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We are offering eastern himalaya tour. This enchanting little state
of Sikkim, known for its mystique beauty, attracts the tourists from
all over the world. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, the
pristine and unspoiled natural beauty of the alpine landscapes and
thick luxuriant tropical forests rivers in torrents and peaceful
lakes, Sikkim offers her visitors a lifetime experience. The rugged
land of just 7,069 sq. kms, the state is sandwiched between Nepal
and Tibet in the East while West Bengal occupies the southern
border. The elevation varies between 300 mtrs to 8500 mtrs. The
greater Himalayas form a natural boundary. This small state lies
nestled under the protective shadow of its guardian deity, Mt.
Kanchendzonga (8545 mtrs), the third highest peak in the world runs
north to south separating Sikkim from Nepal. Besides picturesque
natural beauty, this mountainous state has a rich culture,
interesting traditions, rituals and festivals.
East Sikkim Tour
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is situated in the eastern part of
the state at 5,800 ft. Gangtok is the hub of all administrative
activities. Among others the Rumtek monastery, Tibetology,
Handicraft centre, etc. Visiting Tashi View Point for sunrise along
with Phodong monastery is a must for thje tourists.
Rumtek Monastery It is located at 24 kms distance from Gangtok. It
is one of the largest monastery of Eastern Himalaya.It was
constructed by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It
is believed that the monastery is an excellent replica of the
original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.
Enchey Monastery This is an ancient, almost 200 year old monastery,
which was built by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for
his power of flying. Every year in January the famous mask dance
'Cham' is performed here.
Do-Drul Chorten was built in 1945. Inside Chorten, there are
complete mandals sets of Darjee Phurba a set of Kangyar relics (Holy
books), complete Zung (mantras) etc.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) It is a treasure
house of rare Tibetan, Sanskrit & Lepcha Manuscript, statues,
Thankas and more than 200 Buddhist Icon. It is a renowned centre for
the study Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Institute of Handicrafts and Handlooms : This institute have been
established by the Sikkim Government to promote and keep alive the
States traditional art and craft and one can experience the Saramsa
Garden A home of Sikkim's many exotic orchids. Tashi View Point From
this sunrise point you can see Khangchendzonga and other peaks of
the Himalaya at its best. It is a rare point where colour changes on
the snow clad mountain there.
White hall complex This is a famous for a orchid garden.
Ganeshtok It is situated on a ridge at a distance of only seven
kilometers from Gangtok. From this viewpoint, one can get bird's eye
view of sprawling Gangtok town. While across the hills Mt
Kanchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu loom over the horizon.
Hanumantok It is 11 km away from Gangtok town. Above Ganeshtok, it
has a temple of Lord Hanuman where the devotees come and offer
prayers.
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) This WLS is 25 kms from Gangtok
and has an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus,
Kimbu, Champ, Bamboo, Wild orchids, Rhododendrons etc.
Tsongo Lake
With an average depth of 50 feet, this lake is situated 35
kilometres from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,000 feet on the
Gangtok-Nathula highway. Enroute to Tsomgo lies the unique high
altitude Kyongonsla Alpine sanctuary, home of the Red Panda and the
Blood Pheasant, which are the state animal and the state bird
respectively. It is cool, placid water is in the perfect harmony
with the scenic beauty around. From October to May the lake remains
frozen every year from May to September one can see Rhododendrons,
Primulas, Red Pandas, blue and yellow poppies. An Yak Safari amidst
the snow clad mystique land is simply enchanting.
Nathula Pass
Part of the ancient silk route, trhe way to Nathula Pass is a steep
journey. The zig-zag track become steeper as it leaves Gangtok. The
landscape becomes sublime with every inch of ascent till iot reaches
the calm waters of the Lake, Nuk Tanyi in aregion, bleak and dismal.
From the summit, two roads from both Jelap and Nathu La passes unite
in a track leading to the Chumbi valley of Tibet, on the other
yawning abyss of ravines and gorges.
West Sikkim
If you are in search of adventure, the West Sikkim is the place you
must go. West district is wild and free as it is the base from where
all treks of the majestic Himalayan begin. Whether it is white water
rafting down the frothing waters to the Teesta and Rangit or
trekking through the beauty of the Rhododendron forests, the western
district has it all.
Pemayangtse Monastery It is the oldest monastery of Sikkim
established by Lhatun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have
performed the consecration ceremory of the first Chogyal (Religious
Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery belonging to the Nyingma
Sect has been considered as one of the premier monastery in the
State. It belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is
located at hilltop of 6840 ft. From the monastery one can have a
panoramic view of Himalayas. It is a monastery of wooden structure.
Rabdantse Ruins It was the second capital of erstwhile kingdom of
Sikkim after Yuksom. The magnificent view of Kanchendzonga could be
seen from here.
Pelling Pelling is a fast growing urban settlement. It is located
at an altitude of 6,100 ft, the nearest point from
Mt.Khangchendzonga, offers a good sunrise and all day long view of
the Mountain.
Sangachoeling Monastery It was built in 1697 AD. To reach this
Monastery one has to trek for 40 minutes through the steep hilly
slope.
Khecheopalri Lake About 25 kilometres from Pelling, this is a
sacred lake of the state held in high esteem by both the Buddhists
and Hindus. The lake remains hidden under the forest cover. The lake
is always crystal clean as birds do not allow a single leaf to float
on the lake.
Yuksom This was the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal
kingodm of Sikkim was coronated in 1641 AD by three learned Lamas.
The evidence of coronation is still intact at Norbugang Chorten.
Dudbi Monastery This monastery was established soon after the
coronation ceremony of first Chogyal. A trek of 35 minutes through
the steep slope will take you to this monastery. It is an ideal
place for meditation.
Tashiding Monastery According to Buddhist scripture Guru Padma
Sambhava (Guru Rimpocha) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th
century from here. So, a Monastery was built there in 18th century
AD. Tashiding has a holy chorten and it is famous for 'Bhumchu'
festival i.e., sacred water festival.
South Sikkim
Some of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim are located in this part
of the state.in a big way here with a base camp being set up at
Ravangla for treks upto Maenam ands Tendong hill, the root of Lepcha
folklore. One can also induldge in mountain biking and natural
trails here.
Namchi is located at an altitude of 5500 ft and it has a panoramic
view of snowcapped mountains.
Tendong Hill It is situated at an 8530 ft. altitude. It is a place
of recluse for Buddhist lamas. It is associated with the legends of
Lepcha.
Temi Tea Garden Only tea estate of Sikkim where one can see tea
plantation, cultivation, production, processing and testing
facilities together.
Ravangla It is famous for its scenic beauty which is a combination
of green forest, rocky and snowy mountain.
Maenam Hill is situated at a 10,300 ft. altitude. On a clear sunny
day you can see the plains of Bengal, Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills
and Indo-China border.
Borong is a small Sikkimese village with a picturesque landscape.
There is a hot spring, which is known as 'Borong-Tisa-Chu'.
Varshay It is located at an 10,000ft altitude. A motorable road
will connect you upto hilley and then an easy 4 km trek takes you to
Varshay Rhododendron Sanctuary.
North Sikkim
This part of Sikkim is most beautiful. It can be called a Nature
lover's heaven. Yumthang is known for its panoramic valley of
flowers. During the spring, the lush meadows abound with delicate
wildflowers that carpet the valley floor in a rich riot of colours.
A must-see here is the Hot Springs and the vibrant Sikkimese tribal
culture and customs.
Yumthang Valley You can go to Switzerland in India-Yumthang. It is
at an altitude of 12,000 ft, situated about 135 km from Gangtok.
Yumthang is on a flat valley and near the tree line, surrounding
mountains seems to kiss the heavens. The route of Yumthang from
Lachung has a very picturesque landscape and is dotted with
Rhododendrons and 108 other types of Orchids. Sikkim is famous for
its orchids. Orchids bloom in different colours from April to May. A
tourist can come here for a lifetime experience.
Special permits are required to visit this spot. April and May
promises colourful flowers, where as November end to March usually
sees snows. Simple village folks are spread scarcely in the region.
Phurchachu Hot Spring
The hot spring located about 25 kilometres from Gyalshing near
Reshi of the River Rangit. Water of this spring has high medicinal
value containing sulphur. People from neighbouring Darjeeling and
come to this place in winter and enjoy bathing in the hot watere.
Attraction
Orchids
Famous for its unrivalled scenic splendours, and the vast variety
of its flora and fauna, Sikkim has 4,000 varieties of plants and
shrubs. Sikkim, the vast harbarium, as it has been called has 660
species f recorded orchids and 600 species of butterflies and
500-600 types of birds. There is an orchid sanctuary Gangtok, where
rare Himalayn orchids are preserved. Sikkim's orchids are world
famous as the state has more than 450 species of the colours range
from the richest to the palest in species as varied as Cymbidiums,
Vandas, Cattleas, Dendrobium,s, Hooheriana, Farmeri and Amaneum. The
state flower is the Nobile orchid of the Dendrobium family.
Buddhist Monasteries
There are a number of Buddhist monasteries in the Skkim and
Darjeeling Hills belonging to the different sects & sub-sects of
Mahayana Buddhism which was fast introduced by Guru Padmasambhaba
more than 400 years ago. Each of these monasteries has its own
fascinating history and unique architectural features creating great
interest among visitors.
Festivals and Food
Sikkim residents celebrate all major Indian festivals such as
Diwali and Dussera, the popular Hindu festivals. Losar, Loosong,
Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist
festivals that are also celebrated.
Noodle-based dishes such as the thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu,
gyathuk and wonton are common in Sikkim. Momos, steamed dumplings
filled with vegetable, beef or pork and served with a soup is a
popular snack. The mountainous 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.
Culture and Community
Sikkimese, irrespective of the tribe, class or community they
belong to , are essentially simple folk. Like most hill-tribes, the
Sikkimese are thus far relatively untouched by consumerism. Cliched
though it may sound, the Sikkimese truly exemplify how different
communities can exemplify how different communities can coexist in
peace and mutual
The Sikkimese can be broadly classified into the Lephcas, the
Bhutias, the Nepalese and the plainsmen (mostly businessmen from
elsewhere in India). Communities, cultures, religions and Customs of
different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a
homogeneous blend. Hindu temples co- exist with Buddhist monasteries
and there are even a few Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Sikh
"Gurdwara".
Travel Information
Connectivity
Air Connections :Nearest airport is Bagdogra in
West Bengal( 124 kms.)
Helicopter Service : between Gangtok - Bagdogra -
Gangtok
Road Connections : Gangtok is connected with all
weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc.
Rail Connections : New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal
(120 kms.)
Altitude & Climate
The thumb-shaped state of Sikkim is characterised by wholly
mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with the
elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 feet) to 8,585 metres (28,000
feet).
The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the
northern parts. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim, however,
enjoy a temperate climate, with the temperatures seldom exceeding 28
°C (82 °F) in summer or dropping below 0 °C (32 °F)
in winter. The state enjoys five seasons: winter, summer, spring,
and autumn, and a monsoon season between June and September. The
average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C
(64 °F). Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive
regular snowfall. The snow line is around 6,000 metres (19,600
feet).
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Places
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