Indian state of Sikkim. Sikkim

Sikkim- a state of India located in the northeast of the country, in the Himalayas.

Sikkim has the smallest population of any state and is larger than only Goa. Largest city and the state capital is Gangtok.

Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayas. It is the least populated Indian state. All movements within Sikkim require a permit (it is issued free of charge either upon entering the state or in its capital, Gangtok).

The official languages ​​are Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia, Limbu, Newar, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa and Tamang, Sunwar. With the exception of Nepali, the remaining languages ​​are given official status primarily to preserve local culture and traditions. The main religions are Hinduism and the Vajrayana branch of Buddhism.

Sikkim State located in the foothills and slopes of the Himalayas and is officially classified as one of the ecoregions of India. Much of the state is covered in forests, providing an extraordinary wealth of both fauna and flora. Many climatic zones related to big difference altitudes across the state has resulted in a wide variety of plants.

Rhododendron is the symbol of Sikkim, 35 species of rhododendron grow from subtropical to high-altitude climate zones

Despite its small area, Sikkim is home to six federally protected natural areas: one national park, Kanchenjunga National Park and five wildlife sanctuaries: Barsi Rhododendron, Kyongnosia, Maenam, Phambong Lo and Shingba. All of them were formed after the annexation of Sikkim to India and all were created to protect the Himalayan landscapes. oldest environmental protection zone Sikkim's Kanchenjunga National Park was established in 1977 and covers an area of ​​1,784 km². In the future, it is planned to organize five more protected areas, including Kyongnosia National Park.

The people of Sikkim celebrate both Hindu (Diwali, Dasara) and Buddhist (Losar, Saga Dawa, Lhahab Duchen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu) festivals. During Losar, the Tibetan New Year, most government offices close for a week. IN lately Gangtok also celebrates Christmas, mainly to attract visitors during the break in the tourist season.

An important and integral part of Sikkim are Buddhist temples and monasteries. Religious institutions are found in Sikkim three types. So-pooh - temple located in a cave. There are quite a lot of them in the state, but four of them (Lhari-nying-phu, Kado-sang-phu, Pe-phu, Dechen-phu) are considered especially important, since according to tradition it is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism, meditated there Sikkim.

Gompa- monasteries themselves, complexes created to escape from the world, containing temples and religious schools. There are several dozen gompas in Sikkim. Mani Lhakhang- usually small-sized churches in populated areas that are not part of monasteries. The Rumtek Monastery is the residence of the Karmapa who fled Tibet.

Folk dancing is an important part of Sikkimese culture. Dancing different nations living in Sikkim are significantly different. They are often timed to coincide with certain Buddhist or Hindu holidays. Dancing with masks is very characteristic of the Buddhist culture of Sikkim.

Received in Sikkim widespread Western style rock music. Indian pop music is popular among the population, as is Nepali rock, a style influenced by Western rock music and using lyrics in Nepali.

Sikkimese cuisine comes from the traditions of the peoples inhabiting Sikkim - Nepalese, Bhutia and Lepcha. It has many similarities with Tibetan cuisine, in particular it is dominated by noodle-based dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup), chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu and gyathuk. Momos - steamed meat or vegetable dumplings - are a very popular dish. Chhurpi is a dairy dish, similar to cottage cheese. Traditional soft drinks include mohi (sweetened milk) and dahi ( dairy product). Traditional alcoholic drinks- an analogue of beer, jaanr, made from various grains, including rice, and raksi wine. Alcohol is relatively cheap due to low taxes, so beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are widely consumed. Sikkim has the highest prevalence of alcoholism among all Indian states.

Most houses in the valleys and plains of Sikkim are made of bamboo and lined with dung, which ensures heat retention; in the mountains, they are made of wood.

Sights of Sikkim.

Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim, the residence of the Karmapa. Founded in 1730, it later burned down and was rebuilt in a new location.

Dubdi Gompa Monastery in Yuksom, which is considered the oldest in Sikkim.

Pemayangste Monastery near Gyalshing, the most important monastery of the Nyingma tradition, founded in the 17th century.

The throne on which the first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned (located in Yuksom).

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Founded in 1958 and built in traditional Tibetan style. It houses a rich collection of rare Buddhist books, figurines, thankas, and sacred objects.

Ruins of Rabdentse, the second capital of Sikkim, destroyed by the Nepalese in 1814.

Khecheopalri Lake 27 km from Pelling, between Gyalshing and Yuksom, at an altitude of about 2 km. Considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Canggu Lake at an altitude of about 4 km, on the road connecting Gangtok and Natula Pass. Located in the border zone, special permission is required to visit.

Yumthang Valley 135 km long, famous for its alpine landscapes.

The main motives that attract tourists to Sikkim are Buddhist temples and monasteries and natural attractions.

The state of Sikkim is often called the last Shangri-La, a literary name for the blessed mythical land of Shambhala in the mountains. According to legend, Shambhala became invisible after the Muslim invasion Central Asia and only people with pure souls can find it.

Peoples

According to the ideas of all the peoples living in the state of Sikkim, no matter what faith they adhere to, this part of the Himalayas is a place of Power.
Each of these peoples has its own ancient name Sikkim. Bhuti - "fortified secret place". Tibetans - "valley of rice". Lepcha - “fertile land” (“paradise”). In Hindu religious texts, Sikkim is called Indrakil - “Garden of Indra” (Indra is the lord of Heaven). But the name from the language of the Limbu - the first inhabitants of Sikkim - Su-Khiyim was established: the syllable “su” means “new”, and “Khiyim” means “house” or “palace”. “Five Treasures of the Great Snows” - this is how the name of the mountain is translated, more precisely, the Kanchenjunga mountain range, or Kanche, on the border of Sikkim and Nepal, the third highest peak of the Himalayas and the world after Chomolungma and. It has five peaks, and all of them are above 8000 m. Regarding what the “five treasures” are, there are legends with a material explanation (salt, gems, plant grains, invincible weapons and sacred texts), but researchers believe that treasures here mean the five facets of the highest wisdom. Kanchenjunga is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The first mention of Sikkim in written sources is associated with a trip to the 8th century. Buddhist Mahatma - in Sanskrit “great soul” - named Padmasambhava, or Guru Rimpoche (Precious Teacher), to whom the largest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, Rumtek, is dedicated.

Story

Guru Rimpoche blessed Sikkim and predicted that it would be a kingdom. And his main feat was the disgrace of priests and sorcerers. He surpassed them in magic, subjugating the demons and evil spirits of Tibet, converting them to Buddhism and making them dharmapalas - protectors of the Dharma. However, Tibetan historian Sailen Debnath claims that the Tibetan Emperor Stronsen Gam built a fortress in the area of ​​​​present-day Gangtok long before Rimpoche. Modern scholars also question the next episode of the traditional history of Sikkim: there is too much in it mystical coincidences, but this is how they tell it in Sikkim. Around the 13th century. The country began to be populated by Lepcha tribes who came from Assam. In the XIV century. The Tibetan prince Kye Bumsa in a dream received a command from the gods to move to the south of Tibet, which he, of course, fulfilled; his fellow tribesmen began to move to Sikkim in the 15th-16th centuries. In 1642 (and this is already a fact), the descendant of Kye Bumsa Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned by three lamas who appeared from the north, west and east (as was allegedly predicted in that same mystical dream). Phuntsog Namgyal was an enlightened Chagyal (monarch), he founded many Buddhist monasteries, temples and schools in Sikkim. From him came the custom of giving every third son in a family to become a lama (monk). The country under him included part of Eastern Nepal, the Chumbi Valley (Tibet), the Kha Valley (Bhutan) and part of the Terrai, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Yuksom is the first capital of Sikkim (now more of a village than a city), this name from the Lepcha language translates as “meeting place of the three lamas.” The second capital was the city of Rabdentse, destroyed by the Nepalese in 1814. But even earlier, in 1794, Tumlong became the capital. Gangtok has been the capital of Sikkim since 1894. In 1717-1734. Sikkim fought with Bhutan and as a result of this war lost a significant part of its territories.
In 1886, the British declared their protectorate over the territory of Sikkim and began to encourage the resettlement of the Gurkhas of Nepal to Sikkim; Nepalis now make up the bulk of its population. In 1947-1950, in several stages, Sikkim became a protectorate of India. In the early 1970s. Serious contradictions begin to arise between the royal and executive powers in Sikkim. In April 1975, Indian troops occupied Sikkim and then held a referendum. The turnout was 59%. 97.5% of those who took part in the referendum voted for Sikkim to join India. On May 16, 1975, the kingdom ceased to exist and Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.
Pang Lamsol - main holiday state, it is dedicated to the Divine bridge between earth and Heaven, which for both Buddhists and Hindus is Kanchenjunga and Sikkim guarded by it.

Nature

The nature of the state corresponds to this reverent idea. German Tibetologist Ernst Schaefer, head of the famous expedition to Tibet in 1938-1939, describes Sikkim as follows: “This region unites all living spaces: tropics of forests untouched by civilization, subtropics teeming with various orchids; a temperate zone with light birch trees and gloomy spruce forests, rhododendron thickets stretching for many kilometers, blankets alpine meadows, empty gouges rocks and, finally, eternal snow. Hardly any country in the world can compete with Sikkim in the richness of colors, the abundance of forms of flora and fauna, which lurks in the shelters of mountain labyrinths... Even in the fauna there are unheard of contrasts. In the south, a treacherous tiger stalks through impenetrable virgin forests entangled in vines to tear apart the timid Sambar deer. At the same time, in the north, a flexible snow leopard hunts blue sheep in the eternal snow. And the endless steppes, stretching from the limits of the ice barriers to the very “roof of the world,” tremble under the tramp of hooves of the magnificent kiangs, the most beautiful wild horses Asia."
The state is home to 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 alpine lakes, five large hot springs with temperatures exceeding 50°C, and more than 100 rivers and streams. Much of this area is unsuitable for agriculture, with only rice and other crops being grown on the terraces of the gentle slopes in the south of the state. And any construction is also very problematic: landslides in Sikkim are a common occurrence, and they also happen strong earthquakes. The most recent one occurred in September 2011, its strength was 6.9 on the Richter scale, the epicenter was 20 km from Gangtok, about 20 houses collapsed, people died (in neighboring Nepal and Bhutan too).

Religion

Hinduism occupies a dominant position in the spiritual life of the state in percentage terms. However, at first glance at Sikkim you wouldn’t say so: it seems that Buddhism predominates here: firstly, there are many more Buddhist monasteries than Hindu temples, secondly, you can see Buddhist prayer flags everywhere, and thirdly, Buddhist and Hindu temples They hardly differ from each other in appearance; they are all made mainly in the Tibetan architectural tradition. And there is another important thing that unites followers of all religions in Sikkim, and that is tolerance. Conflicts between people here, as elsewhere, of course, do occur, but still much less frequently than in other parts of India, and in general Sikkim is a very calm place.
There are about 70 Buddhist monasteries and about 3,000 lamas in the state. The most famous of the monasteries are Gum, Tashiding, Pemayantse, Sangachelling, Rumtek. In the Gum Monastery there is a statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, a bodhisattva who is revered by all schools of Buddhism. At Pemayantse there is an elaborately carved seven-tiered wooden sculpture representing the heavenly palace of Padmasambhava and its inhabitants and embodying the main stages spiritual development humanity.
The state really needs a railway. It is planned that in 2015 the town of Rangpo in Sikkim will be connected with the state of West Bengal. But from Rangpo to Gangtok is another 40 km, and it is not yet known when the rails will be laid there. For now, the main means of transportation in the state are jeeps operating as taxis. More and more tourists come to Sikkim every year. To visit the state, special permission from the Indian immigration service is required (Sikkim has a significant military garrison due to the fact that the situation on the borders with Nepal and China can be turbulent).

General information

State in northeastern India, in the Himalayas, with the smallest population among the Indian states, and only smaller in area than Sikkim.

Administrative division: 4 districts.
Administrative center: Gangtok - 98,658 people (2011).

The largest settlements: Gangtok, Singtam, Rangpo, Jretang, Namchi.

Languages: Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu, Newar, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang, Sunwari. The main language of communication is Nepali; other languages ​​are given official status in the state to preserve local culture and traditions. Many residents of the state also speak Hindi and English.

Ethnic composition: descendants of the Nepalese Gurkhas, Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu, interethnic marriages are quite common, and there is a part of the population that finds it difficult to determine which ethnic group include yourself.
Religions: Hinduism - 60.9%, Buddhism - 30.1%, Christianity - 6.6% (Anglican Church of North India), Islam (Sunni) - 1.4%, there are also small communities of Jains - 1% (these Figures may vary slightly between different sources.)

Currency: Indian rupee.

Largest rivers: Teesta, Rangit.
The largest alpine lakes: Tsongmo, Gurudongmar, Khecheopalri.

Largest glacier: Zemu (25 km).
Nearest airport: Bagdogra is in the city of Siliguri (West Bengal), 124 km from Gangtok. Helicopters fly regularly from there to Gangtok.

Numbers

Area: 7096 km2.

Population: 607,688 people. (2011).

Population density: 85.6 people/km 2 .

Highest point: Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 m).
Lowest point: 280 m above sea level.

Climate and weather

From subtropical in the south to alpine in the north.
The inhabited part of the state is dominated by a temperate continental climate.

Average January temperature: 0°C.

Average temperature in August(warmest month): +23°С.

Night and day temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
Season monsoon rains: May-October, at this time the entire state is shrouded in fog and rain falls unevenly.

Average annual precipitation: from 1270 mm in the north of the state, to 5000 mm in the east.
The line of eternal snow runs at altitudes of about 4900-6100 m.

Economy

Sikkim is a free economic zone in India.
Minerals: small developing fields copper ore, lead, zinc, there are also as yet undeveloped deposits of coal, graphite and limestone.
Hot mineral springs with high sulfur content.
Industry: in the south of the state there are small industrial enterprises: breweries (millet-based beer), distilleries, dyeing plants, a watch factory in Namchi.

Agriculture: growing cardamom, ginger, oranges, apples, tea, orchids for export. Potatoes, cabbage, corn, peas, beans, wheat, barley, and millet are also grown (for domestic use).

Cattle breeding - buffaloes, yaks, sheep, goats, pigs, mules.

Traditional handicrafts: wood carving, manufacturing jewelry made of silver and Tibetan wool carpets.
Service sector: tourism, the most intensively developing type is trekking, as well as kayaking, rafting, mountaineering and mountain biking tours - all under the guidance of experienced guides.

Attractions

■ Buddhist cave temples Lhari-nying-phu, Kado-sang-phu, Pe-phu, Dechen-phu.
■ Buddhist monasteries(gompa) with temples and religious schools: the oldest is Dubdi Gompa in Yuksom (the throne on which the first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned), the largest is Rumtek (the residence of the head of the Kagyupa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gyalwa Karmapa, founded in 1730, later burned and was restored to a new location in 1959), as well as Gum, Tashiding, Pemayangtse, Sangachelling.
■ Gangtok: the royal palace of Tsuk La Kang, at the same time the main Buddhist temple of Sikkim, the Hindu temples of Baba Harbhajan Singh, Thakurbari and Hanuman Tok, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (in its museum - unique collection ancient Buddhist books, figurines, works of religious painting on brocade (thangka), various objects sacred meaning), orchid park.
■ Hindu Mahadevi Temple near the Rangit River.
■ Ruins of Rabdentse, the second capital of Sikkim.
■ Khecheopalri Lake 27 km from Pelling, between Gyalshing and Yuksom, at an altitude of about 2 km. It is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus.
■ Canggu Lake at an altitude of about 4 km, on the road connecting Gangtok and Natula Pass.
■ Yumthang Valley, famous for its alpine landscapes.
■ Jongri trek- the main walking tourist route in Sikkim.
■ Kanchenjunga National Biosphere Park.
■ Nature reserves: Barsi Rhododendron, Kyongnosia, Maenam, Phambong Lo, Shingba.
■ Botanical Garden them. Jawaharlal Nehru (at an altitude of 1800-2200 m, 24 km from Gangtok).

Curious facts

■ Karmala is the supreme lama of the Kagyu Buddhist school. He is the embodiment of the energy of Buddha Avalokiteshvara. Like the Dalai Lama, after death he is incarnated in a new body. So that the karmala can fully concentrate on subtle spiritual energies, during ceremonies he wears a specially shaped black headdress, which is why he is also called the “black crown lama.”
■ Cardamom seeds are Sikkim's main export and the state is the largest supplier of this spice in the world.
■ The Christians of Sikkim are the Lepchas, whose ancestors were converted to Christianity by British missionaries in the 19th century. At the missions, free bags of rice were given to converts.

The name Darjeeling comes from the name of the monastery Dorje Ling, which translates as “Place of Lightning Strike”. Here rises the snow-white peak of Mount Kanchenjunga (8598 m) - the highest in India. This mountain became the subject of inspiration for the famous artist Nicholas Roerich, who depicted it in several of his paintings.

Here you can watch the sunrise on Tiger Hill, which is located 11 km south of the center of Darjeeling, from here you can clearly see the first rays of the sun illuminating the snow-covered peak of the world's highest Mount Everest. Unique landscapes, lush greenery, clean mountain air - the best remedy recharge yourself with positive energy and feel all the greatness of nature. Well... Of course, it is impossible to leave here without trying the best tea in the world and visiting the famous tea plantations.

Kanchenjunga National Park

Kanchenjunga National Park is located in the north-west of the Indian state of Sikkim and was created in 1998 with the good purpose of protecting wildlife from extinction. Today, Kanchenjunga National Park provides a reliable refuge for many endangered inhabitants of our planet: snow leopards, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rare species monkeys

For spring months In the reserve it is impossible to stop admiring the unusually beautiful flowering of orchids, lilies, and rhododendrons. The valleys are hidden tropical forest, which, with increasing height, gives way to oaks and pines. Here pheasants stroll importantly and curious red-billed magpies chatter merrily.

Travelers can expect crystal clear rivers and noisy waterfalls, the height of which reaches 160 meters. Here you can not only watch beautiful butterflies and rare birds, of which there are 600 species, but also climb the legendary Mount Kanchenjunga or, conversely, row down the Sikkim River. It is best to do this by going to the reserve with a large group - this will only help you obtain permission to visit the park, but also avoid unnecessary obstacles and dangers. Local residents sometimes warn lonely travelers that Kanchenjunga throws off women who attempt to climb to its peak. Perhaps this warning is just a fable, but, you see, this is a good reason to get everyone together and go on a long journey.

What sights of Sikkim did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Khecheoparli Lake

Perhaps you once read or saw in films how Buddhist monks look for a place to achieve peace, quiet and calm, where nothing will disturb you during meditation. Khecheoparli Lake is the epitome of this place.

For Buddhists and Hindus, the lake is sacred. They come here to pray and meditate. Tourists are more attracted by the fact that this lake is also a “lake of desires”. If you have a secret wish, then you can make it here, and it will definitely come true.

Lake Khecheoparli has a second name - Lake Tara, and all because, according to local legend, it appeared in the imprint of the footprint of the goddess Tara, since from a bird's eye view the lake really resembles a footprint.

Like everything else in India, the lake is stunning with the beauty of the nearby flora and fauna. Beautiful rain-forest, through which the path to the lake goes, there is an abundance of exotic birds and fish. However, you should be careful as there are many poisonous insects and dangerous animals, meeting which can spoil your walk.

In the mode, you can view attractions in Sikkim only from photographs.

Institute of Tibetology

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology houses the largest collection of Tibetan statues, masks, altars and other Tibetan art objects. The institute also houses museums of Tibetan iconography and religious art, which are considered one of the largest museums in the world. Interestingly, the institute is located outside of Tibet, in Sikkim.

The Institute was established in 1958 in a building that is an imposing monument and a magnificent example of Sikkimese architecture. Its official opening was attended by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The reason for its emergence is the increased attention to the study of religion, language, history, art and culture of the Tibetan area, which includes Sikkim. Many projects of the institute are devoted to the history of the 60 monasteries of Sikkim, namely the digitization historical documents and photo archives related to Sikkim.

The most popular attractions in Sikkim with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places Sikkim on our website.

To visit Sikkim, foreign tourists are required to obtain a nominal written permit (issued for 2 weeks). The state of Sikkim is adjacent to the Bengali city of Darjeeling.

Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayas. It is the least populated Indian state and is larger in size only than Goa. The official language of Sikkim is Nepali, the main religions are Hinduism and the Vajrayana branch of Buddhism. The largest city and capital of the state is Gangtok. To visit Sikkim, foreign tourists require a special permit, which must be obtained on site on the day of arrival in Sikkim, for a maximum of 15 days of stay.

Sikkim is called the last Himalayan Shangrila due to its remoteness and beautiful views to the Himalayas. From almost anywhere in the state you can see the snowy peak of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 m).

Sikkim was a state ruled by the Chogyal dynasty until 1975, when a referendum on its inclusion in India was successfully held (97% of the population voted in favor). Previously, in 1947-1975, the sovereignty of Sikkim was limited, and it was under a kind of protectorate of India, which controlled its foreign and defense policies, and also represented Sikkim in the international arena.

Until 2003, the government of neighboring China did not recognize Sikkim as an Indian state, and Chinese maps it was designated as a separate state. Since 2003, this issue has been considered by the Chinese side to be a “historical issue” that is subject to final resolution in the future “as China-India relations improve and develop.” As a response to China's de facto recognition of Indian sovereignty over Sikkim, India recognized Tibet integral part China. Previously, maps published in China had designated Sikkim as a “state temporarily occupied by India.” True, after this China began to actively challenge the “Indianness” of the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh;)

Sikkim, a tiny eastern Himalayan "kingdom", lies on the slopes of Mount Kanchenjunga, which the Sikkimese worship as their protective deity. Almost 35% of the state is occupied by Kanchenjunga National Park. Sikkim is a treasure trove of 4,000 varieties of flowers, including 600 species of orchids. Sikkim offers both advanced and easy trekking routes leading to the foot of Kanchenjunga, and rafting along the mountain rivers Teesta and Rangit.

The best season here is from March to May and from September to November.

Sikkim has the smallest population of any state in India.

The official languages ​​are Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newar, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa and Tamang (since 1995), Sunwar (since 1996). With the exception of Nepali, the remaining languages ​​are given official status primarily to preserve local culture and traditions.

The most common version of the name "Sikkim" - from a combination of two Limbu words (su "new" and khyim "palace", "house") - refers to the palace built by the first ruler of Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal. In Tibetan, Sikkim is called "Denjong" (Tib. འབྲས་ལྗོངས Denjong, Denzong), which means "country of rice" or "valley of rice"; it is also called "Demojong" (Tib. འབྲས་མོ་ལྗོངས་ Demojong). In Lepcha, the indigenous language of Sikkim, the country is called "Nye-mae-el" (paradise), and in Sikkimese it is called "Beymul Demazong", meaning "hidden valley of rice" "

To visit Sikkim, foreign tourists must obtain a separate permit (‘Restricted Area Permit’) on the day of arrival, as well as additional permits for visiting selected remote places in Sikkim.

The kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. Sikkim became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim remained in a subordinate status to the Republic of India. At that time Sikkim had the most high level literacy and per capita income among Himalayan countries. In 1973, there were riots against the royalists (monarchy) in front of the Chogyal Palace. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by the people. As a result of a referendum in 1975, Sikkim joined India as its 22nd state.

The city of Gangtok offers a welcoming base from which to explore the varied wonders of this highland. Tourists will be interested in picturesque valleys, monasteries, lakes and trekking trails located next to the orchid national park, a deer park located in the forest on a hill, the ancient monastery of Enchey (“Single”), located near the travel agency Industrial Institute, Research Institute of Tibetology, sightseeing Tashi place is a popular picnic spot and Tsuklahang is a sacred place in the palace grounds.

The Pemayangtse Monastery houses priceless ancient statues of deities. Tashiding Monastery is built on a hill between the Rangit and Ratong rivers. It is believed that simply looking at the Tongka Rangdol Chorten here means being cleansed of one's sins. From the territory of Pemayangtse Monastery you can also see the majestic Kanchenjunga in all its glory. Lachung is a picturesque place with waterfalls, and Yumthang hot springs are located in an area where yaks graze. Yuksom, the base training camp of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, is a historical city with royal traditions.

Sikkim from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Sikkim.

• Last minute tours to India
• Tours for May all over the world

Weather in Sikkim

There is amazing diversity to be found in Sikkim climatic zones: from the subtropics of the south to the alpine tundra of the north. The main inhabited area is different comfortable temperature up to +28 °C in summer and about 0 °C in winter. From June to September the rainy season sets in in Sikkim.

How to get to Sikkim

By plane

The nearest airport is in North Bengal, near Siliguri. Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, SpiceJet, Kingfisher fly here from all major airports in India. From the airport to the capital of Sikkim - the city of Gangtok - 124 kilometers, which can be covered by jeep or taxi in 4 hours.

Search for air tickets to Delhi (closest airport to Sikkim)

By train

The construction of the railway line directly to Sikkim has not yet been completed, therefore, the nearest railway stations remain Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri.

By bus

There is a regular bus service between Siliguri and Gangtok with fixed prices.

Not in Sikkim railways and airports, so tourists will have to travel around the state on foot, by bus or by jeep.

Popular hotels in Sikkim

Kitchen

Sikkimese cuisine has Nepalese and Tibetan roots. Popular are thukpa - noodle soup, meat or vegetarian dumplings, steamed - momos. Alcohol is cheap in Sikkim; the traditional local drink is jaanr rice beer.

Amazing Sikkim

Entertainment and attractions of Sikkim

A major part of the spiritual and cultural life of Sikkim are the temples and monasteries of various branches of Buddhism. The main attractions of the state are the cave monasteries where the legendary Guru Rinpoche meditated. In addition, in Sikkim there are several dozen gompas - monasteries, on the territory of which there are temples and religious schools.

In Sikkim there is the Rumtek Monastery - the residence of the Karmapa, the head of the Tibetan line of Karma Kagyu Buddhism, built in 1730, and restored after a fire in the mid-twentieth century. Also located here is Pemayangste - one of the main monasteries traditions of Nyingma, and the oldest monastery Dubdi Gompa.

The highest point of Sikkim - Mount Kanchenjunga with a height of 8585 meters (the third highest peak in the world) inspired the great artist Nicholas Roerich to create numerous paintings.

The unique diversity of Sikkim's nature can be enjoyed at national park and five nature reserves. The most famous is Kanchenjunga National Park. The long Yumthang Valley, known for its alpine landscapes, will not leave you indifferent. A three-hour drive from Gangtok is Lake Aritar, where you can stay in a British colonial bungalow, visit the surrounding monasteries, and take a boat ride on the surface of the lake.

Many hot springs (with a temperature of about +50°C), characterized by a high sulfur content, are used for therapeutic purposes. The most famous balneological resorts of Sikkim are located in Borang, Yumthang and Ralang. Lake Khecheopalri, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, is located at an altitude of two kilometers, 27 kilometers from Pelling.

In addition to visiting religious shrines and exploring natural beauty, Sikkim offers tourists trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking, as well as yak safaris.