Sikkim

Experience the panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, where Mt. Khangchendzonga the third highest mountain in the World stands tall, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals. Precipitous slopes inhabited by high altitude exotic species of animals, some rare animals like snow leopard, clouded leopard and red panda, birds and flora. The river Teesta runs down the state where altitude range from almost sea level to over 28,000 feet, from north to south and is known as "Lifeline of Sikkim". The state has about 75 Buddhist Monasteries, dating back to the early 18th century.

General Information

• Latitudes : 22°56' and 24°32' North
• Longitudes : 90°09' and 92°20' East
• Area : 10,492 square kilometers
• Capital : Gangtok
• Temperature : - 2° – 16° C in winter & 10° - 25° C in summer
• Districts : 4
• Population : 406,457
• Official Language : Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu
• Male Population : 216,422
• Female Population : 190,030
• Population Density : 57 / square kilometers
• Literacy Rate : 56.94%
• Nearest Railway Station : New Jalpaiguri
• Nearest Airport : Bagdogra
• Major Towns : Gangtok, Pelling, Mangan, Gyalsing
• Minimum Snow Fall : Thangu (82 millimeters)
• Maximum Snow Fall : Gangtok (3494 millimeters)
• Major Crops : Rice, Sugar cane, Cotton, Jute, Mesta
• Major Peaks : Mount Khanchendzonga (8585 meters), Pandim (6691 meters), Talung (6147 meters), Jongsang (7459 meters), Rathong (6679  meters) and Sinioulchu (6887 meters)
• Major Minerals : copper, iron, lime, dolomite / limestone, coal, quartzite and tale, silicate & graphite

Places to see in Sikkim

Gangtok, Botanical Garden, Pelling, Yuksom, Gezing, Jorethang - a major business center in south Sikkim, Namchi, Phodong, Chungthang, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang

Adventure Activities in Sikkim

Trekking: Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Khangchendzonga Trek, Coronation Trek, Khedi Trek, Singalila Trek, Kosturi Orar Trek, Samartek Trek , Rinchenpong/Soreng Trek, Himalayan Trek, Tendong Hill Trek

Mountain Biking: Gangtok - Rumtek -Sang - Sirwani - Temi - Damthang -Rabong - Kewzing - Tashiding -Yoksum - Geyzing - Dentam -Rinchenpong - Soreng – Sombaria - Jorthang - Namchi – Rangpo

Mountaineering: Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey's Peak, Lamo Angden and Byrmkhangse

Yak Riding: Gangtok - Dzongu - Tsomgo Lake

Fairs and festivals in Sikkim

Saga Dawa - Lhabab Dhuechen - Drukpa Tshesh - Phang Lhabsol - Losoong - Losar -Bumchu - Guru Rimpoche's Trungkar Tshechu - Kalchakra Puja - Tihar orTyohar/ Diwali -Maghe Sankranti - Namsoong - Bhanu Jayanti - Nyempa Guzom

Wildlife in Sikkim

Kangchendzonga National Park - Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary - Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary - Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Pilgrimage/ Places of worship in Sikkim

• Hanuman Tok (Gangtok)
• Ganesh Tok (Gangtok)
• Rumtek Monastery (Gangtok)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (Pelling)
• Enchey Monastery (Gangtok)
• Tashiding Monastery (Gyalsing)
• Evangelical Presbyterian Church
• Roman Catholic Church
• Anjuman Mosque.

Heritage sites in Sikkim

• Rumtek Monastery
• Enchey Monastery
• Kabi Lungchok
• Rabdentse Ruins
• Do-Drul Chorten

Art and Craft of Sikkim

• Carpet Weaving
• Wood Carving
• Thangka Paintings (Religious scrolls)
• Handicrafts
• Choktse Tables
• Woolen Carpets

Dance and Music of Sikkim

Zo-Mal-Lok, Chu-Faat, Tendong Lo Rum Faat, Kinchum-Chu-Bomsa, Denzong-Neh-Na, Ta-Shi-Yang-Ku, Tashi Shabdo, Guru-Chinlap, Singhi Chham, Yak Chham, Maruni, Chutkay, Jeurum Silly, Tamang, Selo, Lakhey (Mask) Dance, Dhaan Nach

Cuisine of Sikkim

Momos, Thukpa or Gya-thuk, Saelroti, Chhurpi, Ningro, Kinema, Gundruk, Sinki, Sishnu Soup, Chaang

Connectivity of Sikkim

By Air: The state does not have any airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (near Siliguri) in West Bengal, which lies only 125kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

By Rail: The state does not have any rail network in its boundary. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (near Siliguri), which is connected to Gangtok by road.

By Road: Although the state of Sikkim lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a good network of roads. The state can be entered through northern areas of West Bengal.

Important Information

STD Code: Gangtok 03592, Gyalsing 03595

Summer : March to May
Monsoon : June to September
Winter : October to February

Main Languages : Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, Hindi, English

Entry Permit

Available on the spot for foreigners from Sikkim Tourism Offices at Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri and Rangpo.