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:

GANGTOK : Sikkim Tourist Information Counter, M.G. Road, Gangtok 737101, Sikkim, Ph -(03592) 21634/27720/22634, Fax.25647/22413

DELHI : Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, New Sikkim House, 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021, Ph - (011) 26115346

SILIGURI : Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, SNT Colony, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri, Ph - (0353) 2432646

BAGDOGRA : Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra, Ph - (0353) 2551036

KOLKATA : Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, 4/1 Middleton Street, Kolkata-700017 Ph - (033) 22815328

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.

NATIONAL PARK / WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES :

Kanchendzonga National Park : The Park covers an area of around 1400 sq.km. It is bound on the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of Zemu glaciers, on the east by the ridge of Mt. Lamaongden, on the west by Mt. Kanchendzonga and in the south by Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim. Wildlife found in this Park are the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, blood pheasant, civet cats, black eagle etc.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary : Adjoining the Tsomgo Lake and covering an area of 4 sq km, wildlife found in this sanctuary are the red panda, blood pheasant etc.

Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary : Famous for its variety of rhododendrons.

Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary : Located above Ravangla town and covering an area of 35 sq km, this sanctuary has its highest point in Meanam at 10,600 ft. Animals and birds found in this sanctuary are the red panda, leopard cat, civet this 33 hectares wildlife sanctuary is located near Yumthang. Wildlife found in this sanctuary - the blood pheasant, partridge, tiger, civet cats etc.

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary : This rhododendron sanctuary has been recently established and lies in the west corner of Sikkim.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary : With an area of 51.76 sq. km and lying above the road between Singtam and Dikhu, this sanctuary is 25 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is rich in wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. and is home to the Himalayan black bear, red panda, civet cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies.

For further information log on to http://sikkim.nic.ind
http://www.sikkimtourism.org

EXCURSIONS

The Ipecac Garden : 14 km from Gangtok, this garden is named so because of the plant that is grown here. This garden also has a wide variety of flora including orchids and medicinal plants. The green house nearby is another place worth visiting.

Kabi Longstok : It is around 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway. This is a historical place where the treaty of blood brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha chieftain Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia chief Khey- Bum-Sar.

Phodong Monastery : This is one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim. It is located about 35 km from Gangtok on North Sikkim Highway.

Tumlong Palace Ruins : A little distance from the Phodong Monastery are the Tumlong Palace ruins. This was the third capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim for almost ninety years before the capital was shifted to Gangtok in 1894.

Chungthang : Enroute to Yumthang lies the tiny hamlet of Chungthang at the confluence of the two rivers, Lachung Chu and Lachen Chu (which later evolves into the Teesta). It is 95 km from Gangtok and 48 km from Yumthang. The valley is believed be have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and is rich in biodiversity.

Lachung : A unique village of the Bhutia community having a local self-governing body known as Zumsa. The village is still retaining its own culture and traditions and it is 25 km away from Yumthang.

Yumthang : At a distance of 140 km from Gangtok and a height of 11,800 ft. Yumthang is well known for its various species of rhododendrons. Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu' or hot spring on the bank of Lachung Chu is believed to possess therapeutic qualities.

Rumtek Monastery : About 24 km away from Gangtok, this monastery is the largest in Sikkim. The main monastery is a three-storied chamber, which has a large prayer hall decorated with statues, paintings, thankas and tubular silk banners. On the first floor are the living quarter of the last Karmapa. A flight of stairs outside the main monastery takes one to the Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist studies. Adjacent to the Institute, there is a small hall that has a stupa that contains the bone and ashes of the sixteenth Karmapa.

ACCOMODATION :
Shambhada Mountain Resort, Ph - (03592) 52240/43
Martam Village Resort, Ph - (03592) 23314/36843
Nehru Botanical Garden : It is about half a kilometre from Rumtek monastery. The garden has a green house containing many species of orchids.

Tsomgo Lake : Tsomgo lake is about 40 km from Gangtok, 20 km from the Nathula Pass and about 400 km from Lhasa. The lake, which receives waters from the melting snow from surrounding mountains, is considered sacred by the local people. En route to Tsomgo from Gangtok lies the unique high altitude Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, home to the red panda and the blood pheasant.

Nathula Pass : At an altitude of around 14200ft, Nathula Pass at a distance of 56 km from Gangtok is a border town between India and China. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the country.

Pemayangtse Monastery : Situated at an altitude of 6840 ft it is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa order. The monastery houses numerous priceless religious idols and other objects of worship. A short distance way lies the Rabdentse ruins, the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom.

ACCOMODATION :
Hotel Mt. Pandim, Ph - (03595)2 50756
Pelling : Pelling is 145 km from Gangtok and 20 km from Pemayangtse. This small hamlet offers a magnificent view of the entire range of the Sikkim Himalayas and is a fast growing town. Accommodation: Hotel Mt. Pandim, Ph - (03595) 250756

Sangacholing Monastery : Considered to be to be the one of the oldest monasteries in the state. The monastery was built around 1697.

Khecheopalri Lake : Located between Gyalshing and Yoksum at an altitude of 6000 ft, it has placid and crystal clear water. In spite of a beautiful dense forest above, not a single leaf can be seen in the water.

Yuksum : Yuksum is 35 km from Pemayangtse, and was the first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim. According to historical records, the first ruling Chogyal (monarch) of the kingdom was consecrated by three learned Lamas in 1641.

Tashiding Monastery : Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo, the monastery lies on a hilltop between Ranthong and Rangeet rivers. It belongs to the Nyingmapa order and is dotted with a number of chortens.

Namchi : A district headquarters of the south district, Namchi is about 78 km from Gangtok and 100 km from Siliguri. Namchi at an altitude of 5500ft offers an interesting view of the snow-capped mountains and a panoramic view of the spreading township.

Tendong Hill : At a height of 8530ft, Tendong hill is an important religious place for the Lepcha community. It is believed that the hill rose up miraculously to save them from the great flood.

Ravangla : A small township, Ravangla is an ideal base for trekking to Meanam hill and other places in south and west districts of the state including the sacred cave 'Shar-Chok Bephu' one of the four holiest caves in the state.

Menam Hill : Situated at a height of 10,300ft, the peak is 12 km from Ravangla. An ideal place for trekking, the peak rich in oak, magnolia, chestnut and rhododendrons is also the home to the red panda, the black bear, deer etc.

Borong : An interesting village with a beautiful landscape, Borong is approachable from Ravangla by car or a trek from Maenam. Borong is also known for the Borong 'Tsa-Chu' or hot spring.

Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs : Located about 25 km from Gyalshing near Reshi on the river, the water of this spring has medicinal value. One of the four holy caves is also located here.

ALPINE ADVENTURE :

The Mountains of Sikkim offers great experiences to all trekkers, mountaineers and seekers of adventure. The unrivalled high altitude alpine treks of Dzongri at 12,8000ft and Goechala at 18,000ft are both breathtaking and awe inspiring. Facilities for mountain biking, rock climbing white water rafting on the Teesta and Rangeet rivers are also available in the State. For further information, contact the
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre,
M.G. Marg, Gangtok,
Sikkim-737101,
Tel - (03592) 21634/27720/22634

TREKKING ROUTES :
While Yuksom serves as the base for high alpine treks in the north, Ravangla serves as a base for short treks in the south of Sikkim. The treks are of various levels from easy to difficult. Some important trekking routes are:

1.Yuksom-Bakhim-Choka-Dzongri-Chaurikhang (H.M.I Base Camp)
2.Yuksom-Bakhim-Choka-Dzongri-Thangsing-Samiti Lake- Goechala
3.Pemayangtse-Sangacholing-Khacheopalri-Dubdi-Sinon-Tashiding- Ralang
4.Rumtek-Sang-Yangang-Ravangla-Tashiding-Yuksom
5.Naya Bazaar-Hilley / Soreng-Varsey-Dentam-Pemayangtse
6.Ravangla-Tendong Hill / Meanam Peak
7.Uttore-Chaibangang-Garakhet-Boktak-Dzongri

Gangtok

Gangtok the capital of Sikkim is situated at a height of 5,500ft. The present capital was shifted from Tumlong in 1894 by Chogyal Thutob Namgyal and is today the centre for political, commercial, religious and cultural activities of the Sikkimese people. Gangtok offers the tourists all modern amenities for pleasure and comfort. There are a good number of luxurious and moderate hotels including modern shopping complexes, cyber cafes etc.
As per the 2001 provisional census, the population of the town is around 29,162. The temperature ranges from 13 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius in summer and between 7 degrees and 14 degrees Celsius in winter.

Flower exhibitions organized regularly at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall complex is another attraction for the tourists.

GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 5,500 ft
Population : 29162 (Provisional Census 2001)
Temperature : Summer: Max 20 degrees C Min 13 degrees C
Winter : Max 14degrees C Min 7 degrees C
Rainfall : 325 cm per annum
Clothing : Summer Light Woollens
Winter Heavy Woollens
Language : Nepalese, Hindi, English
STD/AREA CODE : 03592

ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION :

Air : The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, which is about 124 km away.Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.

Rail : The nearest railway stations are at Siliguri 124 km away and New Jalpaiguri at about 120 km. New Jalpaiguri is directly connected by rail to all important towns and cities in India.

Road : Gangtok is well connected by a network of roads with all important cities and towns. Some of the road distances in kilometre are as follows:

Gangtok to : Darjeeling-100 Kalimpong-75 Pelling-117 Yoksam-124 Yumthang-145 Tsongo Lake- 34 Phodong-37 Nathula-51 Siliguri-114 Guwahati-589 Kolkata- 720 Shillong- 669

LOCAL TRANSPORT :
The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (S.N.T) plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri and within Sikkim. Private bus/taxi and jeep services are also available on regular basis.

IN AND AROUND GANGTOK :
Institute of Tibetology : This is a premiere institute in the world and its museum has the rare collection of antiques like statues, thangkas etc. The library too has a stock of rare books and documents on Buddhism. Around 30 thousand volumes mostly xylograph documents, translation of the original teachings of Lord Buddha and treaties by distinguished scholars can be found in this library.

Deer Park : Located adjacent to the Secretariat, it is also known as Rustomji Park. The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer and some animals native to Sikkim have been kept in this park.

The White Hall : Situated on a ridge, this Hall was built in 1932 in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. It is a two-storied structure and has a typical British architecture. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the Hall.

Enchey Monastery : An important monastery of the Nyingma Order, the monastery commands a panoramic view of the mighty Kanchendzonga range. There is also a small hermitage here built by Lama Druptob Karpo. Later during the reign of Sidekeong Tulku, a monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese pagoda.

Tashi View Point : Around 8 km from Gangtok, Tashi viewpoint is an interesting spot to view Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu.

Himalayan Zoological Park : Also known as Bulbuley, the park covers an area of 205 hectares. Wildlife that can be seen in the park are, the red panda, barking deer, bears etc.

Do-drul Chorten (Stupa) : Built in 1945 by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, the Chorten has 108 prayer wheels and a good collection of holy books and other religious objects.

Institute of Cottage Industries : This institute was established in 1957 to promote the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture.

Ganesh Tok : It is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which is built on a hillock at an altitude of 6500 ft. A panoramic view of Gangtok and Raj Bhavan can be seen from here.
CONDUCTED TOURS :
The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates Local Sight Seeing tours, Package Tours and Sight Seeing Tours by Helicopter to some important tourist destinations of the State. For bookings and enquiries please contact:

New Delhi : Officer on Special Duty (Tourism), Sikkim House, 14 Panchsheel Marg, Ph - (011) 26115346

Kolkata : Officer on Special Duty, (Tourism), Sikkim House, 4/1, Middleton Street,Ph - (033) 22815328

Siliguri : Dy. Secretary (Tourism), SNT Complex, Hill Cart Road, Ph - (0353)2 432646
LOCAL SIGHTSEEING IN GANGTOK :
1. Handlooms and Handicraft Centre, Tibetology Research Centre, Orchid Sanctuary and Enchey Monastery.
2. Orchidarium and Dharmachakra Centre (Rumtek Monastery)
3. Changu Lake.

PACKAGE TOURS :
Gangtok Package Tour (3 Nights / 4 Days)

Day Particulars

1. Pick up from Bagdogra Airport by helicopter to Gangtok. Stay at a luxury hotel at Gangtok.
2. Visit to Tsomga Lake and Nathula Pass.
3. Local Sightseeing.
4. Departure for Bagdogra Airport by Helicopter.
Pemayangste Package Tour (4 Nights / 5 Days)

Day Particulars

1. Pick up from Bagdogra Airport/Siliguri. Stay at Hotel Mt. Pandim.
2. Sightseeing: Rabdantse-Sangachoeling-Pemayangste.
3. Sightseeing: Yuksom- Khecheopalri Lake- Norbugang-Dubdi.
4. Sightseeing: Darap-Rimbi Waterfall-Singshore Bridge.
5. Departure for Bagdogra Airport/Siliguri.
SIGHTSEEING BY HELICOPTER
SHS (Sikkim Helicopter Service) conducts special mountain flights to West Sikkim, Yumthang, Khangchendzonga and Gangtok as follows:

1.West Sikkim flight route: Gangtok-Singtam-Geyzing-Yuksom-Dikchu- Gangtok. (60 min)
2.Yumthang flight route:Gangtok-Mangan-Chungthang-Lachung-Yumthang-Gangtok (70 min)
3.Khangchen-Dzonga flight route: Gangtok-Mangan-Chungthang- Lachen- Zemu Glacier-Green Lake-Lachen-Gangtok. (90 min)
4.Gangtok flight route: Gangtok-Gangtok

ACCOMODATION IN GANGTOK
Hotel Nor-Khill, Paljor Stadium Road, Ph - 25637/20064
Hotel Tibet, Paljor stadium Road, Ph - 22523/23468
Hotel Tashi Delek, M.G. Road, Ph - 22991/22038
Chumbi Residency, Ph - 26618/19
Hotel Anola, Ph - 24233/23238
Netuk House, Ph - 22374
DenzongInn, Denzong Cinema Chowk, Ph - 22692/22991
Hotel Mayur, Paljor Stadium Road, Ph - 22825/22752
Sunny Guest House, 31 A National Highway, Ph - 22179
Hotel Rendezvous, NH 31A, Ph - 26271/72/73/74

Other Accommodation

Hotel Mount Jopuno, Ph - 23502/28239
Siniolchu Tourist Lodge, PO: Raj Bhavan, Ph - 22074/25201
Mandar Tourist Lodge, Ph - 24314
Mintoklin Guest House, Ph - 24226 / 26368
Shanti Bhavan (Dharamshala), National Highway 31A, CPWD, Rest House
Reservation: Executive Engineer, CPWD, North Sikkim Highway

Sikkim Essential Traveller's information

RESTAURANTS :

Dragon's Restaurant, M.G. Road, Ph - 25057/24439
Porky's Restaurant, Deorali Bazaar, Ph - 80702/80911
Wild Orchid Restaurant, 31A National Highway, Ph - 22553/22105
Oberoi's Barbeque, New Market, Ph - 24088
Parivar Restaurant, Yam House, M.G. Road, Ph - 27409/24088
Sher-e-Punjab, Arithang Road, Ph - 22823

PHOTOGRAPHERS/STUDIOS :

Orient Studio, M.G. Road, Ph - 24114
Panorama Colour Lab, New Market, Ph - 25098
Tashi and Sons, LM Road.

RELIGIOUS CENTRES :

Enchey monastery, TV Tower Evangelical Presbyterian Church Near Pvt. Bus Stand
Do Drul Chorten, Deorali Gurudwara, Deorali
Brahmakumari Ashram Mosque, Pvt. Bus Stand
Church of North India, P.S. Road Thukarbari Temple, Metro Point

HOSPITAL

Central Referral Hospital, Tadong, Ph - 31137
S.T.N.M Hospital, Ph - 22944
Red Cross Society, P.N.G.S. Road, Ph - 22056

CHEMISTS

Chiranjilal Lalchand, M.G. Road, Ph - 23762
Lifeline Medicos, M.G. Road, Ph - 22864
Shree Krishna Medical Stores, M.G. Road, Ph - 24807

HANDLOOM AND HANDICRAFTS

Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom Showroom, M.G. Road Sikkim Rural Development Showroom, New Market.

SHOPPING AREAS

Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Shopping Centre, Lall Market
CURIO SHOPS
Sikkim Art Emporium, NH-31A, Ph - 27106
Curio Craft Gallery, P.S. Road, Ph - 25739
Sikkim Sarda & Company, M.G. Road, Ph - 23594
State Handicrafts Showroom, Zero point

BANKS

Bank of Baroda, M.G. Marg, Ph - 23216
Bank of India, New Market, Ph - 24388
Canara Bank, M.G. Marg, Ph - 23589
State Bank of Sikkim, NH 31A,Ph - 22255
State Bank of India, M.G. Marg, Ph - 26091
UCO Bank, P.S. Road, Ph - 23164
Vijaya Bank, Metro point, Ph - 22131

AIRLINES

Indian Airlines, Booking Office, Tibet Road, Tel. 23099, Jet Airways, M.G. Marg, Tel.

TRAVEL AGENT/TOUR OPERATORS
Blue Sky Trek & Travels, MG Marg, Ph - 28658
Khangri Tours & Travels, Tibet Road, Ph - 26050
Namgyal Treks & Tours, Tibet Road, Ph - 23701, Ph - 22979, Ph - 28335
Tashila Tours & Travels NH-31A, Ph - 22979
Yuksom Tours & Travels, Ph - 23473
Sikkim World Expeditions, Ph - 23494

CLUBS

Rotary International, Ph - 22237/623215
Lions Club, Ph - 23779/22553
Rotaract Club, Ph - 22843/22594
Post office : Head Post Office, P.S. Road, Ph - 22449
Police : 100/22033
FIRE BRIGADE : Ph - 101/22001

INFORMATION OFFICES :
INDIA TOURISM, GUWAHATI, Government of India, Regional Office, (North East), G.L. Publication Complex, G.S Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007(Assam), Ph - (0361) 2456158, Fax - 2547407, Website: www.incredibleindia.org E.mail: indtour@asm.nic.in

SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE, M.G. MARG, GANGTOK, SIKKIM-737101 TEL - (03592) 21634/27720/22634; Helipad Ph - 25277; Fax - 25647