India

Sikkim in India

Sikkim lies in the boarder of Nepal in the west and Tibet to north and south east Bhutan. It is the 22nd small state of India Tibet to the north and east of Bhutan. The land of mystic magnificence Sikkim offers the magical feel of a Himalayan fairytale land and it's call "the last Shangri-La". Sikkim is an amazing place of hidden valleys, mystical monasteries, snow-fed lakes and a mountain setting covered with flowers and forests. This former kingdom is home to three major population groups the Lepchas, Bhutiaa, Sherpa and Nepalese providing a colorful composite of cultures. The third highest mountain in the world name of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8,586 m, lei north west of Sikkim at boarder of Nepal, dominates the landscape and is revered as Sikkim's guardian deity. Sikkim is a state of India tucked in the Himalayas across Nepal's eastern frontier. It is crammed in between Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the east and Darjeeling to the south. Sikkim is surrounded in a crescent by 28 Himalayan peaks. The state has more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, five natural hot springs and more than 100 rivers and streams.

Imagine walking amongst gorgeous orchids, flashing kaleidoscope of singing birds, lush greenery and clouds of vivid butterflies of all sizes-all framed by snowy peaks. For century's botanists and plant lovers have been irresistibly drown to Sikkim for he perfusion of over 4000 species of flowering plant, including an incredible 600 species of orchid. Magnificent magnolias flower in the temperate woodlands, more than 40 verities of rhododendron clover the higher hill, 45 species of primula bloom above 3000m, and celestial blue poppies color the alpine heights. Traditionally visitors have come in April and May to see the flora at its best, but the mid-monsoon months or July and august brings a superb display of state's magnificent alpine flowers, November is the time of glorious autumn cherry blossom. Whenever you choose to visit Sikkim abundance and beauty will delight and thrill you.

Key facts about Sikkim
Area:              7096 sq km
Location:         North-East India
Population:      54, 0493 (approximately)
Capital:           Gangtok
Climate:          Tropical, temperate and alpine,
Language:       Hindi, English, Bhutia, Lepcha, Sherpa, Rai & Limbu
Districts:         Four (North, South, East & West)
Literacy:         56.53%

Travel Requirements from Sikkim
Foreign passengers should ensure that they are possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India except nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives who do not require visa from entry in India for period up to 90 days (separate visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders). The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division in the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visa to the foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad.

Inner Line Permit
To enter to the Sikkim foreigners must obtain inner Line Permits to visit Sikkim for limited time period. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism office, New Dehili, Calcutta, Siliguri and Rongpo (the entry point of Sikkim). The permits is issued for an initial period of 15 days durations on the spot without any delay provided Photocopies of Passport and visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available then and there. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The permit can be obtained from foreigner's registration office Gantok and Superintendent of Police of North.

Getting to Sikkim
There is daily flight from Kathmandu to Badarapur (in Nepal, 1hrs) drive to the boarder, kakatvitta 35km, about half an hour and from kakatvita one can get direct Jeep to Silguri(37km) or direct Jeep to Darjeeling and Gantok. There also Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal is 140 kms away from Yuksam. There is Daily flight from Delhi and Calcutta.

Best time to visit in Sikkim
Sikkim has four different Seasons:
Autumn season (September-November):
Winter season (December-February):
Spring season (March-May):
Summer season (June-August):

Best time to visit: February to June and September to December.

Tourist Spots in Sikkim
Sikkim is divided by four different district and Tourists are attracted to Sikkim for the cherished beauty and serenity of the place. There are many spots in North, South, East and West part that can be explored on Sikkim tourism Sikkim.

What to bring
Sikkim has a wide range of climates and conditions. Whenever you need we provide you with packaging list. Bring any food items wish will help you up steep slopes and portable water treatments if you choose. Avoid skimpy clothes.

North Sikkim
In North Sikkim tourists can enjoy seeing Mangan (the capital of North Sikkim famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery), Kabi Longtsok (the place where Sikkim's history incepted), Phodong Monastery, Singhik (offering a picturesque view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks), Chungthang Monastery, Lachen (base for mountaineering and trekking expeditions), Yumthang Valley, Chungthang, Lachung, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Gurudongmar and Chopta Valley.

South Sikkim
In South Sikkim you can enjoy Namchi (district of South Sikkim), Ravangla (an ideal destination for village tourism, tea gardens, monasteries, flora and fauna, mountains picturesque view, waterfalls, quaint villages, culture), Temi Tea Garden, Tendong Hill and Menam Hill.

East Sikkim
If you are in East Sikkim do not miss out Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa), Deer Park (Rustomji Park), White Hall, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok (temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha), Hanuman Tok (temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman).

West Sikkim
In West Sikkim do check out Gyalshing (Geyzing the headquarter of West Sikkim), Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom (the ancient capital of Sikkim), Tashiding Monastery, Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake, Uttaray, Barshe, Legship, Rinchenpong, Reshi Hot Springs, Rabdentse(Former Royal Palace) and Norbhugang resort.