SIKKIM TRAVEL GUIDE, A BEAUTIFUL HIMALAYAN STATE

Sikkim is the eighth-most populous state in North East India and the twenty-eight most populous state in the country. The Namgyal dynasty established Sikkim in the 17th century. Until 1975, it was ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as Chogyal. In 1975, the Indian administration annexed Sikkim as the 22nd state of the country and the dynasty’s rule came to an end. The word Sikkim comes from “Sukhim” which means a new house. Surrounded by mountains, this small state attracts tourists from home and abroad every year for its cool climate, amazing natural diversity, snow-capped mountain lakes, and a variety of activities. We will try to present here all the important information about Sikkim Travel Guide.

STATE OVERVIEW

The State has a geographical area of 7,096 sq km which is the 27th largest position in terms of the geographical area in India & divided into a total of 04 districts. It is bounded by Bhutan to the east and Nepal to the west, West Bengal to the south, and the Tibetan plateau to the northern part. The total population of the state is approx. 6.7 lakhs in 2020.

CAPITAL

Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim

CLIMATE

Generally, the climate of Sikkim extends from subtropical in the south to tundra in the northern. So the temperate climate is felt here. The average temperature here is between 15 and 18 degrees.

Summer	Monsoon	Winter
During summertime (March to June), the temperature here is between 05 to 22 degrees	In the monsoon time (June to October), the temperature here is between 04 to 18 degrees	During wintertime (November to February), the temperature here is between 02 to 08 degrees

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Due to its geographical location, the weather in Sikkim is cold most of the year and tourists come here a little less during the monsoons. The best time to visit Sikkim is from October to December and from March to May.

HOW TO VISIT

This landlocked state is well connected to West Bengal by road. Sikkim also has its own newly built domestic airport. Tourists can reach here in two ways.

By Air

Situated at an altitude of 4646 feet, Sikkim’s Pakyang Airport is the fifth-highest airport in the country. It is only 30 kilometers away from the capital Gangtok. Sikkim can also be reached from Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is 125 km away. Outside the terminal tourists can easily get private taxi services to reach Gangtok city.

By Rail

There is no rail service in Sikkim yet. There are proposals for rail service to Rangpo, the junction of West Bengal and Sikkim in the future. To reach Sikkim by rail, one has to go through New Jalpaiguri, one of the main stations in the northern part of West Bengal. Numerous private and shared cabs are available from outside the station to go to Sikkim. The distance from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is only 120 km.

By Road

Sikkim is connected to West Bengal by National Highway 31A. Which is the most widely used means of communication to reach Sikkim. This road extends from Sikkim to Assam via West Bengal. The road is an adventure in itself. Rental cars, government buses (Sikkim nationalization transport), and private bus services are available from Siliguri (West Bengal) to Sikkim. West Bengal has also a government bus service (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) for Sikkim.

WHY VISIT

Throughout the year many people from home and abroad come to visit here. The reasons why tourists like to visit this small state as their destination is because of the unique beauty of Sikkim, snow-capped mountain lakes, exploring the flora and fauna, biodiversity, Exploring Nepali and Buddhist culture, Buddhist monasteries walks, and trekking.

PLACE TO VISIT

Sikkim is a wonderful tourist destination in the country, this region is a favorite for all-mountain lovers. Below are some of the most popular tourist destinations of Sikkim that you must visit.

EAST SIKKIM

Popular Tourist Attraction

• Gangtok

• MG Marg

• Do Drul Chorten

• Rumtek Monastery

• Ganesh Tok

• Hanuman Tok

• Tashi View Point

• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

• Himalayan Zoological Park

• Flower Exhibition Centre

• Palzor Stadium

• Saramsa Garden

• Banjhakri Falls

• Paragliding Zone

• Ranka Monastery

• Enchey Monastery

• Tsuk La Khang Monastery

• Gangtok Ropeway/Cable Car

• Tsomgo Lake/Changu Lake

• Nathula Pass

• Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

• Zuluk

• Aritar

• Kupuk Lake

• Thambi View Point

• Zigzag Road

• Nathang Valley

• Rongli

• Phodong Monastery

WEST SIKKIM

Popular Tourist Attraction

• Pelling

• Pelling Glass Skywalk

• Rabdentse Ruins

• Kanchanjungha Waterfalls

• Pemayangtse Monastery

• Khecheopalri Lake

• Dubdi Monastery

• Kewzing

• Geyzing

• Legship

• Dentam valley

• Yuksom

• Tashiding Monastery

• Kanchanjungha National Park

• Dzongri 

• Goecha La

• Kasturi Trek 

• Sangachoeling Monastery

• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

• Barsey Rhododendron Trek

• Darap Village

• Yangtey

• Biksthang

• Rinchengpong

NORTH SIKKIM

Popular Tourist Attraction

• Mangan

• Chungthang

• Seven Sister Waterfalls

• Naga Water Falls

• Amitabh Bachhan Falls

• Dzongu

• Lachen

• Gurudongmar Lake

• Chopta Valley

• Black Stone/Kala Patthar

• Lachung

• Yumthang Valley

• Zero Point

• Mt Katao

• Cholhamu Lake

• Thangu Valley

 

SOUTH SIKKIM

Popular Tourist Attraction

• Namchi

• Siddheshwara Dham/Chardham

• Tendong Hill

• Temi Tea Estate

• Ralong Monastery

• Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

• Samduruptse Statue/Statue of Guru Rinpoche

• Sai Mandir

• Ravangla

• Budhha Park/Tathagat Sthal

• Borong

• Rabong

• Yang Yang Village

THINGS TO DO

Surrounded by beautiful hills, this state has a number of attractions for tourists. Paragliding is a very exciting activity for those who want to enjoy the Himalayan range through the eyes of a bird. There are also full-day local sightseeing, rafting on the river Teesta, exciting lake trekking, camping, helicopter joy ride, Buddhist monastery walk, Explore snow-capped mountain valleys, and wandering secluded hill villages.

FESTIVALS

Sikkim celebrates a lot of traditional festivals throughout the year. The notable festivals are given below.

• Losar

• Lossong/Namsoong Festival

• Maghe Sankranti

• Sonam Lhochar

• Ramnawami

• Saga Dawa

• Bhanu Jayanti

• Drukpa Tshechi

• Indra Yatra Festival

• Sikkim Winter Festival

• Pang Lhabsol

• Guru Rimpoche’s Thunkar  Tshechu

• Hee Bermiok Festival

• Tendong Lho Rum Faat

• Dassain(Durga Puja)

• Deepawali/Tihar(Lakshmi Puja)

• Tamu Lhochar

• Annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival

• Bhumchu

• International Flower and Garden Festival

• Mangan Music Festival

• Sakewa

• Lhabab Duechen

• Teyongshi Srijungha Sawan Tongnam

• Barahimizong

• Kagyed Dance

FAMOUS FOOD

Due to the fact that people of different races and religions live in India, there is a wide variety of food in different provinces. Below are the names of the famous Sikkimese foods that you must try once you visit here.

• Momos

• Thukpa/Gya Thuk
• Phagshapa
• Chhurpi
• Sinki
• Kinema Curry

• Dhindo
• Sha Phaley
• Gundruk
• Kodo Ko Roti
• Tongba

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