temi Tea Estate, Rabang/Maenam Hill, Tashiding, Pemayangtse Monasteries, Waterfall near Yuksam, Khangchendzonga.

Yumathang Flight (5 pax)
Duration : Around 70 Minutes
Route : Gangtok-Mangan along Teesta River to Chngthang-Lachung-Yumthang-Gangtok.
Landmarks : Khangchendzonga Range, Lachung Monastery, Waterfall and lake near Lachung, Yumthang Valley. Also enjoy viewing grazing yak herds.

Khangchendzonga Flight (4 pax)
Duration : 90 minute.
Route : Gangtok-Mangan- Chungthng-Lachen-Zemu Glacier-Green Lake-Lachen-Gangtok.
Landmarks : Teesta Valley between Mangan and Lachen, Lachen Monastery, Zemu Glacier, Green Lake, views of Khangchendzonga Rnage, including close-ups.

Gangtok Flight (5 pax)
Duration : Around 20 Minutes
Route : Around Gangtok
Landmarks : Khangchendzonga Range, Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok Ridge.

Flights are subject to weather conditions, confirm operations and other details from Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.

Shopping in Sikkim

Plunge into the plethora of hand-woven carpets with traditional and modern designs, thankas, Lepcha weave bags, purses, woodwork, Sikkimese dresses, large cardamoms, caps, scarves, jewellery, Sikkimese spirits and liqueurs. Take home the famous silver ‘Dragon Rings’ available with most jewellery/souvenir shops. Also popular are ‘Choktse’, collapsible wooden tables with hand-carved designs.

Lal Bazaar, Super Market and New Market are the main shopping areas. There is also thriving ‘foreign goods’ market. Home your bargaining skills. Government emporia have fixed rates.

Popular Shopping Outlets Sikkim
Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms Showroom; Sikkim Rural Development Agency Showroom, Junction of M.G. Marg and New Market; Shambu Jewellery, Tibet Road; Babu Kazi Sakya & Son, New Market; Snow White, M.G. Marg; Punney Raj Sakya, New Market.

How to reach Sikkim

By Air : Nearest Airport : Bagdogra (124 km). Taxis: private taxis are available at the airport and Siliguri for transport to Gangtok. Helicopter Service: Daily helicopter service – Gangtok-Bagdogra-Gangtok. The helicopter connects with flights from Delhi and Kolkata, and leaves for Gangtok between 1 pm & 3 pm.

By Rail : Nearest Railhead : New Jalpaiguri (125 km). Reserve rail tickets at the Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) bus stand counter, where there is a special quota for trains at New Jalpaipuri Railway station. Book well in advance, especially during the holidays.

By Road : From Siliguri, one starts for Gangtok on NH 31 and then branches off to NH 31A from Sevoke, 20 km from Siliguri. The main link between Gangtok and the rest of the country is through Siliguri (110 km). one can also go to Gangtok from Darjeeling (98 kms) and Kalimpong (75 kms). kriving to Gangtok from Siliguri, Kalimpong or Darjeeling is exhilarating, with the highway hugging the Teesta River for long stretches, passing through forests. On a clear day, a trip to or from Gangtok can be combined with picnic at beautiful sport en routs.