General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SIKKIM

INTRODUCTION

Sikkim, the small but beautiful kingdom is situated in the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim is termed as the Switzerland of the east, a heavenly paradise on earth. It covers an area of 2818 square miles 7325 square kilometers. It is rectangular in shape with seventy miles in the north to south and forty easts to west. Geographically it is 28 Degree 07' 48'' degree and 27 degree 04' 46'' north latitude, and 88 degree 00' 58' and 88 degree 55' 25'' east longitude. In the north it is bounded by Tibetan plateau to its east is Bhutan and Chumbi valley of Tibet and in the southern side is bounded by West Bengal India. There are two passes in the eastern boundary with Tibet Nathula pass (4700 meters) and Jelepla(4016 meters). To the west lies Singalila range which forms the most important boundaries between Nepal and Sikkim with a pass named Chiwabhangjang (3400 meters). There are two important rivers in Sikkim Teesta which starts from Tashidrag Glacier in the north and Rangit which is a tributary of Teesta River.

HISTORY

The original inhabitants were the Lepchas or the “raven folks” who came to the area from Assam and Burma. From the 1200’s the Bhutias or the Tibetan people moved into Sikkim. They included the Namgyal clan who arrived in the 1400’s and gradually won political control over Sikkim. In 1642, Phintsok Namgyal (1604-1670) became the first Chogyal (King). He presided over a social system based on Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. His descendents ruled Sikkim for more than 330 years. During the 1700’s Sikkim suffered massive invasion from Nepal and Bhutan and lost much territory as a result. The Nepalese also migrated to Sikkim and settled as farmers. By the 1800’s Sikkim’s population was very mixed, and internal conflict resulted. Sikkim assisted the British in a successful war against Nepal in the year 1814-1815 and won back some of its land. The British India Company purchased the health resort of Darjeeling from Sikkim. During the mid 1800’s, Sikkim violently resisted attempts to bring it under British Rule, but in 1861 it finally became a protectorate. The British had assessed to Tibet through Sikkim, and Sikkim’s independent status was recognized. The Indian government took responsibility of Sikkim’s external affairs, defense and communication of Sikkim in the year 1950. In 1973, India took Sikkim into the union as an associate member. In 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.

GEOGRAPHY

The thumb-shaped state of Sikkim is characterised by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with the elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to 8,585 metres (28,000 ft). The summit of the Kangchenjunga is the highest point. For the most part, the land is unfit for agriculture because of the precipitous and rocky slopes. However, certain hill slopes have been converted into farm lands using terrace farming techniques. Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the Teesta and its tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta, described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", flows through the state from north to south. River Teesta has and its tributaris are being used for hydro power. About a third of the land is heavily forested. The lofty Himalayan ranges surround the northern, eastern and western borders of Sikkim in a crescent. The populated areas lie in the southern reaches of the state, in the Lower Himalayas. The state has twenty-eight mountain peaks, twenty-one glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, including the Tsongmo Lake, Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri Lakes, five hot springs, and over 100 rivers and streams. Eight mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal

HOT SPRINGS

Sikkim has many hot springs known for medicinal and therapeutic values. The most important hot springs are at Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. All these hot springs have high sulphur content and are located near river banks. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50°C.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Sikkim is densely covered by forest due to heavy rainfall. It can be divided into three zones Tropical zone about 100 meters with its vegetation such as bamboo, fern, pandanus, sal and orchids are found. Dense undergrowth and bush vegetation are found in sub-tropical zone. In the temperate Zone in the northern valley is covered by cherry, laurel, oak, chestnut, Maple, pine and magnolia. A rhododendron which is abundant is found above (2000 meters) there are about thirty species. In the north different varieties of Primula is found. There are roughly 4000 variety of flowering plants and shrubs in Sikkim of which orchids are about 700 species with varieties of several in hundreds kinds of butterflies. Regarding the records of Sikkim in wild animals Yeti is believed to still exist in the Himalayas of Sikkim an expedition was also conducted, there are local people and porters who still talk about witnessing Yeti in the high trekking areas. Snow leopard is found in 4000 meters, Himalayan black bear is found in 2000 meters, above this altitude Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Sambar, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Squirrel, Tiger, Panda, Otter, Ovis, Nahura, orison Goral and wild boar is also found. About 500 species of birds are found in Sikkim. Among them the important birds are Pheasants, Partridges Ducks, and Lammergeyer. Trout and Salmon are the principal fish of Sikkim.

ENTRY FORMALITIES

Special permit called Sikkim inner line permit which can be requested and obtain in the home country while applying for Indian visa. However, Foreigners can also obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) from all India Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, and Silliguri & Rangpo Tourist Lodge on the strength of a valid Indian Visa. The 15 days duration Permit issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of passport & visa details along with 2 pp. size photos of the applicants are made available. The State Govt. is authorized to extend the same twice by a further period of 30 days (15 days each). The extension of permits can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and Superintendent of Police of the North, West & South Districts.
For those interested in trekking in the interior regions of the state, the Department of Tourism issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a Registered Travel Agency.

SIKKIM STATISTICS

POPULATION

LANGUAGE

It is traditionally accepted that the Lepchas are the autochthonous tribe of Sikkim. After them came the Bhutias, from Tibet, followed by the Nepalese and finally the Indian business community from the plains.

A) THE LEPCHAS: The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains, rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This is the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu.

B) THE NEPALESE: The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80 % of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalese. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalese are orthodox Hindus with the usual caste system.

C) THE BHUTIAS: They are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. In Northern Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is Sikkimese. Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape

TRANSPORTION

A) Airlines: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kms) in North Bengal which is about 4 hours drive from Gangtok. There are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways & Deccan air Services operating from Bagdogra linking Kolkata, Guhati & New Delhi. Sikkim Tourism operates daily five-seater helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra connecting all civil flights. Basanta Adventure also arranges Helicopter service for sight-seeing. Closest airport to fly to Kathmandu is Bhadrapur, a domestic airport in border town inside Nepal which is 4-5 hours drive from Gangtok.

B) Rail-ways: The two nearest railway stations are Silliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms) connecting Kolkata, Delhi, Guhati, Patna, Ranchi, Chennai, Hyderbad, Bangalore and other important cities of India. There is an out agency booking facility in Gangtok located at the SNT Bus Terminus.

C) Road: All weather roads with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Silliguri and also all District Headquarters connect Gangtok. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) plies regular bus service from Gantok to all Major cities and towns in North Bengal and within the state. Booking facilities are available at Silliguri and Gangtok. Private busses and taxis are also available in plenty connecting Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Silliguri.

FESTIVAL

The people celebrate the anniversaries relating to birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha, besides the Buddhist New Year and the harvest festivals. Several festivals are celebrated in Gangtok and its adjoining areas. The Buddhist festival of Bumchu is held in the Tashiding Gompa during January. The festival of Chaam is held in Enchey Gompa during January–February and is marked by dancing. Kagyat Dance is a mask dance held every month at Gangtok, Pemayangtse and Phodong. Losar marks the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated during February–March at Pemayangtse and Rumtek. Tse Chu is a Buddhist dance held in May at Rumtek. Saga Dawa (held in Gangtok during May) and Drukpa Teshi (celebrated statewide during July) mark Buddha's first teaching. Phang Lhabsol is a mask dance celebrated statewide during August. Dasain, the biggest Hindu festival is celebrated during October, is marked by gift exchanges and animal sacrifices

CLIMATE

Due to the extreme altitude, there is an immense variation in climate and vegetation. With a rainfall of about 140 inches in Gangtok, the climate is tropical up to 5,000ft, temperate between 5,000ft–13,000ft, alpine at 13,000ft, and snowbound at 16,000ft and above. The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid-March and June but especially, April and May, when the rhododendrons and orchids are in bloom. However, temperatures can be high, especially in the valleys. During the monsoons, from the end of June until end September, rivers and roads become impenetrable, though plants nurtured by the incessant rain erupt again into bloom towards the end of August. October, when orchids bloom once again and November tend to have the clearest weather of all. As December approaches, it gets bitterly cold at high altitudes, and remains that way until early March, despite long periods of clear weather. The best time to visit this zone is from mid September to mid December, although it gets pretty cold by December. The high seasons again start from mid-march & continue till mid June. During monsoon months i.e.; from June to September, the view of the mountains gets obscured & rainfall is pretty heavy (270 cm annually)  

TEMPERATURE

The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone, it varies from 1.5 degree centigrade to 9.5 degree centigrade. Temperature varies with altitude and slope. The maximum temperature is recorded usually during July and August and minimum during December & January. Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to September. Biting cold is experienced at high altitude places in the winter months and snowfall is also not uncommon during this period.

RAINFALL

An examination of available rainfall date shows that the mean annual rainfall is minimum at Thangu (82 mm.) and maximum at Gangtok (3494 mm.). An isohyatal analysis of these data reveals that there are two maximum rainfall areas (I) South-East quadrant, including Mangan, Singhik, Dikchu, Gangtok, Rongli etc. (ii) South-West corner including Hilley . In between these two regions, there is a low rainfall region e.g. Namchi. Rainfall in this area is about half of that in the former areas. There is an area in the North-West Sikkim which gets very little rainfall (even less than 4.9 mm.). This area is having mainly snow -covered mountains. Rainfall is heavy and well distributed during the months from May to early October. July is the wettest month in most of the places. The intensity of rainfall during South-West monsoon season decreases from south to North, while the distribution of winter rainfall is in the opposite order. The highest annual rainfall for the individual station may exceed 5000 mm. and average number of rainy days (days with rain of 2.5 mm. or more) ranges from 100 at Thangu to 184 at Gangtok.

ECONOMIC PROFILE

The economy of Sikkim is mainly based on agricultural and animal husbandry. Approx. 11% of the total geographical area is under agriculture. Agriculture is of the mixed type and still at the subsistence level rather than commercial level. The work force participation rate as per 1991 census is 40.44%. The female participation rate in Sikkim is also much higher than the national average. This is an important aspect if the hill economy, as productivity is low and hence all the able-bodied people are employed in agriculture and other activities. Cultivators account for the greater majority of the people in the state. Their percentage is 57.84%. Agricultural laborers as a whole constitute only 7.81% of the workers in the state. House holds and other industries are negligible, but other worker (Tertiary Sector) at the state level represents a good percentage of population. The decreasing ratio of worker at the state level indicates the low level of economic diversification. The importance of agriculture can be judged by the high percentage of population approx. 65% engaged in it. Animal husbandry is an integral part of the house hold economy of the region. There are certain house hold industries also which substantially adds to house hold incomes. The past one and half decade has witnessed a tremendous upward swing in various development programme giving a new thrust to the Sikkim economy. This process has increased wage employment opportunities. Though most of the inhabitants are basically agriculture, they have diversified into tertiary jobs such as Government services.

NATURAL RESOURCES

The state is gifted with abundant natural resources. The resources can be grouped into biotic or biotic, both of which can be renewable. Biotic resources include agriculture crops. Fodder and forests. The entire Himalayan region is endowed with natural flora and fauna, and is a natural paradise for nature lovers, conservationists, botanists, zoologists and environmentalists. There are 4000 species of flowering plants, 300 species of ferns and its allies, 11species of Oaks, 8 species of tree ferns, 30-40 species of Premolars 20 species of bamboos. In Fauna, the state is also very rich 144 species of mammals. 500-600 species of birds, over 400 species of butterflies and moths. Many species of reptiles etc. are available. Many medicinal plants/herbs/and important shrubs are found in low and high altitude areas. Other resources are water resources, human resources, livestock resources, hydro-electric potential, tourism, agricultural, horticulture etc. In forest, non-wood forest produce has a vast potential like sand, boulders and other materials. Under economic geology the minerals like copper, iron, lime, dolomite/limestone, coal, quartzite and tale, silicate & graphite are available in the state. Garnet is abundant in the gneiss and mica schists at places. Large cardamoms production is very high in the state. The basic information on various natural resources is either not available or if available it is not adequate and upto date. There is a vast potential for hydro-electric power generation. Tourism development deserves consideration to add to the economy of the region.

FLORA & FAUNA

Sikkim is densely covered by forest due to heavy rainfall. It can be divided into three zones Tropical zone about 100 meters with its vegetation such as bamboo, fern, pandanus, sal and orchid is found. Dense undergrowth and bush vegetation are found in sub-tropical zone. In the temperate Zone in the northern valley is covered by cherry, laurel, oak, chestnut, Maple, pine and magnolia. A rhododendron which is abundant is found above (2000 meters) there are about thirty species. In the north different varieties of Primulas is found. There are roughly 4000 variety of flowering plants and shrubs in Sikkim of which orchids are about 700 species with varieties of several in hundreds kinds of butterflies. Regarding the records of Sikkim in wild animals Yeti is believed to still exist in the Himalayas of Sikkim an expedition was also conducted, there are local people and porters who still talk about witnessing Yeti in the high trekking areas. Snow leopard is found in 4000metres, Himalayan black bear is found in 2000 meters, above this altitude Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Sambar, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Squirrel, Tiger, Panda, Otter, Ovis, Nahura, ovismon Goral and wild boar is also found.

About 500 species of birds are found in Sikkim. Among them the important birds are Pheasants, Partridges Ducks, and Lammergeyer. Trout and Salmon are the principal fish of Sikkim.

GANGTOK is a perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and present - the capital of Sikkim. Built on the flank of the ridge, Gangtok is 1600 meters above sea level. The town's unique ambience derives from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of Stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other town. But with many of these oasis of quite, those unexpected pockets of peace exist.

SIKKIM CUISINE

Sikkim has its own unique dietary culture with specific cuisine and food recipes. Like anywhere else in the world, food habits here have evolved as the result of traditional wisdom and empirical experiences of generations. Today in many parts of the world these traditional foods have entered commercial production, and their recipes have become popular among people of different ethnic origin. In the Sikkim Himalayas traditional foods are an integral part of the dietary culture of the various ethnic groups of people consisting of the Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas. Rice is the staple food. Meat and dairy products are also consumed depending on availability. Besides these, various traditional fermented foods and beverages, which constitute of about 20 per cent of the basic diet for long centuries (Table 1 & 2), are prepared and consumed.

The dietary-culture of this region is mostly reflected in the pattern of food production. Depending on the altitudinal variation, finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley, vegetable, potato, soybeans, etc. are grown. Some of the common traditional cuisine with their food recipes has been presented for introduction of dietary culture of the Sikkim Himalayas, as well as for product diversification.

GETTING THERE

Sikkim lies on the North Eastern corner of India and is juxtaposed between Bhutan and Nepal with West Bengal on its South. Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, which connects Siliguri through National Highway 31A. Siliguri, a major town on the northern fringe of West Bengal being the main gateway of Sikkim.

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra. (Near Siliguri, 117 kms from Gangtok). This is connected with regular flights from Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport). Daily flights are available to Kolkata from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and all other major cities of India.

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaigur, i near Siliguri Town, 117 kms from Gangtok. Overnight trains are available from Kolkata which reaches New Jalpaigur, i Station in the morning.

TAXIS:

1. Taxis are available from New Jalpaigur, i Station: charges are INR 100 per person.

2. From Siliguri Buses and Taxis are available at the following points: Buses - SNT (Sikkim National Transport) Bus Terminus, Near Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. Taxis - Taxi Stand Opposite SNT Bus Terminus. Charges are INR 100 per person OR INR 1000 (This may increase during peak tourist season) if you want to reserve the vehicle.

VISAS:

Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India should accompany visa applications. 

2. Paste one photo and staple the other one on the form at specified place.

3. Foreigners holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizen of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is applicable and will involve extra processing time. Please refrain from making inquiries about the status of application during this time.

4. Following visas are available from the Indian missions abroad

TOURIST VISA:

Is given for 6 months normally, rest specifically depends on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourist traveling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognized travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.

SIKKIM MOUNTAINS:

SIKKIM may be small in size relative to its Himalayan neighbors, but it has formidable physical features such as the rivers and mountains that define the boundaries of the sate with its neighbors. Sikkim lies sandwiched between the kingdoms of Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Along its northern boarder towers the plateau of Tibet and it shares its southern boarder with West Bengal, another sate of India...

The terrain of Sikkim is so rugged that form the air it looks as though a giant plough had been carelessly run through it. Sikkim is a land of monumental mounts that seems to touch the heavens. These mountains form a part of the long range - the mighty Himalayas. The Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world, majestically towers over all the mountain in its vicinity like a god surrounded by smaller deities and can be seen from almost any part of Sikkim in good weather as it thrust its mighty shoulders high above the lush verdant valleys. , Geologic past, Guided Tour of the Himalayas

Due to the relatively low altitude of Sikkim its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, the snow line above which permanent snow is found is about 6,000m. Habitations are found till altitudes of 5,000m. This is in sharp contrast to Europe where the highest mountain, Mont Blanc is at an altitude of only 4,807m but remains perennially under the cover of snow.

TEMPERATURE:

During Summer- Maximum 20 Degree Celsius 
During Winter Minimum 7 Degree Celsius 
Adventure: Trekking, Mountaineering, Rafting and Yak Safari.