SIKKIM

Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas with Gangtok the largest town as it capital. Sikkim is divided into 4 districts - East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. The district capitals are Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively.

How to Reach Sikkim?
By Air:
Nearest airport for Sikkim is Bagdogra, near Siliguri in North Bengal, which is 124 km and approximately four hours drive from Gangtok. You can also take a helicopter from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
 

Must See in Sikkim

Rumtek Monastery  – 24 km from Gangtok in East Sikkim – the main seat of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. Originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 1740, but fell into disrepair. The current structure dates from 1959.

Tsongmo Lake - 40 km from Gangtok in East Sikkim on Nathula route – Tsongmo Lake (also called Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake) is a large lake in the East Sikkim district of India. It is oval-shaped, with a length of about one kilometer and has an average depth of fifteen metres. Tsongmo lake is considered a sacred lake by the local Buddhist and Hindu population.

It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission.

A little distance from the lake is a beautiful natural three storied cave, the Tseten Tashi Cave which is worth a visit.

Nathu la pass - The Nathu la pass lies on the Indo-Chinese border and is only open for Indian tourists. People who wish to visit Nathu la should get special permission one day in advance. However the pass is not open on Mondays & Tuesdays. It closes in the winter and opens in May.

Baba mandir - Eight kilometers from Nathu la pass is the original Harbajan Singh Baba Temple from which the Indo-Bhutan border is approximately 6 km and the India-China border is around 5 km. A must visit place for all those who like to explore places

Kabi Lungstok - Kabi Lungtsok is a historic place, located on North Sikkim Highway, 17 kms away from Gangtok. This is the same place where the historic treaty between Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually.

Chungthang - Chungthang is located in the northern part of Sikkim. It is located at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and is the starting point of the river Teesta. It is believed that Chungthang is blessed by a guru Rimpoche.

Gurudongmar Lake  - Gurudongmar lake is at an altitude of 5150 meters ft. The lake is both sacred and pristine. It has crystal clear waters and and the way leading to it is a cold desert. The lake remains completely frozen during the winters, except for a small part which is considered to be touched by Guru Padmasambhava. Visits to the lake are allowed after obtaining a permit from the Government. Foreign nationals are not allowed to go there. The whole area is controlled by Army, due to it's proximity to China.

For day trip visitors a night halt at Lachen is advised for minimal altitude acclimatization .Tourists are generally asked to leave the place by 1 - 2 PM, after which the wind speeds picks up and is enough to carry small stones with it.

Dzongri trek: Dzongri trek is possible in the west part of the Sikkim. This trek is suitable for those trekkers who wish to go for a short and easy trek.

Distance from Gangtok

Gangtok to Darjeeling: 105 Kms
Gangtok to Siliguri: 110 Kms
Gangtok to Kalimpong: 80 Kms
Gangtok to Lachung : 105 Kms
Gangtok to Pemayabgtse : 117 Kms

Sikkim Holiday Packages