India’s Hidden Gem for Breathtaking Nature and Adventure

Sikkim is spread about 7,096 sq km & population: 540,493 , people speaks here Hindi ,English , Lepache ,Bhutia , Limbu and Nepali , Its Capital is very beautiful city Gangtok, to Explore Sikkim in the month of September to November and then February to May.

Like an emerald perched on the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim illuminates with picturesque charm and riveting history. Sikkim joined the Indian Union as the 22nd State on 16th May, 1976. Sikkim with an area of 7,096 sq km with an altitude ranging from 300m to 8,586 above sea levels is blessed with a wide range of bio-diversity endowed with tropical moist forests to cold deserts.

The crowning glory of this wonderland is undoubtedly the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest mountain of the world. Sikkim is renowned all over the world for its biological diversity and is one of 26 biodiversity hotspots. The unique terrain, climate and biogeography of the State have resulted in varied eco-zones, co- existing in close proximity. It is a veritable treasure house of some of the world’s most beautiful streams, lakes and waterfalls. The State has rich flora and fauna despite having only 0.22% land of the country. Sikkim is covered with forests that are inhabited by a large variety of animals. It is home to 43% of the mammals, 45% of the birds and 50% of the butterflies found in India.
Sikkim offers tours for everyone from those seeking solitude for Snow-capped mountains are such a breathtaking sight! The pristine white snow against rugged peaks creates a stunning contrast that can feel both serene and majestic

Meditation to those seeking leisure holidays, pilgrimage and to those seeking adventurous. For the adventure lovers, Sikkim offers some of the best trekking routes in the World with the picturesque backdrop of the mighty Kangchenjunga ranges. Bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing and paragliding are other adventure thrills that the state offers.

EAST SIKKIM

GANGTOK, the capital of Sikkim is situated at a height of 5,500 ft. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is about 124 km away. Air India has direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Sikkim Helicopter Service also conducts special mountain flights, besides the regular runs to Bagdogra Airport and back. Special flights are also conducted over West Sikkim and North Sikkim for a bird’s eye- view of the monasteries and the exotic Valley of Flowers, Yumthang. The nearest railway station are at Siliguri, 124 km away and new Jalpaiguri at about 120 km. Gangtok is well connected by a network of roads with all important cities and towns.

Places to visit for tourist Interest in East Sikkim

◆ Enchey Monastery ◆ Flower Show Complex & The Ridge ◆ Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts (DHH) ◆Do-Drul Chorten ◆ Namgyal Institute of Tibetology ◆ Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre ◆ Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, Lingdum ◆ Kanchenjunga Tourist Complex, Ranka ◆ Banjhakri Falls   ◆ Gangtok Ropeway ◆ Saramsa Garden ◆ Bakthang Waterfalls ◆ Tashi View Point ◆ Ganesh To◆ Himalayan Zoological Park ◆ Hanuman Tok (7,000ft) ◆ Sa-Ngor Monastery
One Day trip can be explore in  ◆ Nathula ◆ Tsomgo Lake ◆ Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
Some more exiting places of tourist interest in East Sikkim is Pastanga Village , Aritar , Zaluk & Gnathang Valley, Wildlife lover can go for Fandongla Wadlife Sanctuary for adventure of forest.

NORTH SIKKIM

Heart city of North Sikkim is Mangan City, many exiting place to enjoy natural beauty in north sikkim
Kabi Lamgchok , Seven Sister Waterfalls, Phensang Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Labrang Monastery Sirijunga Yuma Mangheem Mangshila Rong Lungten Lee. Singhik , Daongu, Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, Thangu

SOUTH SIKKIM

  Headquarter-Namchi Places of Tourist Interest in South Sikkim
• Namchi • Siddheswar Dhaam(Char Dham) Samdruptse Rock Garden Rabong Buddha Park Tengdong Hill Temi Tea Garden Maenam Hill Borong Sikip Phur Tsa Chu Bon Monastery (Yung Drung Kung-drakling) Indian Himalayan Centre of Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), Chemchey Sri Sridi Sai Baba Mandir, Assangthang

WEST SIKKIM

Main City -Gyalshing Places of Tourist Interest in West Sikkim ◆ Pelling Rabdentse Palace Ruins ◆ Pemayangste Monastery ◆ Darap ◆ Kanchenjunga Waterfalls ◆ Khecheopalri Lake ◆ Yuksom ◆ Dubdi Monastery ◆ Phamrong Waterfalls Tashiding Monastery Shiv Mandir, Legship Soreng Sai Mandir, Daramdin Hilley- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Rinchenpong – Kaluk Hee-Bermoik

Dentam Valley (4,800ft) Singshore Bridge (6,500ft) Uttarey (7,600ft) Chewabhanjyang Pass (10,300ft) Phoktey Dara-Singalila Peak (12,980ft) ◆ Daramdin

Trekking in Sikkim:

Sikkim offers some of the finest experience in the Himalaya. The state’s vast unspoiled mountain range is a trekkers’s delight and its Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary passes through forests of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and rhododendron with a view of Kanchenjunga peaks in the background. The Dzongri-Goecha La Trek is the most popular trek in Sikkim and famed for great mountain views, a floral

spectacle in summer, bird and views of pristine forest. The trek to Green Lake, the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga on the Zema Glacier in the North Sikkim is the most enchanting of all treks in this

area with a variety of flowers such as rhododendrons, primulas and blue poppies.

SOME MAJOR TREKKING ROUTES IN SIKKIM:

Kanchenjunga Trek-11 Days , Distance 105 kms, West Sikkim
Yuksam 1880m- Bakhim 2750m-Tshoka 3900m-Dzongri 4030m- Thangsing 3850m- Lamuney 3950m- Jemathang 4635m- Goechala 4950m (highest point)- Kokchurung- Tsokha-Yuksam.

Best Time: April-May & October-December

◆ Everest View Trek- 7 Days (A+) Distance 98kms, West Sikkim Soreng/Hee Bermiok- Barsey 3050m- Jorbutey 2950m- Thulo Dhap 3000m- Chewa Bhanjyang 3150m-Singalila Peak 3250m (highest point)- Uttarey 2320m- Hee Bermiok 2000m-Soreng 1880m

Best Time: April-May & October-November

◆ Singalila Trek-14 Days (A+++) Distance 98Kms, West Sikkim Uttarey 2302m -Chewa Bhanjyang 3150m -Dhund Wahum 3715m-Sikkim Megu 4045m-Danfeybhir 4635m (highest point) -Panding 4270m-Teygapla 3885m-Dzongri 4030m-

Thangshing 3850m-Lamuni 3980m-Kokchurong 3680m- Tsokha 2900m-Yuksam1880m

Best Time-June & October

◆ Green Lake Trek-8 Days (A++) Distance 120 Kms, North Sikkim Lachen 3100m-Talem 3250m-Jakthang 3300m-Yabuk 3850m -Rest Camp 4500m-Green Lake 5050m (highest point)-Yabuk- Talem-Lachen.

Best Time: June, September & October

◆ Tamzey Tarum Trek- 5 Days (A+) Distance 85 Kms, North Sikkim

Kabi-Dalamchen-Jekthang-Thapley (highest point) -Tamzey- Kyongnosla.

Best Time: May-June and October

◆ Kosturi Trek- 12 Days (A++) Distance 135 Kms

Tashiding-Labdang-Chownri Khar-ka-Kasturi Orrar -Arey Lungchok-Lampokhari -Lamuni-Goechala (highest point) – Kokchurong-Dzon-gri-Tsokha-Yuksam.

Best Time: April-May & October

◆ Monastic Trek-12 Days (A) Distance 95 Kms, West Sikkim Pemayangtse/Rabdentse-Sanga Chholing-Khechopalri-Yuksam Dubdi-Si-non-Tashiding-Ralong-Rabong-Samdruptse/Namchi. Best Time: March April & October-November

◆ Phuni Tarum Trek-5 Days (A++) Distance 70 Kms, North Sikkim
Yumthang-Chuyasha 4200m-Lava View Point 4410m (highest point)-Cave camp 4270m-Tarum Tsachu 2480m-Chungthang.
Best Time: June & October
Tosar Lake Trek-8 Days (A++) Distance 120 kms, North Sikkim

Mangan/Singhik – Sohar Dhe 2750m- Naramchue Patam 3190 m-Saber Ancho Patam 3770m TosarLAke 4000m (highest point)-Naram Chue Patam 3190m-Meyong Tatr 2900 m-Kalau / Mangan

Best Time: May/June & October
Maenam Trek- 7 Days (A+) Distance 80 kms, East Sikkim Rabong – Maenam – Doreylee – Karsat – Mangmok – Lingee – Lingmo – Yangayang.
Best Time-May, June and October.

◆Khedi Trek – 7 Days (A+) Distance 80 kms, East Sikkim Pasatanga- Ramitey – Khedi- Sela Pass (highest point) – Tar Kharka – Nubgang – Assam Lingzey
Best Time-April-May & October- November

◆ Fambong Lho Trek- 3 Days (A) Distance 35 kms, East Sikkim Taktse- Teenjurey (highest Point)- Rumtek – Sang – Ranka Best time- March to April, October & November

◆ Coronation Trek – 9 Days (A) Distance 145 kms Gangtok-Rumtek – Sang – Yangyang – Rabong-Tashiding – Yuksam – Khecheopalri – Pemayangste Best time- November to February

◆ Barsey – Singalila (A+) Distance 60 kms, West Sikkim Hilley – Barsey – Jorbutey – Thulo Dhap- Singalila (Highest Point) –

Uttarey.

Best Time-March and May.

Rhododendron Trek (A+) Distance 80 kms, West Sikkim

Yuksham-Bakhim Phedang – Kokchurung-Thangsing-Dzongri (Highest Point)-Jamlingang-Tshoka-Shachen-Yuksam Best Time-May and July
◆ Shingba Rhododendron Trek (A+) Distance 65 kms. North Sikkim Khedum – Lachung – Shingba – Domang- Yumthang-Lachung
Best time- April, May and June.

MOUNTAINEERING

Sikkim is blessed with world famous Himalayas and offers plethora of scope for adventure sports like mountaineering. Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lama Angden and Brum Khangse are the popular peaks of Sikkim where mountaineering is allowed. One can undertake mountaineering in these peaks with special permits from the concerned authority. May to October is the ideal season for mountaineering in Sikkim.

ALPINE EXPEDITION PEAKS

* Mt. Tingchenkhang 6010m, West Sikkim

* Mt. Jopuno 5935m West Sikkim Freys Peak 5830m West Sikkim (Permits for scaling the above peaks are issued by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim)

* Mt. Lama Angden 5868m North Sikkim

* Mt. Brum Khangse 5433m North Sikkim

(Clearance from Home Department should be obtained for scaling these peaks)

PARAGLIDING

Sikkim Tourism has also endeavored to start an enthralling sport of Paragliding in Sikkim. Tourist can book a tandem paragliding flight and enjoy the thrilling view of the majestic mountain peaks and picturesque town and villages from high up in the sky. You can also film your fly with GoPro at an additional cost.

One can chose from the following Tandem Joyrides in Gangtok:

Medium Fly: (Gangtok Town View)

Take Off Point-Ani Gompa (1450m/4700ft) , Flight Duration -5-8 Minutes minimum

High Fly: (Mountain Range View)

Take Off point-Bulbulay Dara (2200m/7200ft) . Flight Duration-15-20 Minutes minimum

RURAL TOURISM

Sikkim’s rural hinterlands are endowed with fabulous natural beauty. serene environment, heritage sites and unique cultural flavor. For a tourist who wants to experience rural life, Village Home stays in Sikkim offer opportunities to know not only about Sikkimese culture but also to engage oneself in the day to day activities of a rural life. Rural Tourism offers the visitors glimpse of rural Sikkim, familiarize with unique village culture and heritage so that they are mentally rejuvenated, culturally enriched and spiritually elevated.

Sikkim Homestay is an unforgettable experience and a great way to explore local culture and make new friends, feed on local cuisine, engage in household chores and also take part in the cultural activities. The traditional hospitality of the diverse ethnic groups is all ready to please you with local food, village walks, cultural programs and many other activities.

VILLAGE TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN SIKKIM

Trekking Village walks Nature walks Day hikes to pilgrimage sites Bird and Butterfly watching
Participation in cultural festivals Cultural songs and dances Traditional games and sports Collection and cooking of wild edibles Listening to folktales and stories Ploughing the fields Milking cows and making butter Fodder collection and feeding cattle Participation in weeding and harvesting Rice/Paddy cultivation andharvesting

Visiting traditional faith healers

Crossing cane and bamboo bridges Exploring local flora Preparing local food and beverages

PROMINENT VILLAGE TOURISM AND DESTINATIONS:-

EAST DISTRICT

◆ Pastonga Tumin ◆ Yaakten Village Dzuluk, Gnathang, Central Pendam Gadi Budang

NORTH DISTRICT

◆ Dzongu ◆ Lachen Tingchim ◆ Kabi

SOUTH DISTRICT

◆ Lingee Payong Maniram ◆ Kewzing ◆ Chalamthang Rong ◆ Jawbari◆ Assangthang PakzerSadam ◆ Sumbuk, Kitam , Perbing

WEST DISTRICT

Hee-Bermoik,  Darap,  Yuksam

For detailed list of Home stays available in Sikkim please the

following link: https://sikkimtourism.gov.in/Public/Index

Village Tourism.aspx

◆ Pelling

Uttarey

SOME OF THE FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF SIKKIM

•  Maghe Sankranti Mela at Jorethang, South Sikkim: The first day of the month of Magh corresponding to Gregorian calendar 13-15 January.
•  Guthor Chaam at Rumtek Monastery: Two days prior to the Tibetan New Year (LOSAR) corresponding to the months of February/March.
•  Bumchu at Tashiding: 14th and 15th Day of the 1st Month of Lunar Calendar corresponding to the month of February/March.
•  Flower Festival at Gangtok: Round the year, for Orchid lovers, Best season are March to May and October to November.

Saga Dawa: June

Pang Lhabsol: September. Celebrations held at Gangtok,

Rabong and Lachung. Tyohar (Diwali):  November

Guthor Chaam at Enchey Monastery: 28th and 29th Day of the 11th month of the Lunar Calendar corresponding to the months of December/January.

Kagyed Dance: 23rd December at Old Rumtek Monastery. Lingdum Monastery and Phodong Monastery.

 Losoong: 1st to 7th Days of the 11th Month of the Lunar Calendar corresponding to the month of December/January.

Tourism Festivals:

Lampokahri Paryatan Mahotsav, Aritar, East Sikkim-April Maniram

Village Tourism Festival- April Namchi Mahotsav,

Namchi, South Sikkim- October Cherry Festival,

Temi, South Sikkim: November

Sikkim Red Panda Winter Festival, Gangtok- December

Pelling Tourism Festival- December Losoong / Winter Festival- Gangtok, December

Flower Festival at Gangtok- Round the year, for Orchid lovers. Best Season are March to May and October to November

SIKKIM HELICOPTER-SERVICES

For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism is proudo present the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to Bagdogra a Airport and back. The five-seated Helicopter offers an exclusive mode of transport not merely enabling connecting flights, but also to see Sikkim from an entirely new view.

Flight Duration: 35 Mins

Sikkim Helicopter Service also conducts, besides the regular runs to Bagdogra Airport and back, special mountain flights. Come and see the majesty of the Himalaya peaks from close up like never before, feast your eyes on the grandeur and the sheer size of the great Mount Kanchenjunga, the third largest peak in the world, or check c out the symmetrical beauty of Mount Siniolchu, considered by many as the most beautiful peak in the entire Himalayan Range, or fly over Gangtok and get a comprehensive view of the layout of the town with its winding roads and many alleys.

Special flights are also conducted over West Sikkim and North Sikkim for a bird’s eye-view of the monasteries and the exotic Valley of Flowers, Yumthang.

Gangtok Booking Offic : 03592-203960 , Head Office: 03592-201372 , Email: stdctravels@gmail.com

WEBSITE : www.sikkimstdc.com

LOCAL CUISINE

The people of Sikkim are mostly rice eaters and the daily meal of a common Sikkimese household consists of Rice, Dal, Curry and Mashed Pickles (Achar). Compared to the other Indian diets Sikkimese meal are normally less spicy with emphasis on vegetable/ meat soups.

Varieties of Bread -Phapar ko Roti (Buckwheat) -Sael roti (Rice Based) -Khapsey (Wheat/Flour) -Zeero (Rice based) -Makai ko roti (Corn-Kodo ko roti(Millet) ,

Varieties of Curry -Rayo Saag/ Duko ko sag (Green leafy vegetables) -Simrio -Tama (Bamboo Shoots) -Ningro (Fern heads) -Kinema (Soya bean) -Churpi (Cottage Cheese)

Varieties of Soup -Sishnu ko soup (Nettle Soup) -Gundruk ko soup (Soup of fermented leaves) -Kinema ko soup (Soup of fermented soyabean) Churpi ko jhol (Cottage Cheese)

Varieties of Pickle -Gorkhey achar (Tomato Carrot, Churpi and Chilli) -Bamboo Shoots -Thotney ko achar -Chimping ko achar -Varieties of Pickles (mashed)

OTHER LOCAL SIKKIMESE CUISINE

•  Momos (hot steamed flour dumplings filled with minced meat, cheese or vegetables)
•  Thukpa or Gya-thuk (Tibetan style noodles in soup based with vegetables or meat)

Accompanying the food often is Chaang, a fermented cereal- based alcoholic beverage. It is sipped from a bamboo receptacle using a thin bamboo pipe called pipsing. The receptacle which has millet in it is topped with warm water a few times until the millet loses its flavor. No visit to Sikkim is complete till you try this at least once.

FOREIGNERS ENTRY FORMALITIES

Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. These can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeelng, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 30 days duration permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two pass port photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 30 days initially. The State Government is authorized to extend the same by a further period of 30 days. The extension of the permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts.

For those interested in going for trekking in the interior region of the state, the Tourism and Civil Aviation issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a registered travel agency.

For more details please visit the link below:

http://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Webforms/General/pdf/

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE TOURISTS

•  Smoking is banned in the public places though smoke zones are available. If you are in forest areas please dispose-off the
• cigarette butts thoughtfully to prevent forest fires. Do not use or ask for plastic bags, Sikkim is amongst the first state to ban its usage.
• Dumping of rubbish attracts fine up to Rs. 5000/- and imprisonment of 6 months.
• Photographic people; courtesy demands that you take permission.
• Do not embarrass other by relieving yourself in public; use toilets. Please do not spit; it’s a disgusting habit that spreads diseases.
• Reduce litter; carry back all the rubbish to your hotel for proper
• disposal. Patronize eco-friendly products; responsible citizens encourage recycling.
• Use water sparingly; it is scarce, valuable resources in the Himalayas.
• Enjoy the beauty of our mountains; help keep Sikkim clean and green. Respect local customs, beliefs and traditions.
• Monasteries are place of worship; please do not disturb monks at prayers.
•  Traditionally we walk around chortens and monasteries clockwise only. Do not deface monuments, trees etc with graffiti; it is despicable.
• Do not make noise and play loud music, maintain and enjoy the serenity. Honking is a bad manner; please discourage excessive usage of motor horns.
• Avoid overtaking especially at road blocks; you will only add to confusion.

1. Planter’s Home, Mangan, North Sikkim 3-star

2. Le Premula, Church Road, Gangtok 3-star

3. Yarlam Resort, Phaka, North Sikkim 3-star

4. The Royal Plaza. Upper Syari, Gangtok 3-star

5. Norkhill Hotel Nam-Nang, Gangtok 3-star

6.Tamarind Hotel, Upper Tathangchen, Gangtok 3-star

7. Vajra Residency, Nam-Nang, Gangtok 2-star IL The Bamboo Retreat. Kazi Road, Gangtok 2-star

8. The Bamboo Retreat, Sajong, Rumtek, East Sikkim 2-star

9. The Ridge Hotel, NH 10, Gangtok 2-star

10. Tashi Delek Residency, Lower Pelling, West Sikkim 2.star

11. Red Mud Chalet, Hee-Bermiok, West Sikkim 2-star

There are numerous other star category resorts and hotels across the state apart from the ones registered with the Department. Each providing wonderful Sikkimese hospitality, comfort and great services.

SOUVENIRS FROM SIKKIM

It is not just an experience but the tourists also can take home along the various products as souvenirs.

Canvas wall hangings : These are the paintings that portray the face profiles and life of the local people. You will also find some depicting the eight lucky signs. They cost anything between Rs 50 to 500/-,

Thangkas : These are the religious scrolls usually hung on the walls. These are richly fabricated or even embroidered in some cases with religious depictions. They are pretty costly and priced from Rs. 300 to 10,000/-

Woolen Carpets (Dens) : Thick and heavy carpets made of pure sheep wool and comes in different sets suitable for your sofas, dewans beds, and car seats. They are adorned with intricate designs and costs above Rs.3, 5000/-

Choksey (Traditional Folding Tables) : are small wooden tables that bear intricate design related to Buddhism and can be folded into carry pack.

Tea: Sikkim Tea from the Organic Temi Tea Gardens has exotic taste and flavor. You may pick few packets before leaving. It comes in brands as Temi Tea/ Sikkim Solja/Denzong Tea.

Fruit Juice: Sikkim Supreme produces various fruit juices, jams and candies. The most popular ones are Orange and Passion fruit juices.

Pickles: You will find quite a lot of pickle varieties produced in Sikkim. The popular ones are those of Round Chillies (Dalley) and Bamboo Shoots.

Sikkim Liquor: Sikkim produces some fine quality liquors and are comparatively cheap. You may take home couple of souvenir brands like Shangrila (Whiskey)/ Fireball (Brandy)/Old Gold (Whiskey)/ Castle Pride (Whiskey) and souvenir pack having miniature sample bottles of all the brands.

Chhurpi: A hard alternative to betel nut made out of yak milk is nice chew to keep your mouth busy.

OFFICES OF SIKKIM TOURISM

East Sikkim

Tourist Information Centre, Gangtok M.G. Marg, Tel: 03592-209090 Rangpo, Near Tourist Lodge, Tel-03592-240818

West Sikkim

Tourist Information Centre, Pelling Near Girls Hostel.

North Sikkim

Mangan & Lachen

South Sikkim

Melli- Opp. Melli Check Post, 03595-248536

Namchi- Below Dak Bunglow- 03595-264557

Rabong- Way to Chozo Lake

New Delhi

New Sikkim House, 14 Panch sheel Marg, Chanakyapuri-110021 Telefax-011-41680421/011-26115171

(Sikkim House)

Kolkata: 4/1 Middleton Street, 700017 Telefax-033-22817905 Email- tickolkata9@gmail.com

Sikkim House- LA-4, Sector-3, Salt Lake City, Tel-033-23358757

Silliguri, West Bengal:

SNT Colony, Hill Cart Road Tel-0353-2512646

Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal 0353-2698030, 2698036

TOURISM & CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM

PARYATAN BHAWAN, TADONG TEL: 03592-232218 FAX-03592-232216, PIN-737102

Facebook: @sikkim  X: @TourismSikkim

Photo : Credit to wiki commons & Sikkim Tourism

Content Support by : Sikkim Tourism