Sikkim

      Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal and Indian State

of West Bengal. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates and dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain peak, Kangchenjunga (8,586m). Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Sikkim is full of beuty everywhere you happen to pass by. Perhaps, there is no part of the world, which offers a spectacular scene with every turn of the road as Sikkim. Within a matter of hour one can move from its sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountains slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual snow.

      The state is divided into four regions, east, west, north and south Sikkim. The tourist destination to explore the region wise are:
East
1. Gangtok, 2. Aritar, 3. Rumtak, 4. Changu Lake
5. Nathula, 6. Banjhakri Falls, 7. Kangchendzonga Tourist Villa

West
1. Pelling, 2. Yuksam, 3. Soreng, 4. Versey
5. Legship, 6. Hee Bermiok, 7. Utteray, 8. Tashiding
9. Khechuperi, 10. Sombarla, 11. Gyalshing, 12. Rinchenpong
13. Pemayangste, 14. Dentam
South
1. Namchi, 2. Ravangla, 3. Jorthang, 4. Samdrupste
5. Solophok, 6. Buddha Park
North
1. Kabi Lungchok, 2. Lachung, 3. Lachen, 4. Chungthang
5. Dzongu, 6. Mangan, 7. Singhik, 8. Phoceng,
9. Gurudengmar, 10. Yumthang

Sikkim is a tourist paradise as it is tucked away in the lap of the magical Himalayas covered with mountain peaks, Lush Valleys, Fast Flowing Rivers and perennial lakes. Sikkim itself is nature's art work showcasing its brilliance with every places in it. And the places that are a must in any tourist's itinerary include

East Sikkim
     East Sikkim is one of the four districts of the state where the capital city Gangtok is located. This part is also the hub of all the administrative activities on the state. Tourists explore East Sikkim more as this is the most popular part of the state and has a number of great tourist attractions.

1. The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre: Also known as Rumtek monastery, it is a gompa, a Buddhist fortification for learning and is located in Gangtok. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim.On the way back from Rumtek, you can take a brief stop at Shanti View point that offers magnificent panorama of Gangtok town.

2.  Nehru Botanical Garden: Located within a close proximity with the Rumket Monastery, this lush and verdant botanical garden is the home to several rare and exotic species of plants and trees and Orchids of the Himalayan regions. Some of the orchids found in this garden are indigenous to only this part of the world.  The garden has both tropical and temperate species of lush vegetation.

3. Research Institute of Tibetology: Sikkim research Institute of Tibetology or more commonly known as the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, is a museum and research institute situated in Gangktok. The institute currently houses more than 200 Buddhist icons, antiques and artifacts and also has a very rare collection of Buddhist books.


4. Do Drul Chorten: Do Drul Chorten is the largest Stupa in Sikkim. It is is laced with 108 Mani Lhakor prayer wheels and attracts large number of pilgrims and tourists. The Stupa contains a set of Holy books and many other religious objects including the sacred Kan-Gyur relics and the complete Zung/Mantras.

5. Enchey Monastery: The Enchey Monastery, or more popularly known as the Solitary Temple, is located on the Gangtok- Nathula road. The entry to this monastery premise is lined up with beautiful prayer wheels amidst a silent and peaceful environment. Enchey Monastery is an important seat of the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism and is famous for its Chines Pagoda style design.

6. The Lingdum Monastery: Also known as Ranka Monastery, it is a gorgous creation of Budddhist architecture located near Gangtok amidst wonderful view of mountains. You will find a large sized Buddha statues plated in gold inside the inner sanctum of the monastery. Banjhakri Waterfall which is of tourist attraction is located close by. If you are planning for paragliding (medium fly), it takes place from an area nearby.

7. Banjhakri Waterfalls: This 100-foot waterfall is located in a landscaped park, known as Energy Park, with forested area. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the waters of Banjhakri Falls are a treat to the eyes and senses.


8. Tashi View Point: On a clear day early morning, witnessing the sunrise from this point will leave
you speechless and spellbound. It offers perfect view of the snow covered peaks of Kanchenjunga. You can even see the Phodong and Labrang Monasteries from this vantage point. There is the resting point that offers amenities like refreshments and shelter to travellers.


9. Ridge Park and Flower Exhibition Centre: The Ridge Park runs along The Ridge road (Gangtok) and is full of flowering plants and shrubs. At one end and below the Ridge Park is the Flower Exhibition Center which holds the annual Orchid show organised by Department of Tourism. However, the spring season sees many orchids’ shows being organized along with the annual flower show contest which sees many of Sikkim’s neighbouring states participating.

10. Gangtok Ropeway: If you are not acrophobic and would like to have a bird’s eye view of the Gangtok city, take the ropeway. It is a 1 km ride (up and down 2kms) with three terminals Deorali, Nam-Nang and Tashiling usual boarding point is Deorali and Nam-Nang, the lowest being at Deorali near Institute of Tibetology.

11. Ganesh Tok: Located on the top of the hill about 7 Kms from Gangtok town, a small Hindu temple of Ganesha also has a view point that provides a panoramic view of Gangtok valley and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

12. Hanuman Tok: About 11 Kms above Gangtok Town, Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple of Lord Hanuman situated at an altitude of 7500 ft. Being the highest point around Gangtok, it offers a majestic view of Mt Kanchenjunga and its ranges. The Temple is managed and run by the Indian Army. Near the Hanuman Temple, there is a cremation ground of the Royal Family of the Namgyal Dynasty.

13. Saramsa Garden: Saramsa Garden, also known as Ipecac
Garden is a public garden approximately 14 km east of Gangtok near Ranipool. It is home to the state’s most exotic orchids and rare tropical and temperate plants and is ideal for Leisure, recreation and picnic. The garden has several sections known as blocks. As you enter the Garden, there is a nursery and a Convention Centre . In front of that is a section with a mini foot bridge over a mini pool and a garden full of hedging plants that have been given different shapes. There is also a dense canopy of trees which the sunlight can barely penetrate. Saramsa Garden is the perfect place for a solitary or a romantic stroll in the greenery.

14. Water Garden:  Water Garden at Martam Khola is 16 Km South of Gangtok. It is an excellent picnic spot with a small swimming pool for children. There is a Tourist cafeteria and way side amenity has been also provided.

15. Himalayan Zoological Park: Himalayan Zoological Park is certainly a place for wildlife lovers in Sikkim. It is located opposite Ganesh Tok, covering an area of 205 hectares. The Park has been established, to preserve the wildlife, without disturbing the creatures and keeping them in their natural habitat. Animals available in the Zoo includes Red Pandas, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolfs, Himalayan Palm Civets, Large Indian Civets, Gorals, Yaks, etc. Birds include Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Crimson-Horned Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Kalij, Satyr Tragopan etc.

16.  Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is around 30 km west from Gangtok.It is famous for its varieties of both flora and fauna. Flora like Rhododendrons, Bamboo, Ferns, Katus, Oak, etc. and fauna like Red Panda, Himalayan Bear, Civet Cat Binturong etc. can be found here. The Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a variety of species of butterflies and birds. The diverse flora and fauna is due to the variance in altitude ranging from 4200 feet to 7000 feet. Tinjure is the Sanctuary’s highest point at 7000 feet which has a wooden observation deck.

17. Gonjang Monastery: Gonjang Monastery is located about 6 km away from the heart of Gangtok town near Tashi View point. It is a prime centre for Buddhist learning in the state. On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, a festival called the ‘Saga Dawa’ is celebrated here. On this day, Gonjang

Rimpoche gives a religious discourse to the many devotees who attend to get his blessings.

18. Bakthang Waterfalls: This is a wonderful waterfall located, about 3kms from Gangtok town, on the National Highway towards Tashi View Point. While the height of the fall isn't much, it's the width of the fall that makes it so beautiful. It falls down a rock formation, creating a small pool below.  For adventurous travellers, they can try the rope sliding, although it's only a short slide of only few seconds but still quite thrilling.


19. Aritar Lake: Located at an altitude of 4600 feet, Aritar Lake also known as Lampokhri lake is surrounded by verdant green pine forests. This

1120 feet long and 240 feet wide boot-shaped lake is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim. A pathway has been recently constructed all around the lake for the tourists with the introduction of boating facilities. The place is also famous for the Lampokhari Tourism Festival, which is held in the months of March and early April and is famous for boating, horse riding, rock climbing, paragliding and many such fun activities.



20. Nathang Valley: Located at an altitude of 13,500 feet, this lush valley was the home to traditional yak herders who came from Tibet. Few streams crisscross the valley, and prayer flags flutter on the

mountain edges on this vast plain of nothingness. Nathang Valley appears in different colours in different times of the year. In autumn it looks golden when the grass dries up, in rainy season it’s covered in flowers and in winter it is buried in 5 feet of snow. The valley is devoid of any trees and it seems out of this world. Just 5 kms away, you would find the famous Eagle’s Nest Bunker from where you can get a 360 degree view of the whole range of Mt. Kanchenjungha, West Bhutan, plains of Bengal, China, Tibet and the beautiful River Bramhaputra meandering across in the horizon. While staying at Nathang you can cover Padamchen, Genmochen, Thambi View Point, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley, Baba Mandir and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips.

21. Aritar Gumpa: A monastery of the Kagyuapa order, considered as one of the holiest and oldest in Sikkim. The visitor’s can imbibe the tranquil air with splendour of monastic arts reflected in its traditional architecture, carved & painted murals and treasure of manuscripts and icons.

22. Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim at an altitude of 12,310 feet. It's located 35kms from Gangtok town and on the steep route  which leads all the way to Nathula Pass. Tsomgo Lake is a very famous tourist spot attracting visitors with its interesting history and scenic beauty. It also houses a beautiful Shiva Temple on its lakeside. You should reach Tsomgo lake before noon because in the afternoon the weather here usually turns inclement.

23. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Popularly known as Baba
Mandir, it is located between Nathula and Jelepla pass at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52 kms from Gangtok. The Temple is built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, who was a sepoy of the 23rd Punjab regiment who died while serving his duty on India-China border. The place is an image of great devotion and every day it is visited by thousands of devotees. Believe it or not, a man from an Indian army in a Nathula border is still doing his duty even after his death some four decades back. It is also believed that Temple has amazing wish fulfilling magical powers.

24. Nathula Pass: Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of Sikkim which connects India with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The mountain pass is famous for its association with the ancient history, which was serving as a trade link between Indo-Chinese border. It has military bunkers, army exhibition Centre and a war memorial exhibiting the old methods of trade. It will require a full day trip from Gangtok to visit Nathula. It is usually combined with visits to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.

25. Tukla Valley: The true beauty of the Tibetan Highlands can be experienced at Tukla Valley. Located at an altitude of around 12500 feet above sea level, Tukla Valley in Sikkim offers a majestic

panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allied peaks. The valley is also famous for the beautiful war memorial of a British soldier who fought the battle of Tukla. The Tukla Valley is covered in snow during winter and in September-October it gives a panoramic view as the whole valley becomes red due to the growth of a local flowers. Tukla Valley is around 16 kms from Kupup Lake and the Jelepla Pass is also located nearby

West Sikkim      

     

West Sikkim, located at the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga and it offers one of the best views of the south-east face of Mt. Kangchenjunga. Its capital is Geyzing, also known as Gyalshing. Other important towns include Pelling and Yuksom. West Sikkim no doubt is an adventurer’s delight with its undaunted trekking routes and frothing rapids. It is here that  top  places in Sikkim Tourism located such as .Pelling, Yuksam, Kheceopalri, Pemayangtse, Hee-Bermiok, Rinchenpong, Darap and Tashiding. It is the district where a lot of the historical landmarks of ancient Sikkim are found. There are many activities one can be engaged in: excursions to nearby waterfalls and monasteries, village walks, short monastery hikes, lake excursions, high altitude treks, monastic festivals, river rafting and

cultural homestays.  The places to visit in west sikkim are:

      Pelling: Pelling is  a beautiful town  and is becoming the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The main attraction of the place is the breath-taking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. It also provides sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations and several other activities. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers.

Singshore Bridge

      Changey Waterfall and Khangchendzonga Waterfall are two of the most important sightseeing spots in Pelling. The Khanchendzongna waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is open all year long. Khecheopalri Lake which is considered one of the most holy lakes of Sikkim is a good sightseeing spot. The lake is shielded in the rich forest roof. Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the most ancient monasteries of Sikkim and is a major tourist spot.. The 3-storied building of the monastery has a great

collection of wall paintings and sculptures. When coming back from Pemayangtse Monastery you can take a little walk to reach to the gateway of Rabdanse Ruins (ruins of the first palace of the Chogyal Kingdom). The trek towards Rabdantse is a forest area which boasts of some rare species of orchids and a few lakes. Rimbi Water Falls is another sightseeing spot in the area. Sangachoeling Monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden and Singshore Bridge are some of the other good tourist attractions near Pelling.
     

Geyzing: Geyzing or Gyalshing is the capital of the district of West Sikkim and is located at a distance of 10km from Pelling at an altitude of 6,500 feet above the sea level . With the increase in the number of tourists travelling here every year, Geyzing has become a tourist hotspot and it is the main trading and commercial town of this region too. Yangtey, a hilltop which is a few kms away from here, is sited on top of a cliff and offers a beautiful scenic view. The sceneries here are marked by magnificent peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. Straight down is the river Rangeet and up ahead you can see the marvelous Kanchenjunga Mountains.

      Darap Village: One of the few unexplored villages in Sikkim, Darap has retained the pristine nature of its flora and fauna over the years. This village is in the interiors of the Himalayan belt and only recently was it discovered and prepared for tourism. The local people known as Limboos have preserved their rich culture and traditions since ages and are extremely welcoming by nature. There are a lot of tourist-related activities that can be done in Darap village like trekking, traditional house visits, handicraft making, bird-watching and visiting the caves at Kanchenjunga National Park.

Trekker's Paradise

      Yuksom in West Sikkim is a trekker's paradise. It is a quaint town located 36 km away from Pelling. This town is the starting point or base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. The oldest monastery, i.e., the Dubdi Monastery also is in Yuksom. There are a lot of trekking options available. For beginner, an hour's trek from Yuksom to Dubdi monastery is an ideal option. For professional the Dzongri trek is the right choice. The highest point on this trek is 13700 ft above the sea level. Snowfall is common here, during winter months. If you are planning for this trek, be prepared to face extreme cold climatic conditions around any time of the year. It takes around 6-7 days to complete this trek. Apart from this trek, Barsey Rhododendron

trek, Goecha La trek, Kasturi trek are some of the other options available, which have moderate to a difficult gradient. Kanchenjunga National Park trek is one of its kind in the world. This park has many beautiful crystal-like glaciers, Zemu glacier being the most famous. You have to obtain all the permissions and permits before you start the trek. In this trek, you will get to see a wide variety of flora and fauna and experience the nature in its absolute form

North Sikkim

Chopta Valley

     The Sikkimese often contend that North Sikkim is as beautiful as Switzerland. It’s not just a simple saying to lure the visitors but thousands have visited this place and many after them have also reiterated the fact that North Sikkim is indeed truly beautiful. Although much of North Sikkim can be toured with ease in the comforts of surface transportation, the remarkable Green Lake region offering a unique trekking experience does call for several days of rigorous walking with logistical support of a camping outfit.

      The journey to the North from Gangtok follows the North Sikkim Highway, an adventurous drive through high hills and deep river valleys that ultimately ends up in the 

Gurudongmar Lake

 foothills of the Himalayas where gentle meadows overlook snow-clad rocky mountains. The ever-changing views along the way include rustic wayside hamlets surrounded by terraced fields, monasteries, torrential mountain streams with lush green forests everywhere.The region of Yumthang, Yume Samdong, Gurudongmar Lake , Chho Lhamu Lake and Chopta Valley are the only part of North Sikkim that is accessible for tourists. Mangan is the district headquarter. The road from Mangan goes straight to Chungthang and then  bifurcates on the left leading to the Lachen  Valley and the right going to the Lachung Valley. Lachen is the base from where tours to Thangu and Gurudongmar Lake are organized while Lachung on the other hand is the base for tours to Yumthang Valley.

South Sikkim
      South District of Sikkim lies at an altitude of 400 m to 2000 m with unique and countryside escape of endless waves of agricultural field and the terraced slopes. Namchi is the headquarter of South Sikkim which is nestled among the hills having elevation of 5500 ft and commands panoramic view of snowcapped mountains and vast stretches of distant verdant valleys  The Biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava stands towering at 108 ft overlooking the town of Namchi.
      South Sikkim has created history by bringing the four Dhams under one roof at Solophok, Namchi. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshawaram and Badrinath has been replicated in this fantastic complex of Siddhesvara Dham to benefit the devotees who will visit this place. Ngadak Gumpa in Namchi and Ralong Gumpa in Ravangla are among the oldest monasteries of South Sikkim. Other places of tourist interest include the organic Temi Tea Gardens, Buddha Park in Ravangla, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Borong Hot Springs.

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