An Overview

Sikkim: An Overview Sikkim : Land of the mighty Khangchendzonga. The tiny Indian Himalayan state, nestled in
the heart of the Himalayas.

Wrapped in mists and clouds. A garden state with an incredible variety of orchids,
rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers. Tumbling streams and torrents. Mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas. The land of the mighty Khangchendzonga. This is the second smallest state of India, Sikkim, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.

Small but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. Spread below Mount
Khangchendzonga (8534 mts.), the third highest mountain in the world, which is revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity, Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the East, Nepal in the West and the Indian state of West Bengal in the South.

Just as Mt. Khangchendzonga is an indisputable part of the

consciousness of the Sikkimese people, so too are the rivers Tista and Rangit with deep ravines and valleys that allow the monsoons to penetrate and nourish this garden state. Other than Mount Khangchendzonga, the best known peaks are Pauhunri (7125m), Pandim (6691m), Talung (6147m), Tent Peak (7365m), Jongsang (7459m), Rathong (6679m), Koktang (6147m) and Sinioulchu (6887m), regarded by mountaineers as the most beautiful peak in the world.

With an area of 7,300 sq. kms and measuring approximately 115 kms from north to south
and 65 kms from east to west, the elevation ranges from 244 mts. to over 8540 mts. above sea-level. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and terraced hills, Sikkim offers a spectacular and unique experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach upto the areas of perpetual snow.

Wander through mountain meadows, cascading rivers or densely forested ridges. Lose
yourself in the romantic solitude of the mountains. Float the rivers on a raft or seek out wildlife. In the course of your wanderings, watch the electric blue butterfly or hear the thrush and cuckoo serenade you. Sikkim is home to woodpeckers, kingfishers and thrushes among other birds.

Sikkim is home to a variety of 4000 plant species - magnolias, rhododendrons, junipers,

blue poppies, primulas, wild strawberry, raspberry and exotic orchids in stunning sizes and colours. In Sikkim there are musk deers, the Himalayan black bear, the famed snow leopard, Thar yaks, wild ass, bharal or blue sheep, shapi and the symbol of Sikkim- the endangered Red Panda.

Travelling on the serpentine roads of Sikkim is a

fascinating experience. There are roads to every nook and corner of the state. Even seemingly inaccessible places, like North Sikkim near the Chinese border, are accessible by roads, built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation.

The people of Sikkim, Lepchas,

Nepalese and Bhutias, are warm, simple and friendly with a natural uninhibited gaiety. Here time has not eroded enduring values, it has only enhanced them.

Administratively, the state is divided into four districts : North, East, South, and West. The
headquarters are at Mangan, Gangtok, Namchi, and Gyalshing, respectively. Within each district the village panchayati system ensures the administration and implementation of welfare programs. Primary and secondary education is free in the state. A governmentsubsidized degree college located in Gangtok is affiliated to the North Bengal University in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Seats in the elected Vidhan Sabha are equally apportioned between the Nepalese and the minority Lepcha and Bhutia populations. One Lepcha-Bhutia seat is reserved for the nominee of the Lamas, or Buddhist religious leaders, and one seat of the Nepalese group is reserved for the representative of the Scheduled Castes.

People and culture:

The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a natural
uninhibited gaiety. Sikkim's population consists of Lepchas, Nepalese and Bhutias. The Lepchas are the oldest inhabitants of Sikkim. There is an old Lepcha legend that long ago, the laughter of the Lepchas wafted into the sky and it scattered and froze into shimmering stars. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Tibetans arrived bringing with them the Red Hat Lamaist tradition Nyingmapa, which became the dominant culture and official state religion.

Sikkim's traditions and festivals are strongly influenced by Tibetan

customs, while retaining the diversity of the ethnic groups that inhabit the land: the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. Bon, the religion preceding Buddhism, has also left behind a rich legacy of customs and rituals. The most important annual festival is the two-day Phanglhabsol festival in August or September, in which masked dancers perform in honour of the presiding deity, Khangchendzonga. The people of Sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the chasing away of evil spirits or celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimese do it all with refreshing abandon. Taste the 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented millet, served in bamboo containers with a hollow bamboo pipe.

Sikkimese culture finds expression in its beautiful arts and crafts. Carry back a memento of
your holiday, be it an intricately carved piece of furniture (choktse), a highly embellished carpet or something made of woven bamboo.

With a population of only 4.2 lakhs, concentrated in the East and South districts, West Sikkim is moderately populated whereas North Sikkim is sparsely populated. The crime rate in Sikkim is negligible and it is a very peaceful state. Religion and Festivals

With close to 194

monasteries and Mani Lhakangs, the influence of Buddhism in Sikkim is pervasive.

Religion forms the main thread in the fabric of life here. With
close to 194 monasteries and Mani Lhakangs, the influence of Buddhism is pervasive. Even in the remote mountain regions, near wind-swept summits, beside monasteries and private houses, the ubiquitous prayer flags flutter everywhere.

The main monasteries are Pemayangtse and Tashiding in West Sikkim, Enchey in Gangtok
and Ramtek near Gangtok, Ralong in South and Phodong and Tolung in North Sikkim. Influencing the lifestyle and cultural heritage of the people, each monastery is host to a number of festivals, each of which is a fascinating experience of old-world pomp and pageantry. The lama dances, complete with fierce masks, gorgeous brocade costumes, music and chants, is at once both evocative and mysterious.

One of the sacred objects of worship for the Sikkimese is

Bumchu a sacred pot containing holy water, blessed by a Buddhist saint in the 17th century. Today after 300 years the water remains as fresh as before.

There is a lake in the midst of a luxuriant forest with not a

single leaf floating on it. And if even a leaf falls a little bird picks it up ... so the legend goes. This is the Wishing Lake or Tsho-Sho-Tsho as the Sikkimese call it.

The Sikkimese Nepali is the inheritor of the legacy of Hindu traditions. The visitor to Sikkim
is spellbound by the colourful festivals of Dasain/Tewar celebrated by the Hindu Nepali population. Invocations are made to Goddess Durga and barley seeds are planted in prayer rooms. Their other important festival is Dipavali, a rare treat, to participate in the celebration of.

Religion and spiritual values are an integral part of Sikkim's daily life. The sense of peace
and calm that is palpable in this and other Himalayan regions makes a visit to Sikkim more than a holiday treat - it will remain a lifetime experience.

Sikkim: Economy Other than Gangtok, the capital and largest town of Sikkim, with a population of 30,000,
people live in scattered villages and settlements The Economy

Other than Gangtok, the capital and largest town of Sikkim, with a population of 30,000,
people live in scattered villages and settlements with agriculture and related activities as the mainstay of the people. Other towns include Singtam, Rongphu, Jorthang, Nayabazar, Mangan, Gyalshing, and Namchi.

Maize, rice, wheat, and barley are cultivated in terraced hillsides. Beans, potatoes,
vegetables, fruits and tea are grown. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of cardamom. While yaks and sheep are popular in the higher elevations, other livestock that are tended include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry.

Copper, lead, zinc, coal, graphite, and limestone are among the minerals found in the
state, though not all are commercially exploited. There is considerable land under forest cover and there is potential for hydroelectricity projects.

Until the early 1970's, Sikkim had only cottage industries with carpets, blankets and
traditional hand-woven textiles, wood carving and scroll paintings and embroidery. Some small-scale industries have been set up, including a distillery, a fruit canning and bottling factory and a tea- processing factory.

Sikkim: Festivals Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap
and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting horns and chanting monks. Festivals of Sikkim

Sikkim's famous mask dances provide an opportunity for a

unique experience to witness a time-worn tradition, that has endured. Performed by lamas in the gompa courtyard to celebrate religious festivals, these graceful dances demonstrate perfect foot-work.

Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting horns and chanting monks.

SAGA DAWA is a very auspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to
monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok carrying the holy scriptures.

PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount

Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander. Festivals of India More about Sikkim An Overview Geography History People & Culture Economy Off the Beaten Track Wild Life Adventure Monastery Magic Gangtok Tourist Information Accommodation Getting There Climate FAQ Travelogues Journey to Remember Rumtek Diary Yumthang Valley More...

Trekking Freedom From Fear Classic Dzongri Trek When Climbers Trek More...

KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemn
nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.

DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population is
celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

DIPAVALI, is the festival of lights.

Calendar of Events

The festivals in Sikkim are governed by a lunar calendar and may vary according to the
English calendar. Festivals celebrated in Sikkim are mentioned according to the Buddhist calendar, with approximate months corresponding to the English calendar. Saga Dawa Drukpa Tseshi Pang Lhabsol Losoong Losar Dasain Maghe Sankranti Enchey "Chaams" Ramtek "Chaams" Winter 'Chaam' Full moon of the 4th month, around end of May and early June. 4th day of the 6th month, around August. 15th day of the 7th month, around end of August-September. Sikkimese New Year, last week of December. Tibetan New Year, around February Month of Aswin, September-October Month of Magh, around January 18th & 19th days of the 11th month, around December-January. Tse-Chu'Chaams'- 10th day of the 5th month, around June. (Guthor 'Chaam') 2 days prior to Losar.

Sikkim: Wildlife The Red Panda, an endangered animal, and the symbol of Sikkim, is found in the
mountain forests between 6,000-12,000 ft above sea level.

Sikkim is a delight for those who seek

unspoiled natural terrain, an unbelievable array of flora and unusual fauna. Spectacular waterfalls; untouched forests, rich with rare and exotic plant and animal life. Depending on how adventurous you are, any one, if not all, of the four zones of Sikkim should prove to be the ideal getaway.

To match the floral delights of Sikkim,

the animal kingdom has much to offer the nature lover. Sikkim has a large variety of animals that are peculiar to the Himalayan environment. Wildlife includes the Himalayan black bear, brown bear,

panda, numerous species of deer, including musk deer, yaks, wild goats, sheep including Bharal or blue sheep, goral, Tibetan antelope, tiger and leopard. Lesser cats are also found. The Red Panda, an endangered animal, and the symbol of Sikkim, is found in the mountain forests between 6,000-12,000 ft above sea level. Among other animal species, Sikkim is home to the elusive Snow Leopard and the rare Clouded Leopard.

Bird life includes pheasant, partridges, quail, eagles, barbets, Himalayan cuckoos, Tibetan
black crows, and minivets.

Of the 1,400 butterfly species that exist in the Indian subcontinent, 50% can be found in
Sikkim.

Sikkim: Adventure Sikkim with it's spectacular mountainous terrain offers opportunities for mountaineering,
trekking, river rafting, yak safaris, mountain biking and gliding.

It is impossible to visualise Sikkim without seeing it in the broader context of the

Himalayas. The unspoiled natural splendour and tranquility of the countryside has made certain regions in Sikkim ideal for trekking. These mountains, which form an intrinsic part of the lives of the Sikkimese, also offer adventure to the brave hearted. Listen to the sound of the wind among the trees, feel the way of the rocks, watch the snow clad peaks as you trek up a mountain side, dwarfed by the ramparts of echoing cliffs.

Trekking from Yuksam situated 5,800 feet above sea level to Dzongri at 13,800 feet takes
2 days. All along the route one is amazed and spellbound by the spectacular mountain scenes. For those who would like to push themselves more, the trek from Dzongri to Gochala, is equally rewarding, through spectacular majestic, mountain ranges.

TIf you feel so inclined you can go on a yak safari - an experience unique to Sikkim. For those who want to see some white water action - get ready for the sparkling ice-cold
mountain rivers of Sikkim. River rafting tours and kayaking are organised on the Tista and Rangit Rivers.

The adventurous at heart may indulge in the following activities that Sikkim has to offer:
Mountaineering, Trekking, River Rafting, Yak Safari, Mountain Biking, Gliding. More about Sikkim An Overview Geography History People & Culture Economy Festivals

 Off the Beaten Track Wild Life Monastery Magic Gangtok Tourist Information Accommodation Getting There Climate FAQ Travelogues Journey to Remember Rumtek Diary Yumthang Valley More...

Trekking Freedom From Fear Classic Dzongri Trek When Climbers Trek More... Mountaineering

The first European to explore the Khangchendzonga

area was Douglas W. Fresfield who reached its base in1899 from the Green Lake Basin area. A German expedition led by Paul Bauer made the first attempt to reach the summit in 1929 followed by another attempt in 1931 when they reached an altitude of 26,000 ft. In 1955, Charles Evans reached Khangchendzonga, a few feet below the summit from the Nepal side. In1977, an expedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feet below the summit. In 1987, an Assam Rifles expedition attempted the peak. In 1991, an Indo-Japanese expedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogata reached the summit of the peak.

TThe Kabru was first climbed in 1935 by a British, C.

R. Cooke. The Pyramid Peak was first conquered in1949 by a Swiss, R. Dittert. A British, A. M. Kallas, climbed the Paunhri in 1911. The summit of Siniolchu was first reached by a German in 1936. It was later again climbed by the famous Sikkimese Everester Sonam Gyatso. Pandim was climbed in 1993 by a team from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute.

The summit of Rathong was reached by an Indian expedition in 1964.

Trekking Yuksam- Dzongri- Goecha La Trek Yuksam (1630m) - Bakhim (2,740 m) - Tsokha (3050 m) - Pethang ( 3,760m) - Dzongri (4025 m)--Thangshing / Bikbari (3,840 m) - Samiti Lake (4,200 m) - Goecha La (4,940 m) and back. One of the most popular treks in Sikkim, the trek to Bakhim is scenic and invigorating with more than 20 varieties of rhododendrons setting the forest aflame with colours. Dzongri at 3,963 m welcomes the climber with a heavenly close-up of the Khangchendzonga. The sunset views leave memories of a spectacular Sikkim. Trekkers' huts en route are the best places to stay. During the season, there is not sufficient accommodation, so it is imperative to carry tents. Some of the other treks that can be organized through Sikkim Tourism or recognized travel agencies are:

Monastery Trek An 11 day, relatively leisurely trek that is spiritually elevating. Pemayangtse - Sangacholing - Khecheopalri - Dubdi - Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang . Rhododendron Trek (March - May, when the rhododendrons are in bloom) Naya Bazar - Hilley / Soreng - Varsey - Dentam - Pemayangtse. Khangchendzonga Trek A 15-day incredible trek that gives you enchanting views of Mt. Khangchendzonga that will remain with you forever. Savour this beautiful and unspoiled area with its tiny jewel-like lakes and exotic flora and fauna against the backdrop of the majestic Khangchendzonga. No technical climbing experience is necessary as most of the treks are between 6,000 and 14,000 feet. However one needs to be totally fit. Camping and trekking equipment is available on hire from the tourism department and from reputed travel agents. Whenever you are planning a trek, keep in mind the need to acclimatize gradually to avoid high altitude sickness.

River Rafting River rafting enthusiasts have two rivers, the Tista and Rangit gushing through Himalayan country. The Tista experience takes you rafting from Makha down to Sirwani and Sirwani to Rangpo. The Rangit expedition is from Sikip to Nayabazar to Melli. Beginners as well as experienced adventure enthusiasts can seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism and recognised travel agents for arranging river- rafting trips. Tista Experience Makha - Sirwani - Bardang - Rongpo Rangit Experience Sikip - Jorethang - Majitar - Melli Kayaking Kayaking is undertaken on the Tista and is arranged for special groups. Some experience in kayaking is required. Kayaks are available with Sikkim Tourism.

Yak Safari A safari with a difference. Yak Safaris are organized from Dzongri onwards by Sikkim Tourism as well as private travel agencies on prior booking. Mountain Biking Mountain Biking is another adventure activity that has been recently introduced in Sikkim. Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. This sport is eliciting interest and will increasingly grow more popular in Sikkim in the near future. This sport is being promoted in most parts of North Sikkim and West Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism helps you organize a trip. Gliding Gliding in North Sikkim and Jorethang in West Sikkim is a new activity being promoted by Sikkim Tourism.

Sikkim: Climate Sikkim's climate is sub tropical in the lower valleys, but changing fast to temperate and
alpine with increase in elevation. For most of the year, it is cold and humid as rainfall occurs right through the year. The area experiences heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The rainfall in the north district is comparatively less than the other districts. The general trend of decrease in temperature with increase in altitude holds good everywhere. Pre-monsoon rain occurs in April-May and the south-west monsoon operates normally from the month of May and continues up to early October.

Places with a moderate altitude (4000ft to 10,000 ft) have a more or less pleasant climate
from March to June and September to November. Needless to say, the winter months of December-February are very cold. Some of the better known places situated at a moderate altitude are Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom & Lachung. Snowfall In the higher altitudes of 10,000 ft plus, the temperature rarely rises above 15 degree centigrade. Some of those places are Yakshey Lodge above Lachung ; Yumthang valley, Tsango Lake and Dzongri where heavy snowfall occurs during the winter months. Tsango and Yakshey sometimes receive snowfall even during April or mid-November. Temperature The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone varies from 1.5 to 9.5 degree centigrade. Temperature varies with altitude and slope. The maximum temperature is recorded usually during July and August, and minimum during December and January. More about Sikkim An Overview Geography History People & Culture Economy Festivals Off the Beaten Track Wild Life Adventure Monastery Magic Gangtok Tourist Information Accommodation Getting There FAQ Travelogues Journey to Remember Rumtek Diary Yumthang Valley More...

Trekking

Freedom From Fear Classic Dzongri Trek When Climbers Trek More... Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to September.

Summer : Max. 20.7oC Min. 13. 1oC Winter: Max. 14.9oC Min. 7.7oC Rainfall Available rainfall data shows that the mean annual rainfall is minimum at Thangu (82 mm) and maximum at Gangtok (3494 mm). There are two maximum rainfall areas: * South-East quadrant, including Mangan, Singhik, Dikchu, Gangtok, Rongli etc. * South-West corner including Hilley. In between these two regions, there is a low rainfall region viz. Namchi. North-West Sikkim gets very little rainfall (even less than 4.9 mm.). This area has mainly snow -covered mountains. Rainfall is heavy and well distributed during the months from May to early October. July is the wettest month in most of the places. The intensity of rainfall during the south-west monsoon season decreases from south to north, while the distribution of winter rainfall is in the reverse order.

Sikkim: Getting There & Around Sikkim is well connected by rail and air to the rest of the country through Siliguri in West
Bengal. There are no airports or railway stations in Sikkim. The primary means of transport within Sikkim is by road. To get to Sikkim you must first reach Siliguri. a) By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri in West Bengal. It is connected by daily flights from New Delhi and 6 flights from Calcutta (excluding Thursdays) every week. It is 115 kms from Gangtok and takes about 4 1/2 hrs. Recently a 4-seater helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok has started and takes about 20min. (Please check flight schedules as they are apt to change) b) By Rail: The broad guage railway station is New Jalpaiguri, near Siliguri. The Dadar Guwahati Express is the only direct train from Mumbai. From Calcutta, it is easily accessible by both rail and road. From Delhi, the New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani passes through New Jalpaiguri. ((Please check railway schedules as they are apt to change) c) From nearby hill stations: If you are planning a visit to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik or Bhutan, you can combine the trip with extensions to Sikkim or vice versa.

Within Sikkim jeeps are the most popular form of transport. Most jeeps are Mahindra
Commander 4 wheel drive, but there are also a limited number of Sumos. In certain areas, Maruti vans are also used. From New Jalpaiguri/ Bagdogra to Darjeeling or Gangtok, 28 seater mini buses also ply. Individual (private) jeeps have a maximum capacity of 10 persons whereas vans take 4 persons. In North Sikkim only shared jeeps are available with the maximum no of persons being 7.

Among all the hill stations and tourist places in the Himalayas, Sikkim has the best roads.
Roads are maintained by the Indian Army.