Sikkim...

Sikkim became a part of India in 1975 after centuries as an independent tiny kingdom. Originally inhabited by the lepcha tribes and the Bhutias of Tibetan origin its ethnic balance started to change from the end of the nineteenth century. Since, then the infiltration of the Nepalese settlers has outnumbered Sikkim’s older inhabitants by three to one. The Nepalese called it ‘Sukhim’ ‘The new place’ For the bhutias seeings those endless tracts of paddy fields it was ‘Denzong’ ‘The valley of Rice’. But the lepchas this land best for them it was simply “Nye-mac-el-lang” abode of gods.

Sikkim occupies a delicate strategic position on the sensitive Indo-Chinese borders and much of the northern state is off limits to visitors. Yet it is also pleasuring ambitious project to protect its environment and preserve its wonderful natural beauty for future generations. Even plastic bags have been banned from Gangtok and the signs are that this lush green Himalayan paradise will continue to be a source of pride to the Sikkimese people and a land of magical attraction to visitors from distant lands.

The area of Sikkim is 7096 sq.kms. and measures approximately about 110 kms from north to south and about 64 kms from the east to west. The elevation ranges from 224mts to over 8590mts above sea level. This land of intense natural beauty, imbued with a mystic aura, is steeped in legends and history. The profusion of lofty peaks, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, orchid nurseries, heli-tours and stunning trekking routes make Sikkim a multidimensional holiday destination.
 

Places Of Interest...

East Sikkim: perched at an altitude of 5600ft. Gangtok ‘top of the hill’ lures visitors with its fabulous views of magnificent Mt Kanchenzongha. Its strategic location a strong Buddhist presence and heady cultural offerings are tempting insight into this stimulating land. It is just 125kms from Siliguri, the nearest place to get down from train or flight. In and around the city, one can visit the Enchay Monastery situated above Gangtok on a hill top with a panoramic view of the town and surrounding hills. A few kilometers away is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology , a treasure house of rare Tibetan scriptures and artifacts. Nearby is the ground ‘Do-Drul-Chorten’ where visitor may also see giant statues of Guru Padmasambhava , The patron saint of Sikkim and lord Buddha. If one can rise early a visit to the Tashi View Point would be most rewarding with its spectacular panoramic view of the great Kanchenzongha range.

The Sikkim flowers show complex is a showcase of the world famous Sikkim Orchids. Displayed here are the most rare and exotic varieties. Visitors may purchase hope bulbs and saplings at nominal rates from a convenient retail outlet within the complex. For the connoisseur of Sikkimese art and crafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts and handlooms offer good bargain.

About a 45 minute drive away on the hill opposite Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery, The Dharma Chakra centre and the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the monastery is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel-studded chorten the Golden Stupa which contains the ashes and remains of his holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa.

The serene Tsomgo Lake or Changu as it is commonly known is a 2 ½ hour drive (40kms) from Gangtok and is located at an altitude of 12,400ft. The lake is about 1km Long, oval in shape, 15mt deep and is considered extremely sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter up to mid may during which visitors get an opportunity to experience snowfall.
 

West Sikkim: Sikkim;s West District is probably the most enchanting, certainly the most sacred place in the Eastern Himalayas. It was here that in 1641 A.D the first Chogyal (king) of the Sikkim was consecrated by the three great Lamas at Yaksum. The oldest monastery of Sikkim is also in this district. Just 135kms from Gangtok, Pelling is a beautiful place of West Sikkim. It is famous for its picturesque view of the Kanchenzongha range.

The Pemayangtse monastery is one of the premier institutions of Sikkim housing the incredible Sangtok-palri, a wooden casing depicting this various realms of Buddhism. The serene Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim. Local people believe it to be a wish fulfilling lake. The Singshore Bridge which is just 26kms from Pelling is the highest suspension bridge in Asia. The Rabdantse Palace ruins, Rimbi Waterfalls, Kanchenzongha Water Falls are also worth seeing. The Varsey velley let your senses swoon with the heady riot of rhododendrons that brings the mountain slopes alive in springtime.

The real adventure begins from Yaksum, which serves as the base camp for unforgettable treks into the wilds of the mountains. These high altitude alpine treks take you through fairy tale landscapes and lush rhododendron forests to high about 12,800ft. at Dzongri. For the more experienced trekkers, trips can be made up to Goechala at the height of 18,000ft. and at the foot of the awe-inspiring Mount Kanchenzonga.
 

North Sikkim: The northern most edges of this district merge into the Tibetan Plateau, which lands its uniqueness to this sparsely populated region. Like the rest of Sikkim this district too has its share of monasteries and legends but the most famous spot is Yumthang.

Yumthang is located in a flat valley whose sides reach up to the towering mountains. About 149kms. From Gangtok, Yumthang is also referred to as the valley of flowers and is a naturalist’s paradise in spring. Wild flowers, Primulae and rhododendron bathe the landscape in rich colours. Tourist visiting Yumthang has to spent the night at Lachung, where the Tibetan inhabitants, Lachungpsa’ have converted their house into hotels to provided the basic requirements of tourists.

About 95kms away from Gangtok enroute to Yumthang lies the tiny hamlet of Chungthang at the confluence of the two rivers the Lachen Chhu and the Lachung Chhu. A notable feature is a footprint atop a rock which is said to be that of Guru Padmasambhava. 

Next