The Teesta valley recieves intense rainfall, even for the eastern Himalaya, which in any case averages far more rain than the western Himalaya. This is due to Sikkim’s positioning viz-viz the plains of Bengal. There is a height diffrential of 2800 metres between Siliguri and Darjeeling, in a short distance of just 30 kms. Consequently, the south-east monsoon hits the lesser Himalaya around Darjeeling with the same intensity as at Cherrapunji on the Shillong plateau, one of the world’s rainiest places. Landslides are thus common all over the Teesta valley. The Teesta and it’s major tributaries like the Rangit bring down what is probably the highest sediment yield of all the Himalayan rivers and in turn impart to Sikkim what is probably the highest denudation rate in the entire Himalayas. Over the last 200 years Sikkim suffered extensive deforestation thus exarbating the destabilizing effect of heavy rainfall. In addition the rocks in the region are comparativly fragile, the strata consisting of sandstone, shales and quartzite. What remains of the forests is home to some of the most rampant biodiversity observable anywhere on earth – A Himalayan Galapagos. The source of the Teesta is to be found, like all major Himalayan rivers, on the north side of the great range, in the Transhimalayan barrenness of the Chorten Nyima range. Here lies the magnificient Gurudogmar lake at a breathtaking altitude of 17,200 feet above sea level.Gurudogmar is the largest lake in Sikkim and certainly the highest lake of any consequence in the entire Himalayas.While the lake itself is aways covered over with ice, one corner never freezes,(foreground of picture) probably due to the presence of a subtarranean acquifer carrying heated water. After it’s plunge through Sikkim, the Teesta meets up with the Rangit. Also originating in the south eastern glaciers of Kanchendzonga, the Rangit has carved out the valley overlooked by the colonial hill station of Darjeeling. The Teesta has always been a wild and unpredictable river. Till 1787, the Teesta flowed into the Ganga, when, after extremely destructive flooding, it switched course and joined up with the Brahmaputra!
This indian state is a good target for eco-tourism, with its 194 buddhist monasteries, some 6 000 plant species, including around 4 000 flowering plants, medicinal herbs (100 species) and over 30 species of rhododendrons in alpine areas, and 400 species of orchids in the temperate and sub-tropical zones. Sikkim has around 1 400 species of butterfly, 144 mammals, more than 350 different species of birds and tens of different species of amphibians and reptiles. Around 13% of the state’s area has been declared a protected area for wildlife.
Mentionned in the history as the Shangri-La kingdom, it hosts the world’s third highest peak, the Khangchendzonga (8 586m), held sacred by the region’s inhabitants. It also has numerous caves and lakes in the highest range of altitudes imaginable. Today, this small himalayan state (half a million inhabitants) is faced with a strong development of tourism so that the natural wealth is preserved along with the unique cultures of the people who inhabit this part of the himalayas.
While in Sikkim, Visitors are expected to follow the following Principles of Ecotourism as laid down by the Government:
1. Conserve Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage
# Do not trample high altitude vegetation, do not pick any flowers or medical plants.
# Do not disturb wildlife or its habitats.
# Do not allow clients to purchase endangered animal parts or antique cultural artifacts.
# Support local conservation efforts and income generation activities.
2. Avoid use of fuelwood. Use alternative fuels
# Use kerosene, L.P.G. (or other non–wood fuel) for all cooking, heating, lighting including that by staff and porters.
# Discourage campfires, encourage camp fun.
# Follow safely rules when carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas.
3. Leave all camps and trails clean
# Separate and properly dispose of litter, burn burnable, bury biodegradable, and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials for deposit at designated trash site or for recycling .
# Use toilet tents on all treks, set up and use toilets tents in an environmentally sound manner so as to avoid pollution of water sources (at least 100m away).
# Use established campsites and kitchen sites, avoid trenching around tents.
4. Practice Conservation
# Avoid fuel-consumptive menu items, e.g. baked foods and large menu selections.
# Re-package food into reusable plastic containers to reduce waste.
# Reduce waste by de-and replacing also.
5. Practice proper hygiene and sanitation
# Teach all staff about personal hygiene, sanitary, kitchen and camp routines.
# Properly treat the drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients.
# Dispose of washing and bathing water well away from streams, use biodegradable soaps.
6. Take Responsibility for staff and porter welfare
# Provide adequate warm clothing, sleeping cover, shoes, snow gear, food for cooking, stoves and fuel, and take care of hired staff.
# Periodically train staff in first aid, guide responsibilities, sanitation etc.
7. Properly brief clients before leaving on a trek
# Address cultural “do’s” and “don’ts”, environmentally friendly behaviour, safety precautions, proper dress and respect for local beliefs, peoples and religious sites.
# Plan days for proper altitude acclimatisation when ascending, know how to identify and treat high altitude illness and how to provide emergency rescue.
Nathu La is located on the 563 km (333 mi) Old Silk Route (an offshoot of the historic Silk Road), connecting Lhasa in Tibet to the plains of Bengal to the south. In 1815, trade picked up in volume after the British annexed territories belonging to the Sikkimese, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. The potential of Nathu La was realised in 1873, after the Darjeeling Deputy Commissioner published a report on the strategic importance of mountain passes between Sikkim and Tibet. In December 1893, the Sikkimese monarchy and Tibetan rulers signed an agreement to increase trade between the two nations. The agreement culminated in 1894 when the trade pass was opened. Nathu La played a key role in the 1903–1904 British expedition to Tibet, which sought to prevent the Russian Empire from interfering in Tibetan affairs and thus gaining a foothold in the region. In 1904, Major Francis Younghusband, serving as the British Commissioner to Tibet, led a successful mission through Nathu La to capture Lhasa. This led to the setting up of trading posts at Gyantse and Gartok in Tibet, and gave control of the surrounding Chumbi Valley to the British. The following November, China and Great Britain ratified an agreement approving trade between Sikkim and Tibet
In 1947, a popular vote for Sikkim to join newly-independent India failed and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to a special protectorate status for Sikkim. Sikkim agreed to be a protectorate nation and Indian troops were allowed to man its borders, including Nathu La. During this period, more than 1,000 mules and 700 people were involved in cross-border trade through Nathu La.[3] In 1949, when the Tibetan government expelled the Chinese living there, most of the displaced Chinese returned home through the Nathu La–Sikkim–Kolkata route.
With the absence of air or rail facilities in the region in the 1950s, Nathu La was used by several dignitaries to cross the international boundary between Tibet and Sikkim. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, used this pass to travel to India for the 2,500th birthday celebration of Gautam Buddha, which was held between November 1956 and February 1957.[7] Later, on 1 September 1958, Nehru, his daughter Indira Gandhi, and Palden Thondup Namgyal (son of—and internal affairs adviser to—Tashi Namgyal, the Chogyal of Sikkim) used this pass to travel to nearby Bhutan.
After the People’s Republic of China took control of Tibet in 1950 and suppressed a Tibetan uprising in 1959, the passes into Sikkim became a conduit for refugees from Tibet. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La witnessed skirmishes between soldiers of the two countries. Shortly thereafter, the passage was sealed and remained closed for more than four decades.[8] Between 7 and 13 September 1967, China’s People’s Liberation Army and the Indian Army had six-day “border skirmishes”, including the exchange of heavy artillery fire
INFORMATION OF FOREIGN TOURIST INTEREST
With a view to promote tourism in Sikkim, restrictions on the entry for foreigners into restricted areas of Sikkim have been relaxed. Foreigners can now visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained from any one of the following offices:
1. All Indian missions and posts abroad.
2. F.F.R.O s Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and C.T.O. Madras.
3. Immigrations officers at the airports at Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and New Delhi.
4. Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
5. Home Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
6. Inspector General of Police, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
7. Assistant Director (Tourism),Government of Sikkim, Siliguri.
8. Deputy Director (Tourism), Government of Sikkim, New Delhi.
9. Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, New Sikkim House, 14 Panchseel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
10. Asst. Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, 4c, Poonam, 5, Russel Street, Calcutta.
11. Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling.
12. Deputy Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Calcutta.
After obtaining the restricted area permit, bonafide foreign tourists, individuals as well as groups, can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse for a period of fifteen days. For visiting Pemayangtse, Zongri, Changu and Yumthang valley the rules are slightly tight. Organized foreign tourist groups consisting of not less than four persons, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies will be issued permits up to fifteen days for trekking in the Zongri area of West Sikkim. Permits for visiting Zongri will be issued only by the representatives of the Sikkim government in New Delhi.
The foreigners should follow the following routes for Zongri:
Pemayangtse – Yoksum – Zongri
Rangpo – Gangtok – Yoksum – Zongri
The return journey can be performed by either of the above routes. The groups would be accompanied by a liaison officer provided by the government of Sikkim.
Similarly for visiting Changu lake and the Yumthang valley foreigners have to be in a group of four or more.
Areas other than those mentioned above can also be visited, for which a special permit, which is relatively difficult to get, has to be obtained from the ministry of home affairs, New Delhi, the travel agents can help.
SIKKIM TOURISM OFFICES
* SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
MAHATMA GANDHI MARG, GANGTOK.
PHONE: 22064, 23425, 25277
* FAX: 25647. SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
NEW SIKKIM HOUSE.
14, PANCHSHEEL MARG, CHANAKYAPURI,
NEW DELHI – 110021.
* PHONE: 3015346. SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
SNT COLONY, HILL CART ROAD.
SILIGURI.
* PHONE: 43646. SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
* BAGDOGRA AIRPORT, BAGDOGRA. SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
4C POONAM BUILDING, 5/2 RUSSELL STREET
CALCUTTA – 700017
PHONE: 297516, 298983
FAX: 2458479.
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January ‘Chaam’ or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.
Permanent Flower Show
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten ( Stupa)
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete ‘Zung’( mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting “Hail to the jewel in the Lotus”, to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Water Garden
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway some 16 kms. south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo lake is only 40 kms. from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft. deep and is regarded extremely Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.Between May and August, it is possible to see variety of flowers in bloom, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, iris and many other species of floras. It is also an ideal habitat of the Red Panda and various species of birds. Open for both the Foreign and Indian nationals. Foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more and have to apply for the visitors permit through a registered Travel agency.
Nathula
56 kms from Gangtok is a ‘Nathula’ Pass at an altitude of 14,200 ft. bordering between India and China in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered by many varities of alpine flora and fauna. A tranquil place to visit. Nathula is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism Department through a registered Travel Agency.
Ganesh Tok
It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hill-top just 5 kms away from Gangtok Sikkim.
Saramsa Garden
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim’s most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
Handloom and Handicrafts Centre
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries. Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans, it has become on t of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased . A word of caution to the innocent guest. It is better to check whether there is a government holiday or not as the G.I.C.I. is closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the Centre houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures and religious rare objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was has since become one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. Today, it is a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Tashi View Point
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sir. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.
Namchi:The Capital of South District
Distance - 78 km ( from Gangtok ) ; 100 km ( from Siliguri )
Altitude - 4300 ft.
Hotels: Sandruptse, Mayal
Meaning Sky High, nested among the hills commands panoramic view of the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. A Good place for quite short stay and village excursions. This district headquarters town of South Sikkim is neat, clean and developing fast into a tourist destination with it’s immense potential for all round tourist activities.
Ravangla:
Distance - 65 km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - ft.
Hotels: Narsing Village Resort and Maenamla Hotel.
A small town situated on the ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills. An ideal place for quiet stay to enjoy natural bliss and short treks. Surrounding villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim are ideal for short stays in the homes of the villagers. Situated in the southern part of Sikkim, a perfect destination for village tourism, flora and fauna, mountains, waterfalls, tea gardens, quaint villages, local Sikkimese people, culture, monasteries and fresh cold winds. Very verdant with monasteries around Rabongla, old historical market of Kewzing, Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Borong Hot springs, Maenam Peak at 10300 ft holding breathtaking views of Sikkimese Himalayas. For nature ,village tours, caves, rich forests, soft treks, its all there in this zone.
Temi Tea Garden:
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
The one and only tea garden in Sikkim produces top quality tea for the international market. The garden spread out on gentle hill slop provides panoramic views.
Sikip:
Located on the banks of river Rangeet in a natural surrounding is an excellent fishing spot and river campsite.
Phur-cha-chu (Hot Springs):
Note – Best visited during Dec-March. Ideal spot for bird watching and butterflies.
At 4 kms from Legship towards Naya Bazaar on the banks or river Rangit, there lies Hot Springs and its of great medicinal values as well as of religious importance as it houses one of the four holy caves of Sikkim.
Tendong Hill:
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 8530 ft.
Hotels:
One of the more prominent landmarks of South Sikkim, Tendong is immersed in myths and lore passed down through generations of the ethnic Lepchas. It gets its name, meaning “the upraised horn” from the Lepcha lore that when their land was submerged in water, Tendong supported a boat containing some people and rose up like a horn above the flood waters. When the water subsided, so did Tendong. To this day, a monk leaves for the Tendong hilltop with the arrival of monsoons. He stays there throughout the rains, praying that the calamity does not repeat.
Maenam Hill:
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Altitude - 10,300 ft.
Hotels:
The Hill towers over South Sikkim with Tendong on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang Village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Maenam hilltop one has the option to take the gentle walk down to Borong village or the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, down to Yangang village.
Gangtok is the capital of the Indian State of Sikkim. This rapidly growing town is a fascinating mix of cultures, with the 70,000 population being roughly divided between Indians, Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas. Gangtok is located at 27.33° N 88.62° E. It is situated in the eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1,780 metres (5,480 feet), in southeast Sikkim.
Gangtok was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. It became a major stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. Following India’s independence in 1947, Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975 the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India’s twenty-second state, with Gangtok remaining as its capital.
Mesmerising, picturesque, colourful – Gangtok is the exuberant capital of Sikkim that lures you for an unforgettable honeymoon. Cool breezes blow over the lush mountainside and the air is fragrant with the profusion of wild orchids and rhododendrons. The bazaars bustle with the animation of trendy youngsters, elderly matrons in their traditional bakus and lamas in colourful maroon and mustard robes. Prayer flags flutter in front of pretty Buddhist shrines and pagoda-style houses that cling to the hillside.
At 5,800 ft, Gangtok offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially from Tashi Viewpoint. Though you will be charmed by Gangtok’s serenity, for energetic moments make a trip to Pemayangtse Monastery to see its priceless antiques and idols, and to the nearby ruins of Rabdantse, the 17th century capital of Sikkim. The Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, and the Rumtek Monastery are other interesting places. The Do-Drul Chorten is a splendid temple capped by a golden tower, with 108 prayer wheels. The sacred Changu Lake at 12400 ft, 40 km east of Gangtok remains frozen through the year and comes alive during summer when rhododendrons, irises, primulas and poppies burst into bloom on its banks and on the adjoining hill slopes.
When you obtain an Indian visa in your country, you should ask for a Sikkim entry permit for 15 days. Kindly note that different Indian Consulates and Embassies in different countries have varied stamps of this. In most cases, there is a stamp which states: “Also permitted to visit Rumtek, Pemeyangtse and Phodong in Sikkim for 15 days”. This is stamped usually on the same page, beside the Indian Visa. This is all that is required for you to enter Sikkim. In case you miss to get this additional stamp on your passport, you could get it at the Sikkim Tourism office in Calcutta, Delhi, or Siliguri ( Near the closest airport to Sikkim at bagdogra) on your way to Sikkim. The trekking permits to the Dzongri – Khangchendzonga range trek, the Singalila range trek, other restricted area trekking and tour permits, like North Sikkim, can only be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism office at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is connected by all weather road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim. Two nearest railway station are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) stabilizing link to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India. Nearest airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal( 124 km).
By Flight :The closest Indian Airport is at Bagdogra,124 km from Gangtok, where scheduled flights operates to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati.
Travel time from the airport to Gangtok is 4 hours by road. Bagdogra Airport is 11 km west of Siliguri.Indian Airlines, Siliguri (Phone : 431-509; Fax: 431-495; Airport: 450-666) and Jet Airways, Siliguri (Phone :435-876; Airport : 450-589)
A taxi from airport to Siliguri is Rs.140. From the airport you can get a taxi to Bagdogra Bazaar (Rs. 40, 3 km) and from there, you can get a local bus to Siliguri too.
From Katmandu, fly to Bhadrapur in the east Nepal(1 hour), then drive to Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border,35 km), to Siliguri(37 km) and to Gangtok (110 km, 4 hrs). Or fly to Biratnagar also in east Nepal.
Helicopter Service: The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service which takes approx. 30 minutes to reach Gangtok.
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation(+91-3592-222634) operates this service daily at 11:00 AM from Gangtok to Bagdogra and at 2:00 PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok at a price of Rs.1500/- per person. It is a five seater chopper and mountain flights and other such tours to North Sikkim are conducted.
By Rail : The closest Railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is around 148 km away from Gangtok. It is connected to Kolkata(Calcutta), New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities.
Click here for the Train Timings
From the station you can hire and reserve a taxi and came to Gangtok. That will cost you around Rs.1500/-. Or you can come in a pejo( jeep) on sharing basis. That will cost you Rs.120/- per person.
By Road : Gangtok is at a distance of 110 km from Siliguri and will take 4 hours from Siliguri to reach Gangtok . Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling (4 hrs), and with Bhutan, Phuntsholing (6 hrs).
