Destination Sikkim

About the place

It is a perfect destination for vacations in quest of enchantment, serenity or adventure. It is the land of religious people, colorful dresses and fun filled festivals. Sikkim's has over 180 odd monasteries or Gompas of the Nyingma and Kagyu order. It not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals and practice.Sikkim can boost of lakes and many hot springs known for medicinal and therapeutic values. Lachen, Lachung, Pelling and Yuksom offer an exhilarating view of the Kanchendzonga standing with all its might. Nature lovers will like the fascinating blends of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur of the orchids and rhododendrons. It is a land of abundance beauty and adventure. Travelers explore the land of undisputedly magnificent and lovely surroundings. One will definitely rejuvenate one’s life. Sikkim is a garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers. Butterflies are also an added attraction. Arhitar, Ravangla, Borong, Reshi, Rinchengpong are some of the less known places


  • Attractions Places
  • Transport
  • Culture
  • History

  • Namchi

    The capital of south Sikkim district, Namchi is located at an average elevation of 1315 meters above sea level. The area is fast growing into a tourist destination with its enormous potential for all round tourist activities. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world’s largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi and is a must visit.

  • Gangtok

    Believe it or not, but resisting the alluring charm and appeal of Gangtok is almost impossible for anyone! The capital city of Sikkim, Gangotk is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the kaleidoscopic tourist destinations in the state. Whether you are looking for serene beauty, lush forests, gurgling rivers or mental peace, Gangtok travel packages will cuddle up your Sikkim holidays. For the nature lovers, a holiday in this scenic city is enough to fulfil all their wishes. On the other hand, for the adventure lovers, they can enjoy cable car rides, river rafting, go for mountain biking and several other activities in Gangtok.

  • Yuksom

    Located in the Western parts of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. The once a capital of Sikkim, this hamlet is more known for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal. Also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’, this Sikkimese village has recently started gaining tourism attention. Well, this is also the reason, you can expect pristine beauty and untouched nature in Yuksom.

  • Tsomgo Lake

    On a visit to Gangtok, do not miss the chance to visit the Tsomgo Lake or the Changu Lake! Located only 38km from Sikkim’s capital, it lies at an altitude of 12,400ft and is one of the highest lakes in India. While the lake remains frozen during the winters, summer brings in a magical charm and appeal to Tsomgo. It is during this time of the year, the turquoise waters of the lake reflects the amazing views of the nearby peaks and the azure sky above!

  • Nathula Pass

    The once a part of the historic ‘Silk Road’, a visit to Nathu La is a must in any of the Sikkim travel packages. One of the highest motorable pass in the world, this amazing pass is located at a towering height of 4,310m above the sea level and connects Sikkim with Tibet.

  • Lachung

    Lachung has multiple reasons to make you fall in love with it! While its location at an enthralling height of 8,610ft makes it a popular snow-destination in Sikkim, its untouched and surreal beauty makes it one of the scenic as well as charming tourist places in Sikkim. Located in the northern part of Sikkim.

  • Ravangla

    Nestled amidst the Maenam and Tendong Hills, Ravangla is among the best places to visit in Sikkim; especially in the southern part of the state. A scenic town between Gangtok and Pelling, this hill-town also hosts some of the most popular treks in Sikkim. More popular as a paradise for the bird watchers, it is home to some of the most rare and endangered birds in the world.

  • Rumtek Monastery

    Counted amongst the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state. An ode to the Buddhist cultures and traditions, this monastery is located near Gangtok and is also known as the ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’. A testimony to the Buddhist architecture and teachings, it is a perfect place to attain mental peace and know more about Buddhism.

  • Zuluk

    Touching a towering height of 10,000ft, Zuluk is one of the least discovered destinations in the entire of Sikkim. Located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, this quaint Sikkimese village takes the pride of being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of the Mt Kanchenjunga. In addition to the magical beauty of this hamlet, it is also popular among the adventure lovers as the ride to Zuluk takes them through 32 hair-pin bends.

  • Yumthang Valley

    Touching a towering height of 10,000ft, Zuluk is one of the least discovered destinations in the entire of Sikkim. Located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, this quaint Sikkimese village takes the pride of being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of the Mt Kanchenjunga. In addition to the magical beauty of this hamlet, it is also popular among the adventure lovers as the ride to Zuluk takes them through 32 hair-pin bends.

Airport

Sikkim has its own helipad at Gangtok, Pelling and Rangpo. Chopper service is regular from Bagdogra to Gangtok. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 125 kilometers away and is served by regular Indian, Air Deccan, Spice Jet and Jet Airways flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai and Delhi. Helicopter service can be availed from Bagdogra airport (IXB).


Rail Way

New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is approximately 128 kilometers away i.e. 3 -4 hours drive from Gangtok and is the nearest major rail head. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to the rest of India. There are regular train services to all the major railway station like Chennai, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.


Road

It is well connected with NH 31 A and is 117 kilometers away from Siliguri. Darjeeling is 125 Kilometers, 4 hours drive. Kalimpong is approximately 95 Kilometers i.e. 3 hours. The road is beautiful and is maintained by the Border Road Organization and is along the river Teesta. Sikkim is well connected with rest of India and with China via the Nathu La pass.

Sikkim residents celebrate all major Indian festivals such as Diwali and Dussera, the popular Hindu festivals. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, LhababDuechen, DrupkaTeshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals that are also celebrated. During the Losar - the Tibetan New Year - most government offices and tourist centres are closed for a week. Christmas has also recently been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off-season.
It is common to hear Western rock music being played in homes and in restaurants even in the countryside. Hindi songs have gained wide acceptance among the masses. Indigenous Nepali rock, music suffused with a Western rock beat and Nepali lyrics, is also particularly popular. Football and cricket are the two most popular sports.
Noodle-based dishes such as the thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton are common in Sikkim. Momos, steamed dumplings filled with vegetable, buff (buffalo's meat) or pork and served with a soup are a popular snack. The mountain peoples have a diet rich in beef, pork and other meats. Alcohol is cheap owing to the low excise duty in Sikkim and beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are consumed by many Sikkimese.

Rabdantse The Ancient Capital of Sikkim. The original inhabitants were the Lepchas or the “raven folks ” who came to the area from Assam and Burma. From the 1200’s the Bhutias or the Tibetan people moved into Sikkim. They included the Namgyal clan who arrived in the 1400’s and gradually won political control over Sikkim.
In 1642,PhuntsokNamgyal (1604-1670) became the first Chogyal (King). He presided over a social system based on Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. His descendants ruled Sikkim for more than 330 years. During the 1700’s Sikkim suffered massive invasion from Nepal and Bhutan and lost much territory as a result. The Nepalese also migrated to Sikkim and settled as farmers. By the 1800’s Sikkim’s population was very mixed, and internal conflict resulted.Sikkim assisted the British in a successful war against Nepal in the year1814-1815 and won back some of its land.
The British India Company purchased the health resort of Darjeeling from Sikkim. During the mid 1800 ’s, Sikkim violently resisted attempts to bring it under British Rule, but in 1861 it finally became a protectorate. The British had assess to Tibet through Sikkim, and Sikkim’s independent status was recognized. The Indian government took responsibility of Sikkim’s external affairs, defense and communication of Skim in the year 1950. In 1973, India took Sikkim into the union as an associate member. In 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India