Sikkim is a remote mountainous state bordering Tibet to the north and wedged between the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan. It is a beautiful lush country with dense forests rich with flora and fauna, unspoiled lakes and has the world's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga (28168ft/8586M) which straddles the border with Nepal.

After its annexation by India in 1975, Sikkim became one of the youngest Indian states and a restricted area, requiring special permits. As a result it has retained its original Buddhist charm. The monasteries in Sikkim are an ideal place to visit for serious Dharma practitioners.

Sikkim is considered a heaven for the lovers of exotic FLORA & FAUNA.



HIGHLIGHTS:

National Parks:
Fabong Wildfie Sanctuary
Shigba Rhododendron sanctuary
Kyongosla Alpine sanctuary
Maenam wildlife sanctuary
Barseay Rhododendron Sanctuary
Biosphere Reserve
Jawaharlal National park  

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:
Mountaineering
Trekking
Pilgrimage Tour
Nature Tour (Flora and Fauna)
Rhododendron Trek
River Rafting
Yak Safari
Mountain Biking
Hang Gliding  

SIKKIM is divided into 4 districts -
East Sikkim - Gangtok (headquarter)
West Sikkim - Gyalshing (headquarter)
North Sikkim - Mangan (headquarter)
South Sikkim - Namchi (headquarter)

Gangtok
Gangtok is a capital city and main commercial center.

An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.

Sightseeing and Excursions
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT):
This internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons.

About a kilometer downhill from the main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture. It is world-renowned and is one of the few of its kind. It has one of the world's largest collections of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredibly finely executed silk embroidered thangkas.

Deer Park:
This park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the valley. It was established in the late fifties and is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji Park so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of the book "Enchanted Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer can be seen.

Enchey Monastery:
Located on a hilltop above Gangtok this monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo renowned for his power of flying.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center :
Distance - 24 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1960A

Short drive from Gangtok will take you to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre.

Tsomgo/ Changu Lake:
Distance - 40 km ( from Gangtok ) Altitude - 12,210 ft
Note - A must visit for all tourists.

The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is about 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft deep . This is an alpine zone and snowbound from December to April and the lake is regarded extremely Holy holy and head of all lakes in Sikkim remains frozen from January to April, and attracts 99% of tourists visiting Gangtok, Sikkim. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.

Pelling:
Distance - 117 km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 2,085 m

Pelling, a quiet village in West Sikkim houses the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and has now turned into a bustling tourist destination and has come up with numerous hotels and lodges.

From here one can view Mt. Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Siniolchu and other ranges. At The hillock is Pemayangtse monastery, the sublime lotus, the premier monastery in Sikkim belonging to Nyingmapa sect and is head of all other monasteries of the sect in Sikkim.

Pemayangtse:
Distance - 120 km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 7000 ft.

Pemayangtse Monastery, the sublime lotus is the premier monastery in Sikkim. It is the oldest monastery here and houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos. Built on the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. On the top floor of the temple, there lies the Architectural Design of Heaven called the Zangdoplari. It's a masterpiece art crafted single handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimponche and photography is prohibited. The walls of this area is hundreds of years old and are original and on vegetable paintings.

Khecheopalri Lake:
Distance - 24 or 33 km ( from Pemayangtse )

This lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. The vicinity of the lake is an ideal place to find the Lepcha Houses and their communities.

Yuksam / Yuksom:
Distance - 124 km (from Gangtok);
40 km ( from Pemayangtse )
Altitude - 1780m

Yuksam is set amidst pristine hills and lakes, where according to the historical records and it was here in 1641 AD the first Chogyal (King) Phuntsok Namgyal.

Tashiding:
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )

About 16 km away from Yuksam and about 40 Kms from Gyalshing, via Legship is this important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. At first only a small Lhakhang was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo in the 17th Century.

TREKKING TOUR:

• Sikkim Tours
• Sikkim Trekking

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