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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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