LOOKING FOR A PERFECT SIKKIM VACATION?
Sikkim Travel Information at a Glance
About Sikkim
The serenades from the religious communities, the thunders of Teesta River, and the attractive attractions of the Himalaya will ingest you in the immaculate and spiritualist excellence of Sikkim. Other than being a window to the Himalaya, Sikkim has numerous different things worth knowing.
Here’s a glimpse into its past that make Sikkim a standout!
> Sikkim's history
Before the seventeenth century, nothing is known about Sikkim's history. The name of the state comes from the Limbu phrase 'Su him,' which means "new home." In the fourteenth century, the Bhutia began to reach the region from Tibet. Phuntsog Namgyal, the chief chogyal, came from the Bhutia ethnic group when the kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642. Until 1975, Sikkim was controlled by the Namgyal family.
Beginning in the mid-eighteenth century, Sikkim fought a series of regional battles with both Bhutan and Nepal. It was around this time that the largest influx of Nepalese to Sikkim began.The British returned these areas to Sikkim in 1816 as a reward for their assistance during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), but by 1817 Sikkim had become a British protectorate. In 1835, the British East India Company acquired Darjeeling from Sikkim. Conflicts between the British and Sikkim led to the submontane locations' expansion in 1849 and Sikkim's subsequent military extinction.
North, South, East, and West are the four districts that make up the state. Gangtok (East Sikkim), Mangan (North Sikkim), Namchi (South Sikkim), and Gyalshing (West Sikkim) are the four district capitals (West Sikkim). Gangtok is the state's principal capital. Tourists may enjoy something different in each of these districts.
> East Sikkim: Cable car rides, monasteries & Gangtok!
Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass, and Zuluk are the prominent tourist destinations in East Sikkim. Gangtok is a popular destination for honeymooners. It is both gorgeous and thrilling, with a wide range of activities to choose from. The views of Mt. Khangchendzonga are incredible. Buddhist temples, art and craft centres, and cable car excursions are all part of a sightseeing tour.
> North Sikkim: Sightseeing overloaded!
When it comes to tourism, North Sikkim is just as exciting as East Sikkim. Because of the abundant sightseeing attractions, it is also perfect for a family vacation. You might go to Lachung, a picturesque town on the banks of the Lachung River. Yumthang is known for its rhododendron-filled valleys and hot springs. In December, North Sikkim also gets a lot of snow. This is an excellent time to go because the snow is falling. The temperature often drops below zero. Snow has blanketed the entire countryside. It's all in white!
Zero Point, located near Yumthang, is the last stop for civilians before crossing the Chinese border. Gurudongmar Lake, at over 17,800 feet, is one of the highest lakes on the planet. This district is home to Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a national park and a biosphere reserve at the same time. You can view Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wild Ass, and red panda, among other rare Himalayan animal species.
> West Sikkim: The embodiment of Sikkim’s beauty!
West Sikkim is home to a plethora of tourist attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Pelling, a little hill village, is one of the tourist attractions. It has monasteries, lakes, and waterfalls dotting the terrain. The views of Mt. Khangchendzonga are breathtaking. The holy lake and Asia's second highest suspension bridge are also worth seeing at Pelling. Kaluk and Rinchenpong are two more tourist destinations, both known for their dreamlike beauty. Yuksom, the starting point for the Dzongri and Goecha La treks, is also in West Sikkim.
> South Sikkim: Culture, nature and adventure!
A trip to Sikkim isn't complete without a stop in South Sikkim. Its dreamlike beauty assures that each Sikkim travel book includes it. Namchi, the cultural and religious capital of Sikkim, is located here. The 108-foot monument of Lord Shiva and the 118-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava are two popular tourist attractions. Ravangla in South Sikkim is a must-see for ornithologists and bird lovers.
Several uncommon bird species can be seen, including the dark-throated thrush, babblers, and cuckoos. Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim's sole tea estate, is located here. Visit a sacred cave in Rabong, go camping in Sikip, and travel through Maenam Animals Sanctuary while observing wildlife.
> Name any adventure activity, Sikkim has it!
Adventure tourism is also available, with popular adventure sports including trekking, mountain biking, peak climbing, paragliding, and river rafting. White-water rafting on the Teesta River, bungee jumping on the Singshore Bridge, yak rides on Tsomgo Lake, and cycling on the Silk Route are all options. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Yuksom Goecha La Trek, Dzongri Trek, Green Lake Trek, and Darjeeling Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek are some of the most popular treks in Sikkim.
> Culture in Sikkim: A mélange of cultures!
Sikkim's villages, monasteries, festivals, and food all reflect the state's unique culture. The people's traditional attire is as intriguing as the buildings constructed in the traditional style of architecture. Different communities' cultures, customs, and traditions coexist peacefully. The Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese are the three dominant tribes.
People believe that the land's spirits live in its mountains, rivers, and woods. Nature plays an important role in their daily lives. Attending its famed fairs and festivals is one opportunity to gain insight into its rich culture. Saga Dawa, Losar, Jorthan Magey, Losoong, Bhumchu, and Dentam Rhododendron Kagyed Dance are some of the most well-known.
Masked dance is done by lamas dressed in colourful robes and accessories during several of Sikkim's major events. The gleaming swords, jewellery, drumming, and trumpeting of horns greatly boosts the mood, almost to ecstasy.
> The exotic & rare Himalayan wildlife!
The hills, woods, and mountains of Sikkim are home to a diverse range of unique and uncommon Himalayan fauna. Many of these animals and birds can only be found at very high elevations. It's a rare opportunity to see them in their native surroundings.
In Sikkim, there are various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where you may view the local animals at leisure. The Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most well-known of them. The Himalayan Black Bear, red panda, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Blue Sheep, goral, and takin are among the creatures that may be seen. The red panda, a mammal species endemic to the Eastern Himalayas and southern China, is one of them.
Fambong Lho, Varsey Rhododendron, Kyongnosla Alpine, and Maenam are some well-known wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim. Enjoy your trip in Sikkim with Tour My India's tour packages, which include all of the famous tourist attractions and guarantee that your vacation is stress-free and pleasurable.
> Best Time for Visiting Sikkim for Holidays
Summer is a beautiful season to visit Sikkim. The greatest time to go sightseeing and adventure is when the weather is nice. Sikkim is blanketed with snow throughout the winter, yet it is quite lovely. During the winter, there are several festivals.
> Transportation
Roads are the primary means of transportation in this area. Ropeways, which are similar to ski lifts, have also been constructed at various locations. The capital of West Bengal, Gangtok, is about 75 miles (120 kilometres) from the nearest air port, Baghdogra, and 70 miles (110 kilometres) from the nearest railhead, Shiliguri. In Pakyong, Sikkim, the state just opened its first airport.
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