Sikkim

Mt Kanchendzonga – World’s Third Highest Mountain

Sikkim is sheer magic.

This is not just the most beautiful place in the world but cleanest and safest too. If once the charms of the State were limited to mists, mountains and colourful butterflies, they are now complimented by tangible development and progress. With its unique culture and natural landscape, Sikkim is a picture of perfection and pristine purity. Nestled in the Himalayas and endowed with exceptional natural resources, Sikkim is a hotspot of biodiversity and development. Though small in size, yet Sikkim has been identified world over as an important repository of germplasms of unknown dimensions. Perhaps, there is no part of the world, which offers a spectacular scene with every turn of the road as Sikkim. Though land-locked, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and strategically important state of the Indian Union

Dominating both legend and landscape of Sikkim is the mighty Khangchendzonga. Known to outside world as Kanchenjunga, it is the third highest peak in the world. But to the Sikkemese it is much more than a mountain: Khangchendzonga is the Guardian deity, a country God whose benign watchfulness ensures peace and prosperity for the land.

The five peaks of Khangchendzonga are the five Treasures of the Eternal Snow, a belief beautifully interpreted by the great Lama Lhatsun Chenpo: “The peak most conspicuously gilded by the rising sun is the treasury of gold, the peak that remains in cold grey shade is the storehouse for silver and other peaks are vaults for gems, grains and the holy books.” Each of the five peaks is believed to be crowned by an animal—the highest by a tiger and others by a lion, elephant, horse and the mythical bird Garuda. Along with the Guardian deity, the Nepal Peak, Tent Peak, Pyramid, Jonsang, Lhonak, Pahunri etc. and glaciers like Zemu, Changsang, Teesta, Changme are also important

Highlights of Sikkim

Pemayangstse Monastery

Gangtok – Capital of Sikkim

The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok which is a city perched on a hilltop. Some of the sights around Gangtok or are an excursion away are:

Tsomgo Lake

This tranquil lake is a much visited site about 34km from Gangtok at 12,400ft. It freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals. In spring a variety of flowers bloom upon its banks and is also an ideal habitat of the red panda.

Tsomgo Lake

Rumtek Monastery The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre of the Kagyud order is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet. This largest Dharma Chakra Centre in the world houses some of the most unique religious scriptures and rare artifacts. Lachung A tribal village at 8600ft where a tribal self government, the Dzumsa still rule the tribe with its ancient tradition. One can spend a night here and acquaint the unique ways of the village and also visit the fascinating Yumthang Valley. Yumthang Valley At 11,800 ft, the Valley is simply mindblowing. Surrounded by an alpine forest of silver fir and high snow-capped peaks, its charms get even more irresistible in spring when primulas carpet the valley floor along with the outburst of rhododendrons, primroses and other wild blossoms. It is also famous for its hot springs.

Yumthang Valley

Yumesamdong

About 24 km from Yumthang, the trail is filled with the fragrance of the azellia, a plant collected by the locals as incense. Hence one can experience the enchanting views of a mountainous terrain in snow.

Namchi

This south district headquarter town lies about 78 km from Gangtok. At 4400ft, it offers a panoramic view of the snowy ranges and pristine landscapes all around.

Samdruptse

The holy spot where the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava (105ft) has been built.

Temi Tea Garden

The only tea garden in Sikkim, it produces one of the finest tea. The gently sloping landscape lush with tea bushes look well manicured and pleasing. And the burst of innumerable cherry trees lining the road is another wonder to behold.

Tashi View Point

Straddled upon the North Sikkim highway about 8 km from Gangtok, it offers breathtaking views of Mt Kanchenjunga.

Pelling

About 143 km from Gangtok, this is a growing urban settlement in the west. It offers the most amazing views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the main sites in West Sikkim, it is the principal monastery in the state. The seat of Nyingma order it was established by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo. One of the revered lamas who performed the consecration of the fist Chogyal of Sikkim. During the Chogyal reign it had been entrusted to perform all religious rites associated with the royalty. One of its most prized treasure is the ‘Sang-tok-palri’, an eleborate and minutely detailed carving on wood by the late Dungzin Rinpoche depicting the Mahaguru’s heavenly ascent.

Trekking in Sikkim

Trek starting point to Lachen village

Sikkim has to offer a number of fascinating trekking routes to enterprising trek enthusiasts. The best time to trek in these parts of the Eastern Himalayas is between mid- February to May and again from October to December.

Yumthang Village

The treks pass by beautiful gompas, simple but colourful hamlets and through so fascinating alpine forests full of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Yuksom is an ideal take-off point for trekking. This point is invariably used as a centre of climbing and trekking expeditions by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

Tshoka Village

The trek to Bakhim is an unforgettable B experience. Dzongri at an altitude of 3,962 metres, offers the visitor an excellent and unobstructed view of the Khangchendzonga Massif. It also provides a trekker with superb views of sunrise and sunset.

FAQ

1. What are the best seasons to visit Sikkim?

The best seasons are March – May & October – Mid December. Monsoon is from June – August and winter is from December – February.

2. What is the currency they use?

Indian rupees are used in Sikkim. The exchange rate is estimated at SGD1 = Rs33, subject to fluctuation.

3. Do they speak English?

Hindi is the official language, with English as the working language of the government; Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu are also spoken. All members of the tourist industry and many businessmen do speak English and other native language.

4. What kind of food do they eat?

Sikkimese are essentially rice-eaters. Beef eating is common amongst the Bhutias. Various cuisine such as Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Western, Italian and continental are available in the city. Sikkimese and Indian food are common in the outskirts while traveling from one location to another. Some of their staples are as follow:

Momo: Stuffed meat or vegetable dumpling.

Gya Thuk or Thukpa: is a noodle based soup with vegetables or meat.

Phagshapa: Strip of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chillies.

Sael Roti: Deep fried dough normally eaten with potato curry or non-vegetarian dish.

Momo

5. How are the hotel conditions in Sikkim?

We recommend all guests to stay in at least 3 star hotels while in Sikkim. Hotels are generally decent, clean and safe. 4 stars and 5 stars hotels are also available in Gangtok. Most hotels tend to face Mt Kanchenjunga to capitalise on the mountain views.

6. Is Sikkim suitable for children and the older folks?

Yes, Sikkim is suitable for families with children and old folks if they are generally healthy. Children will be fascinated with Sikkim’s nature offering while old folks may be interested in the variety of striking monasteries.

Did You Know?

Bhutia                                  Lepcha                                 Nepalese

The predominant communities in Sikkim are the Lapchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. These myriad cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity. All communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other’s culture, ethos and traditions. It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to the name of the state derived from “Sukhim”, meaning “happy home, a place of peace”.

Travel Tips

1) When planning a trip to Sikkim, it is common to include Darjeeling as a stopover destination due to their proximity.

2) The journey to Sikkim including sightseeing entails long drives along winding mountain roads. You can bring along items or food such as neck pillow or sweet sour snacks that will make you more comfortable.

3) Trekking in Sikkim is generally tougher than in Nepal but you will be rewarded with magnificent mountain views. Be prepared to train conscientiously before embarking on a trek in Sikkim.

Check out our special rate Sikkim packages with us at the NTS-Contiki Summer and GradTrip Fair 2010 this 24 – 26 March @ NUS Central Forum!

1. 9 Days Best of Sikkim – Darjeeling Tour

2. 13 Days Sikkim – Darjeeling – Yumthang Valley Cultural Tour

3. 14 Days Sandak Phu Trek

4. 14 Days Dzongri Trek with Sikkim & Darjeeling Cultural Tour

5. 15 Days Kanchendzonga HMI Base Camp Trek

6. 17 Days Simiti Lake and Gochala Pass Trek

———————————————————–

About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.