Nature has bequeathed her beauty on Sikkim, a Himalayan wonderland situated in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim is India's smallest state, located in the country's northeastern corner. Because Sikkim is bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, the state has a plethora of tourism attractions.
It's here that you'll truly believe in the goodness of nature and humanity. Relive your captivating dreams amid majestic mountains, breathtaking scenery, and bitterly cold conditions. The state has a rich cultural legacy, a larger variety of plants, unspoilt valleys, five climatic zones, full sanitation, a nice environment, hospitable and humble people, and a pleasant atmosphere - all of which are unique to the state.
Sikkim is a land of monasteries, with monasteries dotted throughout the state. It would be tough not to fall in love with this place because of its clean and green routes, valleys, mountain summits, and meadows. The eastern Himalayan state is known for its rhododendron groves, lush woodlands, and orange and apple orchards, as well as its tranquil atmosphere.
Sikkim was formerly a secluded mountain kingdom governed by Chogyals (Kings) until 1975; today, it is a magical new world of friendly, socialite people, exotic flora and fauna, spectacular panoramas, and tranquil monastery villages. The cohabitation of Hinduism and Buddhism, which has evolved in a unique culture, demonstrates that this mountain kingdom has its own individuality.
When visiting Sikkim, hiking enthusiasts should go to Nathula Pass, which connects India and Tibet, is roughly 18 kilometres from Changgu Lake which is located at an elevation of 14140 feet. Sherathang, or the border trade market, is a famous tourist attraction where travellers may get a good deal on Tibetan goods. This is a well-known tourist destination in Sikkim.
Goechala is a mountain pass that has long been a favourite hiking and trekking destination. Hiking and skiing are popular in this area, and they will fulfil the soul of a traveller who has come to Sikkim in search of an adrenaline rush. Even if you are not a big fan of climbing and hiking, you can still take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga at the base of the mountain.
It is one of Sikkim's most popular tourist spots, with its breathtakingly gorgeous glacier lake. Tsomgo literally means 'Source of Water.' One of India's highest altitude lakes, this enchanting lake adds to Sikkim's natural beauty. The magnificent views of snow-capped mountains that surround Tsomgo Lake will make your journey to Sikkim unforgettable. Primulas, yellow and blue flowers, Irish, Yaks and Ponies, and migratory ducks (Brahmini) are among the plants and animals found here.
Yumthang Valley, popularly known as the Valley of Flowers, is the main attraction of Lachung and Lachen. Waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, blooming flowers, beautiful grass pastures, thick pine and silver fir woods, and the majestic Himalayan mountains that surround it are all highlights of this valley. Yumthang Valley is a sliver of heaven on Earth, and it would be a mistake to miss it. Lachen's natural beauty is unspoilt and deserves admiration because it is a small town. The primary attractions here are Gurudongmar Lake, Tso Lhamo Lake, and Thangu Valley.
This magnificent monastery is a sight to behold, with some of the most remarkable Buddhist artworks and fresco paintings housed within its three-story spiritual centre. Rumtek Monastery, which belonged to the Kagyu sect and had been abandoned since the 12th century, was reopened in 1960 by Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th Karmapa of the centre. The monastery features a multitude of vantage points overlooking Gangtok, as well as a treasure trove of murals, hand painting, and 1001 little gold statues. It is one of numerous tourist sites in Sikkim that might draw visitors.
Located on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway, the Seven Sisters Waterfalls are a magnificent tourist attraction in Sikkim. Tourists flock to this 32-kilometer-long waterfall outside of Gangtok.
Pelling is a small village in West Sikkim nestled in the highlands at 7,200 feet above sea level. Despite being one of the lesser-known cities in the region, it is slowly gaining prominence as a tourist destination. Pelling is Sikkim's second most popular tourist attraction, after Gangtok. Thousands of people visit it in quest of peace and tranquilly in the middle of nature, as well as stunning views.
Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, is the state's most visited city. A trip to Sikkim would be incomplete without a stop in Gangtok. The town offers a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga's towering snow-capped summit. Gangtok is a clean city that never fails to invigorate the soul. It is well-known for its hiking and trekking opportunities. Paragliding is also a pleasant activity.
It is an uncommon attraction in Sikkim, capable of mesmerising visitors with fascinating vistas of the mountains all surrounding it. Nag Temple is a magnificent and one-of-a-kind shrine to Nag Devta (Snake God). It is fashioned like a den or cave and has a King Cobra idol, giving the impression of entering a snake pit.
Visiting Kanchenjunga Base Camp is one of the greatest ways to get a sense of the actual nature of Sikkim culture. It's like flying across the entire state at a height of around 14,000 feet above sea level. Kanchenjunga is the world's third-highest peak, and going on a camp to its base will provide you with plenty of bragging rights.
Sikkim is a beautiful region where people of all tribes and races live side by side. Each of these varied tribes and societies has its own individual dance styles, festivals, languages, cultures, and craft forms, in addition to their distinct dance styles, festivals, languages, cultures, and craft forms. Sikkim is home to ethnic groups, faiths, and languages from all over the world.
Sikkim is the least populous state in the country. Nepalis make up 75% of the population, Lepchas 20%, and Bhutias and Limbus a minor percentage of the population. The Rong, sometimes known as the Lepchas, were the first to settle in the area. In the thirteenth century, Bhutias from Tibet's Kham region came, bringing the Mahayana Buddhist order with them. There are many Hindus and Vajrayana Buddhists in this area. Hinduism is practised by 57.8% of the population in this country. With 27.3 percent of the population, Vajrayana Buddhism is the state's second most popular religion. The Lepcha dynasty was compelled to convert to Christianity by the British, and all Christians in this area are descended from them. A small number of Muslims and Jains live here, but they account for less than 1% of the entire population.
A large majority of the population speaks Nepali, which is also the official language. Lepcha and Sikkimese (Bhutia) are also spoken in various portions of this north-east province. All schools teach English, and it is used in all government papers. Other languages spoken include Kafle, Limbu, Majhwar, Yakha, Tamang, Tibetan, and Sherpa.
The Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali, Sikkim's three main tribes, each have their unique traditional clothing. The females of the Bhutia tribe, who are Tibetan in origin, wear Bakhu, a full-sleeved shirt called Hanju, and Pangden, a multi-colored patterned woollen material. They cover it with a kushen jacket. Jya jya waistcoats, Yenthatse shirts, and Kera cloth belts are worn by the men of the Bhutia tribe. A Shambo hat, which is a traditional headgear, is visible on them.
The Lepcha tribe is supposed to have developed their own dynasty, kings, priests, languages, and clothing. Females wear Dumvam, Tago, Nyamrek, and a Taro hat, as well as a loose-fitting blouse called Tago and a belt called Nyamrek. They hide their faces with a Gorey scarf. Yenthatse, a Lepcha-style shirt with white pyjamas and an embroidered scarf, is worn by the men of this tribe. Shambo is the ceremonial headdress, Dumpra is the coloured cloth they wear on their shoulders, and Thyaktuk is the coloured cloth they wear on their shoulders.
Choubandi, a traditional cotton blouse worn with a sari, is worn by Nepali tribe women. The Sural, a comfy pant, and the Daura, a traditional variant of the Kurta, are worn by men.
Folk songs and dances are deeply established in Sikkimese culture. The bulk of tribal dances are done for good luck during the harvest season. Traditional musical instruments, singing, and dancers dressed in colourful costumes and wearing traditional masks are all featured in Sikkim's dances.
Some of the most well-known dance genres include Rechungma, Gha To Kito, Chi Rmu, Be Yu Mista, Tashi Zaldha, Enchey Chaam, Lu Khangthamo, Gnungmala Gnunghey, and Kagyed Dance.
Some of the common handmade objects of Sikkim are a choksee table, woollen carpet, canvas wall hanging, and thankas delineating artwork on various parts of the state. Melli, Gangtok, and Namchi are the three most popular handloom and cottage industry sites in Sikkim. Products made of bamboo and cane are particularly popular. Visitors come to observe Sikkim's ladies, who are wonderful weavers.
Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim:
In the state of Sikkim, these festival holidays combine a wonderful mix of hordes of history with a great lot of colour and vibrancy. With so many rituals, ceremonies, and activities to partake in during these festivals, the whole thing transforms into a stunning show that should not be missed while on vacation in this delightful location. The following are noteworthy:
Sikkim's food reflects the state's heritage, which is a blend of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Sikkim's cuisine is predominantly comprised of noodles, Gundruk and Sinki soups, thukpas, tomato achar pickle, traditional cottage cheese, fermented soybean, Bamboo shoot, fermented rice product, and other fermented meals due to the cold temperature.
Some of the most well-known dishes are listed below:
Shopping in Sikkim is a one-of-a-kind experience that will not disappoint visitors. You'll find it difficult to resist purchasing interesting souvenirs, handicrafts, prayer flags, woollen carpets, and a variety of other items. Here are the greatest shopping destinations in Sikkim for all budgets.
By Air – Sikkim's nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 124 kilometres from the state capital, Gangtok. Bagdogra airport has both public and private transportation alternatives for further travel. For Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, and other locations, the local taxi station, located 50 metres from the terminal building, offers both shared and private jeeps.
By Railway – The nearest railway station to Gangtok is Siliguri's New Jalpaiguri, which is 148 kilometres distant. The station provides excellent service to major cities such as Kolkata and New Delhi. You can take a taxi from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok or proceed to Siliguri Bus Station and board a state-run bus to Gangtok.
By Road – Tourists arriving in Gangtok by car usually come from nearby Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kolkata. The roads, with the exception of a few locations, are well-kept.
