Mostly visited for – Gangtok, Botanical Garden, Pelling, Yuksom, Gezing, Jorethang, a major business center in south Sikkim, Namchi, Kalimpong, beautiful hill station is ideal for relaxing vacations, Phodong, Chungthang.
Adventure
Trekking: Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Khangchendzonga Trek, Khedi Trek, Singalila Trek, Kosturi Orar Trek, Samartek Trek Richenpong / Soreng Trek, Himalayan Trek, Tosha Lake Trek, Tendong Hill Trek
Mountain Biking: Gangtok, Rumtek, Sang, Sirwani, Temi, Damthang, Rabong, Kewzing, Tashiding, Yoksum, Geyzing, Dentam, Rinchenpong, Soreng, Sombaria, Jorthang, Namchi, Rangpo
Mountaineering: Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lamo Angden and Byrmkhangse
Yak Riding: Gangtok, Dzongr, West Sikkim
Major Cities
Weather - Summer: March to May, Monsoon: June to September, Winter: October to February.
Connectivity
By Air- The state does not have any airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (near Siliguri) in West Bengal, which lies only 125kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
By Rail - The state does not have any rail network in its boundary. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (near Siliguri), which is connected to Gangtok by road.
By Road - Although the state of Sikkim lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a good network of roads. The state can be entered through northern areas of West Bengal.
History, Geography and Culture of Sikkim
The Shangri-La of Sikkim is simply heaven. Lined by the surreal mountains and blessed with serene Buddhist character, Sikkim is a state shrouded in legends. The ancient history of Sikkim belongs to Lepchas who were the first inhabitants of the valley. The state got its blissful Buddhist heritage due to the blessing of Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche in the 9th century. He introduced Buddhism to the land and also predicted the future monarchy in the centuries to come. Later, Tibetan migrants or Bhutias came to Sikkim and established the Sikkimese monarchy here. Due to the stronghold of Buddhism in Sikkim, the state is known for 75 Buddhist monasteries, dating back to the early 18th century.
Geographically tucked in the northernmost frontiers of the northeast India, Sikkim is a small yet beautiful paradise bounded by Nepal, China and Bhutan. Domestically, the state is linked with West Bengal. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The region is a pristine paradise where mighty mountains rule the skyline. In the form of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchendzonga; Sikkim rules the Himalayan highlands. But the state’s dramatic topography is much more than just the presence of mighty mountains. The undulated bliss of nature in the form of organic farms, stunning variety of orchids, rhododendrons, cardamom, etc lend this state a desirable persona in the heart and soul of a traveller. River Teesta runs down the state as a lifeline of Sikkim.
Culture of Sikkim is predominantly Buddhist in nature. The presence of Gompas and monasteries lend a serene aura to the region. There is a Tibetan influence in the culture of Sikkim that is present in the form of festivals, fairs and other celebrations of the state.
Religion - Hindus, Islam, Jain
Festivals
Saga Dawa, Lhabab Dhuechen, Drukpa Tshesh, Phang Lhabsol, Losoong, Losar, Bhumchu, Guru Rimpoche’s Trungkar Tshechu, Kalchakra Puja, Tihar or Tyohar/ Diwali, Maghe Sankranti, Namsoong, Bhanu Jayanti, Nyempa Guzom
Eat – Momos, Thukpa or Gya-thuk, Saelroti, Chhupri, Ningro, Kinema, Gundruk, Sinki, Sishnu Soup, Chaang
Buy – Carpet Weaving, Wood Carving, Thangka Paintings, Handicrafts, Choktse Tables, Woolen Carpets
