Sikkim

Gangtok Honeymoon

Silk Route

West & South Sikkim

North Sikkim with Nathula Pass

Gangtok with Pelling

Gangtok Pelling Darjeeling

Sikkim

A journey to Sikkim India means awakening the senses and discovering the pristine beauty of the land. What one will find most fascinating is the journey itself-a continuum of sights, sounds, and feelings. Sikkim is a dream that one can realize and enjoy now that the area is open to all. It is a state cloaked in the mystery of remoteness and far away from the din and bustle of the modern world.

To know about the state’s best time to visit, how to reach, and top attractions, we’ve put together a travel guide for Sikkim.

Location

Located in the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim is a state in North-Eastern India. It is situated in the Himalayan mountain range and shares borders with Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, Tibet to the north, and the Indian state of West Bengal to the south. The state capital and largest city is Gangtok. Sikkim has a total area of 7,096 square kilometers (2,740 square miles) and is the second smallest state in India after Goa. The state is divided into four districts: East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim, and South Sikkim.

History

The history of Sikkim can be traced back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, the great Buddhist saint, is believed to have visited the state. The Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, were converted to Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche.

In the 17th century, Sikkim came under the rule of the Namgyal dynasty, which was founded by Phuntsog Namgyal. During this time, Sikkim remained an independent kingdom, paying tribute to the Chinese and the British.

In the late 19th century, the British East India Company established its influence in Sikkim, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Tumlong in 1861. Under the treaty, Sikkim became a protectorate of India, with the British responsible for its defense and external relations.

After India gained independence in 1947, Sikkim remained a protectorate until 1975 when it was finally integrated into the Indian Union as a state. In 1975, a referendum was held in which the people of Sikkim voted overwhelmingly to become a part of India.

In 1979, the 12th and last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, was deposed, and Sikkim became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union. Since then, Sikkim has undergone rapid development and has become one of the most prosperous and peaceful states in India.

Fairs & Festivals of Sikkim

Sikkim, a beautiful state in northeastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The state is home to many vibrant festivals and fairs throughout the year, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Here are some of the major fairs and festivals of Sikkim:

Losar Festival: This is the Tibetan New Year celebrated in February or March. It is marked by traditional dances, rituals, and feasting.

Saga Dawa Festival: This is a major festival for the Buddhists, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated in May or June.

Bumchu Festival: This festival is celebrated at the Tashiding Monastery in May, where a sacred pot is opened to predict the future of Sikkim for the coming year.

Pang Lhabsol Festival: This festival is celebrated in August, which is dedicated to Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim. It is marked by colorful masked dances and rituals.

Dasain Festival: This is a major Hindu festival, celebrated in September or October, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Tihar Festival: This is also known as the festival of lights, celebrated in October or November, with traditional dance, music, and lighting of lamps.

Namchi Mahotsav: This is a popular festival of Namchi, celebrated in October or November, with traditional music, dance, and food.

International Flower Festival: This is an annual festival, held in Gangtok in May, which showcases the state’s exotic flowers and plants.

These are some of the major festivals and fairs of Sikkim, which offer a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Sikkim

The best time to visit Sikkim depends on your preferences and interests. However, the ideal time to visit Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months, between March and May or between September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and adventure activities.

Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Sikkim and what you can expect:

Summer (June to August): This is the monsoon season in Sikkim, with heavy rainfall and occasional landslides. However, the lush greenery and blooming flowers make it an ideal time for nature lovers and photographers.

Autumn (September to November): This is the post-monsoon season, with clear skies and comfortable weather. The landscapes are at their most beautiful, with lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.

Winter (December to February): The winter months in Sikkim are cold and snowy, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts. However, some areas may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Spring (March to May): This is the pre-monsoon season, with pleasant weather and clear skies. The rhododendrons are in full bloom, making it a perfect time for nature lovers and photographers.

Overall, the best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

How to Reach Sikkim

BY AIR – The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in the state of West Bengal, about 124 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sikkim.

BY RAIL – The nearest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), located in Siliguri, West Bengal, about 125 km from Gangtok. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sikkim.

BY ROAD – Sikkim is well connected by road to major cities in the region. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Siliguri, Darjeeling, or other nearby cities to reach Sikkim. The state capital Gangtok is connected to Siliguri and other major cities in the region by a network of state highways.

Tourist Attractions in Sikkim

Sikkim is a beautiful state in India known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant Buddhist monasteries. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Sikkim are:

Tsomgo Lake: Also known as Changu Lake, it is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,400 ft above sea level. It is a popular destination for tourists and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Nathula Pass: It is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the Indo-China border, at an altitude of 14,140 ft above sea level. Visitors need to obtain permits from the government to visit this area.

Rumtek Monastery: It is a famous Buddhist monastery located in Gangtok and is considered to be one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim.

Yumthang Valley: It is a beautiful valley located at an altitude of 11,693 ft above sea level, known for its colorful rhododendron flowers and natural hot springs.

Pelling: It is a small town located in West Sikkim, known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and ancient monasteries.

Gurudongmar Lake: It is a high-altitude lake located in North Sikkim, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views.

Namchi: It is a small town located in South Sikkim, known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the world’s tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

Zuluk: It is a small village located in East Sikkim, known for its scenic beauty, winding roads, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that Sikkim has to offer. The state is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, with plenty of trekking and mountaineering opportunities available.

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