Sikkim

Places of East Sikkim || Places of West Sikkim || Places of North Sikkim || Places of South Sikkim ||

Sikkim

22nd State of India known for its strategic location and as one of the last Himalayan `Shangri - La`, its climate, natural beauty and the fine cultural heritage attract tourist from all over the globe. Nearly wide range of Orchids and varied species of butterflies are found at various altitudes of the state. Its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora – fauna, monasteries and the marvelous view of the Himalayan Range makes it a unique destination. Sandwiched between Nepal, TAR in China and Bhutan is this beautiful state of India. Pleasing weather almost throughout the year thus offering a quiet and relaxed holiday. The four districts are East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. The district capitals are Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively.  Some of the newly developed tourist spot are Ravangla, Lachen and Lachung. Lachung is known for Yumthang, Hot water spring, Katao and Yumesomdong whereas Lachen is known for Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta valley, Thangu and Green Lake. Tso Lhamu Lake is another attraction from Lachen. Situated at a height of about 5099 meters / 16,730 feet and is the source of the river Teesta. Other than Kanchendzonga National Park there are 4 wildlife sanctuaries, namely Fambong Lho, Maenam, Shingba, Kyongnosola and Varsey. Monasteries form an integral part and there are nearly 195 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingmapa Sect, Kargyupa Sect, Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bon faith. 

One can also venture in the virgin area of south east Sikkim to  Arhitar Lake,  Mulkhar Lake, Thambi View Point, Baba Dham, Kupup  in Nathang Valley, Memencho Lake, New Baba Mandir and Jelep La pass.River Teesta is the main river and its tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli, Rangpo and Rangit from the north to the south. The Himalayan range give the panoramic view of mount Kanchenjunga 8598 meters, The third highest peak in the world. The other peaks consist of Kumbha Karna, 7711 meters, Pendem, 6706 meters, Narsingh, 5825 meters, Kabru Dome, 6545 meters

Some of the offbeat destinations are  - Biksthang in West Sikkim is a off beat spot for the great view of Mount Kanchenjonga. Yangtey in West Sikkim is 1 kilometer from Geyzing and nearly 10 kilometer from pelling. Tukla In East Sikkim is on the way to Nathula pass and provides a great view of Mount Kanchenjunga. Tsolamu lake in North Sikkim is beyond Gurudongmar lake. This is the source of River Teesta. Singhik in North Sikkim is known for the magnificient view of Mount Kanchenjunga. 

Places of Interest

• Gangtok / Rumtek / Saramsa
• Pelling  / Gyalshing / Dentam
• Yuksom / Rabedantse Ruins /
• Ravangla / Sikip / Tashiding / Biksthang
• Aritar / Arhitar / Rhenock / Jelep La Pass / Mememcho Lake
• Reshi / Rongli / Lingtam / Zuluk / Nathang Valley
• Rinchenpong / Legship / Norbugang
• Tsomgo lake / Nathula Pass  / Baba Mandir / Saramsa
• Lachen / Gurudongmar Lake / Tso Lhamu Lake / Green Lake
• Lachung / Yumthang / Chopta valley / Katao / Yumesamdong
• Mangan / Singhik / Kabi Longtsok / Thangu
• Uttarey / Varsey / Namchi / Samdruptse

Indian tourists require no entry permits to enter Sikkim, except for the restricted areas. Foreign tourists require a special permit, which are easily available at all Indian missions abroad who are authorized to issue a 15 - day permit. The same can also be obtained from any of the Sikkim Tourism offices. 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. Best Time to visit the state is mid - February to mid - June & mid - September to December. December to February is also enjoyable as it snows in most part of the state.

Communication / Connectivity

Airways – Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 130 kilometers and is 3 to 4 hours drive. Pelling is 145 kilometers and is 4 to 5 hours drive. Helicopter Service - The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates this service daily at 11:00 AM from Gangtok to Bagdogra and at 2:00 PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok.  It is a five seated chopper and it can be availed for flying within Sikkim.

Railways – Sikkim has no railway system but planning for a transit system is on the card. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and is assessable from all the major town / cities of Sikkim. NJP is well linked up with the rest of the country with frequent trains.  There are three railway station nearer to Sikkim Bengal borders but the frequency of trains are less.

Roadways – The network of roads in Sikkim are good compared to its difficult terrain it is approximately 130 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport. Each and every tourist spot are well served by the fleets of Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT). Ravangla is 55 kilometers from Gangtok, Chungthang is 95 kilometers, Lachen and Lachung is nearly 120 kilometers, Kalimpong is 90 kilometers and 95 kilometers is Darjeeling .  One can also avail shared vehicles. To save some time its better to avail private vehicle. All the tourist spots are well connected by road but some areas are restricted to vehicles  but passes are available if made in advance.

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