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Sikkim
SMALL & BEAUTIFUL

Nestled in the eastern Himalaya, the tiny Indian state of Sikkim is simply paradise. Crammed in between Nepal to the west, Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the east and Darjeeling to the south, the former kingdom may be all of 7,096 sq km, but within it is packed flora and fauna from the tropical and alpine to the cold desert. Dominating the landscape is the highly revered Mt. Khangchendzonga, the world's third highest peak at 8,586 m. And under its protective gaze live three population groups - the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese - that give Sikkim its colorful traditions and vibrant culture. Especially awe-inspiring are its myriad monasteries.

GANGTOK

Gangtok (population 50,000 and elevation 1,780 m), Sikkim's capital, is a charming city straddling a ridge with houses spilling down the hillside.

The places to visit in Gangtok are Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old Tibetan Buddhist lamasery; Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a treasure house of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues, ritual objects and thanka paintings; Do-Drul Chorten, an impressive stupa with giant statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Lord Buddha; Government Institute of Cottage Industries for souvenirs like choktse (carved low tables), thanka paintings and carpets; and the exotic market of Lal Bazaar.

AROUND SIKKIM

In east Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery, a 24-km drive from Gangtok, is the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation 3,780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst picturesque mountains. The famed Nathula Pass (4,392 m) on the old caravan trail to Tibet is 18 km further from Tsomgo Lake. Only 8 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway lies Tashi View Point famed for its breathtaking view of the Khangchendzonga range.

In north Sikkim, Yumthang (3,782 m) is a mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower-carpeted meadows against a backdrop of towering peaks.

The 134-km drive from Gangtok to Yumthang takes you through Kabi Longtsok, where Sikkimese history began in the 13th century with the signing of a treaty of brotherhood between Lepcha and Tibetan chiefs; Phodong Monastery, one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim; Chungthang (1,586 m), a sacred place blessed by Guru Rimpoche; Lachung (2,684 m), an idyllic valley surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains; Lachen at an altitude of 2,750 m with its panoramic view of the surrounding hills and countryside; and the sacred Guru-Dongmar Lake at 5,425 m, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

In west Sikkim, Pemayangtse Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery of the Nyingmapa order, is a 112-km drive from Gangtok; Sanga Choling Monastery, built in 1697, is one of the oldest in the state; Khecheopalri Lake is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists; Yuksom is Sikkim's original capital where the first Chogyal was consecrated in 1641; and Tashiding Monastery, built in 1717, is famed for its stupa.

In south Sikkim, the district headquarters of Namchi, a 78-km drive from Gangtok, offers panoramic vistas of the snow peaks; Samdruptse, near Namchi, hosts the world's tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava at 41 m; Tendong Hill (2,623 m) and Meanam Hill (3,141 m) provide unmatched views extending from the Himalaya to the plains of Bengal; Temi Tea Garden is an opportunity to see how the aromatic leaves are grown and processed for export.

TREKKING

Dzongri (3,950 m) in West Sikkim is a popular destination for trekkers. From here, one can proceed to Goechala, 14 km away, or to Khangchendzonga Base Camp, 9 km away.

VISA

In addition to an Indian visa, foreign travelers must possess an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained from all Indian missions abroad, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri and Rangpo Tourist Lodge to visit Sikkim. The 15-day permit can be extended by the State Government for up to 30 days (of 15 days each). For those wanting to go trekking in the interior regions of the state, a Protected Area Permit must be obtained at Gangtok from the Department of Tourism. Tour arrangements should be made through a registered travel agent who will handle the official formalities.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Gangtok is 146 km (or 4 hours 30 minutes) from the Nepalese border town of Kakarbhitta via Siliguri. It is 5 hours by road from Darjeeling and 7 hours from Bhutan.

The closest Indian airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km from Gangtok, where scheduled flights operate from Kolkata, New Delhi and Guwahati. Taxis for Gangtok (4 hours) are available at the airport. Sikkim Tourism operates daily helicopter services from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok (20 minutes). The closest railway stations are Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (121 km), which are connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other major Indian cities. Taxis and buses for Gangtok are available at Siliguri.

Transport services are provided by four-wheel drive vehicles. Taxis are available for getting around Gangtok. Sikkim Helicopter Service operates special mountain flights as well as sight-seeing flights to West and North Sikkim for a bird's-eye view of the monasteries and extotic valleys.

GENERAL INFO

Sikkim is a mountainous land crisscrossed by deep ravines.
Season: March-May and October-December are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 20.7 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens during winter (minimum 7.7 degrees).

Adventure: Trekking, mountaineering, rafting and yak safari.
Accommodation: There are modern hotels and restaurants in Gangtok. Comfortable resort lodges are available in the outlying areas.

For more information, contact Sikkim Tourist Information Center, MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim, India; Tel: 91-03592-221634, 203425, 227720; Fax: 91-03592-205647;
Websites: www.sikkim.nic.in
www.sikkiminfo.com
www.sikkimindia.com