Sikkim

Savor the Himalayan Environ

THE ONLY BROTHER STATE IN NE

Among the north-eastern states, here are seven sisters and a brother. Sikkim is generally identified as the brother.
 The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok.

A MIXED PACKAGE

Sikkim has a lot to offer to the discerning visitors. Besides the natural scenery, Sikkim is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and beliefs.
The exhilarating journey begins from Darjeeling in the West Bengal State of India.
There are swift and rippling rivers, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush valleys, snow clad mountain peaks and many avenues to share and even challenge nature.
Sikkim is a unique and exceptional experience.

SIKKIM: AN ADVENTURER’S PARADISE

Sikkim has lots to offer for the adventurer. Mention may be made of hang gliding, rock climbing, and trekking besides many other areas where you can literally feel the gushing wind, and the flowing clouds.

THE GUARDIAN OF SIKKIM

Kanchenjunga ((28,209 ft/8,598 m) – the third highest peak of the world – almost stands as the guardian of Sikkim.

SIKKIM: LOSE YOURSELF AMIDST NATURE’S BOUNTY

Sikkim is a treasure trove of natural resources.
While trekking on the mountainous trail you can savor the fantastic sights of the Himalayan ranges.
What’s more, you’ll simply be lost amidst the exquisite bounty of Mother Nature.

SIKKIM: BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE SPOT

Above all, Sikkim is a pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists. Many ancient Buddhist monasteries are located in the state.

SIKKIM: NATURAL MUSEUM OF BUTTERFLIES

Almost a Shangri-La, Sikkim is also a wonder spot for butterflies. Varieties of butterflies are found amidst the colorful flowers of the State.

SIKKIM: A SHORT POLITICAL BACKUP

Sikkim was an independent Himalayan kingdom ruled by the king known as the Chogya deemed as the ‘God-king’. The Sikkimese ruling family followed hereditary monarchy. Palden Thondup Namgyal was the last Chogyal of Sikkim. He ascended the throne in 1963.
Sikkim became a protectorate of India and in return enjoyed full internal autonomy according to the terms of a treaty signed between the two countries in 1950.
The Chogyal had to seek the intervention of the Government of India to subdue political unrest against the royal family in April 1973. India rushed troops and also deputed a chief administrator as a permanent political agent.
The political unrest was brought under control following an agreement among the Government of India, the Chogyal, and his political rivals the very next month. The Chogyal granted additional democratic rights to the citizens besides guaranteeing protection to the minorities.
Nonetheless, the political upheaval continued. Finally a referendum was called for. As a consequence thereof, monarchy came to an end in 1975.
Sikkim became an Indian state immediately after.

THE SIKKIM POLITICAL STRUCTURE

The Sikkim legislature is made up of a single-chamber. There are 32 members of the state legislative assembly.
From Sikkim, two Members of Parliament one for the Lower house (Lok Sabha) and the other to the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) are elected every five years.
There are four districts of the Himalayan state.

SIKKIM AT A GLANCE

Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim – is a quaint but delightful place. You’ll come across modern architecture rubbing shoulders with pagodas and markets in the monks robed in crimson.

SIKKIM ATTRACTION

There is no dearth of tourist destination spots in Sikkim. The typical aspect of Gangtok is that most of the buildings of this north-eastern have their roofs as pagodas.

The best part pf Sikkim is that lodging facilities are up to the international standards. They include lodging facilities and also hotels.

If you opt for the conducted tours, you’ll be taken to the northern border from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Nepal.

TOURIST DESTINATION SPOTS

The tourists are commonly taken to the following places: Ghoom Monastery, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, the Mirick Lake, the Tsangu lake, the Deer Park, the Enchey Monastery which is more than 200 years, Orchid Sanctuary, Rumtek Monastery, Parmesan Nadia Himalayan Zoological park, of Deolo Hill, Gangtok Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Thshangu Lake & Baba Mander, Gangtok Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Dr Graham Homes School, Thonga Goma Monastery, Mangaldham, Nurseries at Kalimpong, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Peace Pagoda & Rock Garden, Tensing-Gumbo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Lebong Race Course, Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden – Gangamaya Park, the Gangtok-based Research Institute of Tibetology, Thshangu Lake and the Baba Mandir. among others.