Sikkim Travel Guide
Sikkim is a stunning Himalayan state. In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to Indian Parliament to change the status of Sikkim (earlier it was a nation) so that it could become the State of India. Finally, on 16 May 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd State of India.
The name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two Limbu words: su, which means “new”, and khyim, which means “palace” or “house”.
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Sightseeing in Sikkim
GANGTOK
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, is constructed 5,500 feet above sea level. When the clouds clear, it’s possible to see all the way to Khangchendzonga’s soaring peaks (the world’s third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016).
FLORA AND FAUNA SANCTUARIES
Sikkim is renowned for its astounding variety of birds, animals, and flowers — over 550 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, 550 varieties of orchids, and 40 species of rhododendron
Monasteries
The most visited monasteries in Sikkim are Rumtek , Pemayangtse (near Pelling in West Sikkim), and Tashiding (also in West Sikkim). Other monasteries that are worth visiting include the Karma Kagyu monastery with its 200-year-old murals (in Phodong in North Sikkim), the Enchey monastery (in Gangtok), and the old Sanga-Choeling monastery (only accessible on foot from Pelling).
The monasteries hold many festivals, particularly around Losar in February/March. Tse Chu, in July, features Buddhist dancing at Rumtek. Enchey also hosts a Chaarm festival in December/January.
Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake
Nathu La, 3 hours east of Gangtok .The border consists of a lone barbed wire fence, and you'll get the strange thrill of seeing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. Unfortunately, only Indians are allowed to travel this far though, and only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A special permit is also required and can be obtained through a registered travel agency in Gangtok. With a permit, foreigners can go up to Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, 27 kilometers (17 miles) short of Nathu La. This spectacular high-altitude (12,400 feet) glacier lake remains frozen until May.
Zuluk
Zuluk is a tiny village nearly 10,000 feet above sea level in East Sikkim. The main attraction is the sight of Mount Khangchendzonga from Lungthung and Thambi View Point.
The landscape varies greatly depending on the time of year. It's carpeted in wildflowers from August to September and covered in snow from January until April. After the snow clears, there's abundant bird life.
As Zuluk is a military-controlled area near the Chinese border, it's off-limits for foreigners. Indians require an Inner Line Permit to visit it.
Pelling
Pelling, a 4-5 hour drive west of Gangtok, offers unparalleled views of Mount Khangchendzonga at dawn. Apart from the views, monasteries are the main attraction, along with the ruins of Rabdentse.
Ravangla
Ravangla is most notable for its Buddha Park with a towering 130-foot golden Buddha statue surrounded by manicured gardens. Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute (also known as the new Ralong Monastery) in nearby Ralong also houses a substantially sized golden Buddha. It's home to more than 100 monks, Halfway between Ravangla and Namchi, there will be picturesque Temi Tea Garden. It's the only tea garden in Sikkim and the tranquil Cherry Resort is nestled amidst it.
Namchi
Namchi is famous for its giant statues. It currently has two of them -- one Buddhist and one Hindu. The Buddhist statue, of Guru Padmasambhava reaches around 140 feet tall. It has a commanding position on Samdruptse Hill, 7,000 feet above sea level and 108 foot high Lord Shiva statue at Solophuk Hill, south of Namchi. The epic complex surrounding the statue contains guest houses and temples, including replicas of the holy Char Dham.
Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley
In far North Sikkim, 6 hours from Gangtok and 9,000 feet above sea level near the Tibetan/Chinese border, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley dazzle visitors with dramatic pristine scenery.
Lachung is the base camp for the renowned Rhododendron Valley Trek from Yumthang Valley to Lachen Valley. Other attractions in the area are Lachung monastery, Yumesamdong (Zero Point), and the astonishing high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake (it's one of the world's highest lakes, at more than 17,000 feet above sea level).
North Sikkim is a restricted area and it's necessary to obtain a special permit to visit it. Note that the Yumthang Valley is closed from December and March due to heavy snow, and foreigners are only permitted as far as the Chopta Valley (they cannot visit Gurudongmar Lake).
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, situated in the Singalila Range in the southwest corner of West Sikkim, is a must-visit place during late spring. You'll find Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary near Ravangla in South Sikkim. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is also a highlight near Lachung.
Closer to Gangtok, there's the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in south Gangtok (visit from March to early May and the end of September to early December), and Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary around an hour west of Gangtok. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located about an hour east of Gangtok, on the way to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La ( visit from June until October). You can also stop off at Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden on the way to Rumtek monastery.
Teesta River Rafting
River rafting at Teesta River offers some world class opportunities. The major route is Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rangpo. Grade II to IV rapids are interspersed with placid patches to float along, and plenty of white sandy beaches exist . High cliffs and gorges, along with boulder-strewn river beds, add to the thrill. The Rangeet River, with its more turbulent waters, also offers advanced rafting opportunities from Sikip-Jorethang-Majitar-Melli. The best time for rafting in Sikkim is from March to May and October to December.
YOKSOM and the DZONGRI trail
Sikkim is a trekker's paradise and historical Yuksom is the gateway for treks towards Mount Khangchendzonga. The trek from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak and Rathong Glacier, and further on to Goecha Peak is the most popular trek in Sikkim. It passes through the unspoiled forests, magnificent rhododendron gardens, and powerful rivers of Khangchendzonga National Park.
March to May is the ideal time to go. Additional permits are mandatory for foreigners.
Shopping in Sikkim
- Prayer Flags
These flags can be found all over Sikkim at every corner of the road and add a very peaceful vibe to nature. You will get these in various sizes for you to choose from.
- Canvas Wall Hangings
These are the paintings that portray the face profiles and life of the local people. You will also find some depicting the eight lucky signs.
- Thangkas
These are religious scrolls usually hung on the walls. These are richly fabricated or even embroidered in some cases with the religious depictions.
- Woollen Carpets
- Chosees (Traditional Folding Tables)
These are small wooden tables that bear intricate design related to Buddhism and can be folded into a carry back.
- Tea
Sikkim tea from Temi Tea Gardens has exotic taste and flavour. It comes in brands as Temi Tea/Sikkim Solja/Denzong Tea.
- Fruit Juice
Sikkim Supreme produces various fruit juices, jams, and candies. The most popular ones are orange and passion fruit juices, Khangchen berry juices, and ginger candies.
- Pickles
You will find quite a lot of pickle varieties produced in Sikkim. The popular ones are those of Round Chillies (Dalley) and Bamboo shoots.
- Sikkim Liquor
Sikkim produces some popular fine quality liquors and is comparatively cheap. You may take home a couple of souvenir brands like Shangrila (whiskey), Fireball (Brandy), Old Gold (Whiskey) and a souvenir pack having miniature sample bottles of all brands.
- Chhurpi
This is a hard alternative to betel nut made out of yak milk and is a nice chew to keep your mouth busy.
Sikkim Cuisine
The cuisine of Sikkim is an amalgamation of influences from different countries and cultures including Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Fermentation is a popular way of preserving and consuming local vegetables on a daily basis.
- Sel Roti
This festive sweet delicacy is usually prepared in Sikkimese households during festive occasions. Sel Roti is basically a sweet, doughnut-shaped savoury, made using rice flour and natural flavouring agents.
- Sinki
When in Sikkim, have enough of sinki, a healthy pickle-like edible preparation made by the locals for keeping a healthy gut. Sinki is made by using radish tap roots as the primary ingredient. While, sinki soup is much loved in Sikkim.
- Phagshapa
The spicy and tangy flavours rendered by loads of radish and pork meat
Will keep you hooked. Made with zero oil and loads of veggies, phagshapa is a delight for weight-watchers as well. The Golden Dragon Hotel in Gangtok excels in churning out traditional phagshapa.
- Momos and Thukpa
Momos have long been a local food in Sikkim, and the state makes the best momos in the country. So, consider dropping by The Roll House and The Taste of Tibet to buy a plate for yourself.
On the other hand, thukpa, which is originally a native recipe of Tibet, is a cherished dish of the Sikkimese as well. For the best thukpa experience, seek out a local vendor as opposed to a restaurant.
- Kinema
Kinema is another main food of Sikkim which is served as a substitute for meat along with rice. The sun-dried Kinema is a fermented soyabean food which does not require much effort to present the curry as a tempting side-dish.
- Sha Phaley
Sikkim special food brings Sha Phaley, which is a scrumptious Tibetan origin dish. Deep fried, semi-circular in shape and stuffed with meat, it is best when served with thick veg/non-veg soup and spicy chutney.
- Chambray
Chambray is a typical Nepali dish which is prepared from local varieties of rice. This particular dish can be considered as Pulao which is best served with Til ko Alu.
- Gundruk
Gundruk has been a staple of the vegetarian population in Sikkimese villages. It is highly flavoursome, healthy, and fires up the metabolism.
- Sinki
Gundruk and Sinki are two of the few well known vegetarian dishes of Sikkim. They are soups that are prepared generally during winters when vegetables growth is at its maximum.
Interesting Facts of Sikkim
Sikkim is the only State in India where most of the people have their origin from a different country i.e. Nepal. The other major ethnic groups in Sikkim are Lepcha and Bhutia.
Every year during the summer i.e. from March to May, International Flower Festival is held in Sikkim.
Sikkim boasts of over 552 different species of birds and about 690 species of butterflies.
The numerous natural hot springs of Sikkim acts as a natural spa.
Asia’s 2nd highest suspension bridge.With a length of 198 m and depth of 220 m, The Singshore Bridge in Pelling is the 2nd highest suspension bridge in Asia.
World’s third highest peak- With an elevation of 8,586m (28,169 feet), Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim is the third highest mountains in the world.
The Rumtek Monastery is the seat of Gyalwa Karmapa which is the head of 900 – year old Karma Kagyu lineage. The most interesting art object in this monastery is the ‘Black Hat’ which is studded with rubies, golds, diamonds and other precious stones.
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