Sikkim

Introduction on Sikkim

Sikkim a destination that inspires wealth of superlatives, landscape unsurpassed terrains of almost every elevation strata, Mountains, fast flowing rivers that originate in the mountains, defining the states boundaries.

Abundant in nature are animals like the Red Panda, snow leopard and Blue Sheep among others. Some 600 to 1000 species of orchids and flowers add to this wonderful collection of natures bounty. Sikkim imbued with qualities of generous hospitality, smiling people of unforgettable friendliness. A unique blend of ethnic groups, culture, religion and customs presenting a kaleidoscopic picture.

General Information:

Total Area 7,096 sq.kms.
Latitude 27-28 degree North
Longitude 88-89 degree East

Best Season - March to late may & October to November

Nearest airport is Bagdogra, Siliguri 124 kms 4 hours drive. Bagdogra is connected by flight linking Kolkata, Guwahati, New Delhi and in near future from Kathmandu, Nepal.

Closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri railway Station, Siliguri connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India.

Sikkim is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and all the district Headquarters within Sikkim.

Entry Formalities :

Foreigners must obtain Inner line permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions /Embassies/ Consulates . Tourism Office - New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office - Kolkata and Sikkim Tourism Office - Siliguri, Rangpo Tourist Lodge on the strength of an Indian visa. The 15 days duration permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of passport and visa details along with two passport photos of the applicants are made available then & there. The permissible duration of stay by foreign tourists would be 15 days initially with the State Government authorized to extend the same by a further period of 60 days of 15 days each. The extension of permits can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok, Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South districts. For those interested in going for trekking in the interior regions of the State, the Department of Tourism issues protected area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified areas for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to the conditions that the trekking programme can be arranged through us.

Trekking in Sikkim

Sikkim is a trekker’s paradise. It has been blessed with an unspoiled nature, geographical conditions and variety of flora and fauna that offers a lot for lovers of adventure tourism i.e. trekking, tours, mountaineering and mountain biking etc.

Mt. Kanchendzonga, Guardian deity of Sikkim and the third highest mountain in the world revered and worshipped by the local people provides one of the most beautiful and spell bounding background. The mountains seem formidable and unapproachable at first. But as you approach nearer, it’s welcoming and the beauty of them unfolds before you.

Dzongri in West Sikkim is a proper and well-beaten track. At Yuksam, the motorable road stops and the trek starts. The trek ranges from an altitude of 1,700 meters to 4,950 meters, the trek trails through forests of Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Silvers firs and Alpine vegetation, meandering rivers with views of Mt. Kanchendzonga and surrounding peaks like Mt. Pandim, Jupono, Frey peak, Kabru North/South, Kothang, Thinkchenkhang, Thalung and a lot more.

The Singilila trek route which has been recently opened lies on the ridge defining the boundary between Sikkim and Nepal one can see the different peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga range, Chola Range and also villages of Nepal on the other side. On the trail there are lot of blue pristine lakes to be seen and sometime it is also known as the lake trek.

North Sikkim is relatively less explored by trekkers and has its own adventure to offer. It is harder and the altitude goes upto 5,250 meters high. The scenic view is a lot similar to the Tibetan plateau with Mt Kanchendzonga, Tent peak, Chorten Nyima Range and one of the world’s most beautiful peaks Mt. Sinolchu, the vegetation here is mostly alpine.

The treks can range from 5 days to 30 days or more. There are also shorter treks and day hikes options like Tendong, Maenam, Varshey treks offering views of mountains and variety of flora and fauna.

The experience is a big change from the everyday walk of life, refreshing, energizing and leaving one with cherished memories lifelong.

Darjeeling:

Darjeeling “The queen of the hills” lies between 26º 31` and 27º 31` north latitude and 87º 59` and 88º 53` east longitude. Blessed by a cool climate and surrounded by the beauties of nature and a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range earned Darjeeling The title of “Queen of the hills” Darjeeling is the Victorian charm developed by the British as an account by an early traveler in the 1830’s described Darjeeling as mountains clothed in forests from top to bottom creating a rather somber feature. The sub Himalayan range forms the back bone of Darjeeling and from here one can have a panoramic view of mountains. The mighty Kangchendzonga towers in the northwest along with the host of other mountains ridges which being Dongkya, Tanglu, Senchal, Singalila, Sandakphu, Phalut to name a few. The fauna of this region chiefly consists of leopards, tigers, wild cat’s, elephant’s, pig’s, deer’s, goat’s and a varieties of birds. The lush tea garden blanket the lower slopes of Darjeeling as Darjeeling has came to be a name synonymous with prized tea through the world.

The very first commercial tea state was ‘Tukvar’, ‘Steinthel’ and ‘Aloobari’. Tea is the biggest industry of Darjeeling providing employment to a large number of people and an out put of 7.5 million dollars annually. Surrounded by a natural and scenic splendour, Darjeeling attracts people from all over the world and all of them feel rewarded for their effort in visiting Darjeeling. The Observatory Hill being the oldest recorded site of Darjeeling is a sacred place for Hindus as well as the Buddhist. The Observatory Hill presently houses the Mahakal Mandir and also offers the best possible view of Kangchendzonga. Just adjacent to the Observatory Hill is the Chowrasta which is also known as the Mall and is the most famous popular spot of the Darjeeling. The other places of interest, which are worth a looking in and around Darjeeling, are:-

Padmaja Nidu Himalayan zoological park
Himalayan Mountaineering institute
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre
Chunna Summer Falls (Rock Garden)
Gangamaya Park
Tiger Hill
Natural History Museum
Darjeeling Peace Pagoda