South Sikkim: The district headquarters of the South District are at Namchi literally translating as “TOP OF THE SKY” One of the interesting places to visit enrute to Namchi is the Bon Monastery at Kewring, 5kms From Ravangla which is the only one of its kind in Sikkim. Reminiscent of the town from the Wild West, Ravangla is a sleepy hamlet at about a height of 7000ft. The township comes alive during the Pang Lhabsol festivities when the spectacular warrior dance is performed at the Ravong Monastery by the locals. Maenam Peak(10,300ft) is 12kms up hill trek from Ravangla.
 

Flora & Fauna: ‘Denzong’ the local name of Sikkim translates as the vallay if rice which is the chief crop of the state other crops like ginger, potatoes and oranges are also grown. One of the chief cash crops of the state is large cardamom.

Sikkim orchids are world famous as the state has more then 450 species of them. The colours range from the richest to the palest in species as varied as cymbidiums, vandas, cattlelyas, dendrobiums, hooheriana,farmeri and amoneum. The state flower is the Nobile Orchid of the Dendrobium family.

There are about 36 species of rhododendrons in Sikkim found at heights of 10,000ft.Their variety is as diverse as that sires and colors. From the giant rhododendron craned (over 40ft.) to the rhododendron nivale (a few inches off the ground) and from the blood red to pale white. The Himalayan rhubarb is a unique gift of this area standing upright like candles in the arid vast.

Sikkim has more then 500 species of avifauna ranging from the majestic bearded vulture with a wing span of over 10ft. to the olive ground warbler just a few inches in length. Other delightful species include emerald dove, woodpeckers, cuckoos, king-fishers and the fairy blue bird.

Sikkim also has more then 600 species of butterflies many of them rare and endangered. The forests habitat basking deer, red panda ( the state animal) the musk deer, leopard cats and flying squirrels. The higher regions have Blue sheep known commonly as the bharal the shapi which is similar to the Himalayan tabr. The Tibatan wild ass locally known as the Kyang, Himalayan Black Beer and Yak.
 

Fairs & Festivals:
Losoong: This bhutia festival makes the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan year. Chaams (regional dances) symbolizing the victory of good over evil are performed at the Tsug Lakhang, Phodong and Rumtek monasteries.

Dasain: Occurring a few weeks before Losoong, dasain is the main festival of Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. The endless of the family apply ‘tika’ on the young and bless them.

Tihaar: Corresponding to the Indian festival of Diwali Tihaar is also celebrated as the festival of lights in sikkim with the lighting of lamps. Accompanied with traditional caroling called Deusi and Bhailo.

Losar: It is the Tibetan New Year celebrated in inimitable Himalayan fashion with feasting and merry making. It generally falls around the first week of February.

Bhumchu: Held at the Tasiding monastery in west sikkim this festival occurs around January-February. The abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and fare tells the future for the state. Too much or too little water in the pot signifies a disturbed year ahead.

Pang Lhabsol: Unique to sikkim this festival warship the snowy peaks of the guardian deity of sikkim mount Kanchenzongha. An important feature of the celebration is the spectacular warrior dance with its intricate step and leaps accompanied by mistrial war cries.
 

Visitors Information: During the tour of the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim we will cover most of the important places of interest. As the only mode of transport on these hills is by roads, we will be traveling in vehicles a great deal every day. However much of the beautiful landscape will be exposed for you to enjoy during these drives.

Though tourism is not new to this area, the infrastructure for it has not developed to a great degree. Keeping this in view although the hotels we use are the best in the region they may not match up to international standards. The same is true for the vehicles and the condition of the roads.

The essential requirements for enjoying a tour of this region are flexibility a sense of humor curiosity and enthusiasm for meeting new people and seeing new places and most importantly an openness to the unexpected. Come with the spirit of adventure and a positive outlook. We will make sure that you have the most memorable tour.

Previous