Visiting a place and knowing the place is two different entities. And when it’s Sikkim we are talking about, one needs to take time out to not only visit the places of tourist interest, but also know the interesting facts connected with each and every place — be it small or big. However to know the beautiful stories behind Sikkim’s exquisite places of interest, it is always advisable to opt for a homestay.
Not only will a homestay facilitate you to get an insight of Sikkim, it will also give you a life time opportunity to mingle and enjoy the cultural juxtaposition that makes Sikkim the best India tourist destination. The mouth-watering cuisine, colourful festivals, intricate handicrafts and artifacts of Sikkim and many more — all a Sikkim homestay will give you access to. So don’t wait….book a homestay and enjoy Sikkim as it should be.
About Sikkim:
Small but beautiful…Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. Spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 meters), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7,300 sq km and measuring approx. 114 km from the north to south and 64 km from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300 meters to over 8540 meters above sea level.
Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow.
Sikkim though seems small has numerous places of tourist interest and it’s very difficult to choose from. So it’s always better to divide the state into four categories:
(i) NORTH SIKKIM:
North Sikkim is center of Sikkim tourism. It is called as the flower valley, replete with 500 waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and the majestic snow covered Himalayas. All these make North Sikkim a heaven on earth. A typical North Sikkim tour starts from Gangtok then via Kabi Lungtsok 23 km, Phodong 40 km, Mangan 67 km, Singhik 72 km, Chungthang 98 km, Lachung 117 km to 141 km away flower valley Yumthang.
>> Places of Interest in North Sikkim
(ii) SOUTH SIKKIM:
South Sikkim is a dream destination nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. South Sikkim offers spellbinding views and excellent treks to Interesting Trekking Places. Namchi is 90 km away from Gangtok the state capital, and 100 km away from Siliguri the nearest railways and airways stations.
Be it handicrafts or profusion of orchids, primulas and rhododendrons or snow-capped mountain view, all are there for the tourists to enjoy in South Sikkim. Be it a trekker, nature’s admirer, bird watcher or a peace seeker, South Sikkim will provide you all.
>> Places of Interest in South Sikkim
(iii) EAST SIKKIM:
East district is the hub of all administrative activity of Sikkim. At the heart of this district capital of the state Gangtok (5500 ft.) is situated. It is a fast-developing, charming, laid-back city straddling a ridge with houses spilling down the hill-side. Enchey Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery situated on a hill-top above the Gangtok city offers a panoromic view of the town and surrounding hills.
>> Places of interest in East Sikkim
(iv) WEST SIKKIM:
West Sikkim has a wide variety of fauna and flora to offer. Since most of the area is hilly it enjoys a temperate climate. Above 3,800 m (12,000 feet) the slopes are full of rhododendron forests. West Sikkim also has the ancient capital of the state Yuksom. It served as the capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. West Sikkim was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim.
>> Places of interest in West Sikkim
So this time when you visit Sikkim, make sure you opt for a Homestay and enjoy Sikkim up close and personal. Get to know the ways of Sikkim from your host and carry with you wonderful memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
West Sikkim has a wide variety of fauna and flora to offer. Since most of the area is hilly it enjoys a temperate climate. Above 3,800 m (12,000 feet) the slopes are full of rhododendron forests. West Sikkim also has the ancient capital of the state Yuksom. It served as the capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabtense. West Sikkim was under the occupation of the Nepalese for many decades in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the Gorkha War, the district was returned to Sikkim.
Rabdentse ruins: This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 a.d., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery.
It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Pelling: Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 feet, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities.
There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
Yuksom: This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 a.d. by three learned Lamas. Since the history of the state began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim.
Yuksum is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse which is at a distance of 32 km from Yuksun. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksum for those desiring to spend a few days there.
East district is the hub of all administrative activity of Sikkim. At the heart of this district capital of the state Gangtok (5500 ft.) is situated. It is a fast-developing, charming, laid-back city straddling a ridge with houses spilling down the hill-side. Enchey Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery situated on a hill-top above the Gangtok city offers a panoromic view of the town and surrounding hills.
White Hall: The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers’ Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.
Ridge Garden: The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister’s official residence, known as the Mintogang, meaning “blossomed crowned hilltop” on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a Pagoda rooftop on the other end.
A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture. The Ridge is lined with plants and trees which when bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba around this Chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Mani-lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting “hail to the jewel in the lotus” to invoke Buddhisattva.
Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom: Instituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the state’s traditional arts and crafts, the directorate of handicrafts & handloom is a storehouse of hand-woven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely-carved ‘Choktse’ or table and many other gift items. Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year ).
Flower Festival: Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT): The most prestigious of its kind in India — this Buddhist Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas and has over 200 Buddhist icons. Today, it is the renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. Visiting hours: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open throughout the week and Govt. holidays)
Sikkim Time Corporation Ltd. (SITCO): Situated at a distance of 1.5 Km from Gangtok town is one of the first industrial units set up in Sikkim. The Sikkim Time corporation Limited (SITCO), set up in 1977, has grown from strength to strength & now has 4 units which manufacture quality mechanical watches and top class watch crowns. In its 20 years of existence, besides attaining the distinction of producing over 7.5 millon HMT mechanical watches, the unit is presently involved in marketing its own brand of fashionable digital watches having versatile functions and Analog Watches with exquisite dials and various colour options. These quality watches are reasonably priced and available in all the leading outlets of the country. Located in the beautiful campus is a showroom in the factory premises from where the watches can be brought at ex-factory cost. Visiting hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays and National Holidays.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre: About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 km away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960, traditional in design, it is almost replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The centre has a collection of some of the most unique religious art objects.
Tashi View Point: Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8 km from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Ganesh Tok: It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 km from Gangtok. From this spot one gets birds view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea/coffee and snacks.
Hanuman Tok: It is 11 km from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu temple where the devotees come and offer prayers.
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located at a distance of 25 km from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq.km. The main vegetation is oak , katus , kimbu , champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be a home for various species of wild animals. The best season is October and April.
Kyngnosla Alpine Sanctuary: This sanctuary (Altitude: 3292-4116m.) is situated some 26 km from Gangtok on way to Tsongo Lake, this 3100 hectare sanctuary abounds in Alpine flowers like Poppies, Primulas and rhododendrons. Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan black deer, Red panda, Lesser cats, Blood Peasant are some of the species found.
The best period to visit Kyongnosla is July-August-September. The sanctuary is rich both in flora and fauna. Rare, endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons interspersed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are among the important plants present.
Rhododendrons nevium, the State Tree of Sikkim and Cypripedium tibeticum, the ground slipper orchid on the verge of extinction, have been introduced here. Ground flora includes different species of primulas, wild strawberries, irises, poppies and the rarely seen Panax pseudo-ginseng.
Medicinal plants such as ‘kutki’ Picrorhiza scrophulariflora, ‘jatamasi’ Nardostachs graandiflora, ‘Nilo bikh’ Aconitun ferox, Podophyllum emodi and even the wild onion are seen extensively here.
The area is snow covered often up to May when primulas pop up through the snow and rhododendrons come into bud. By June-July they are full bloom. Flowering succession by the many species continues right through to October when Polygonum sp. the last to flower, dries up. First snowfall is normally by December - January. Tranquil trekking trail begins from Knongnosla Village.
South Sikkim is a dream destination nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. South Sikkim offers spellbinding views and excellent treks to Interesting Trekking Places. Namchi is 90 km away from Gangtok the state capital, and 100 km away from Siliguri the nearest railways and airways stations.
Be it handicrafts or profusion of orchids, primulas and rhododendrons or snow-capped mountain view, all are there for the tourists to enjoy in South Sikkim. Be it a trekker, nature’s admirer, bird watcher or a peace seeker, South Sikkim will provide you all.
Namtse: Namtse, meaning sky high, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500 feet, commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also the head quarters of the south district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 km from Gangtok and 100 km from Siliguri.
Tendong Hill: Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namtse, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 feet, surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill.
Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges.
One can also proceed to Namtse by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Such trekking is also possible throughout the year except during monsoons, that is if one is scared of ubiquitous leaches.
Ravangla: At the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South Sikkim and West Sikkim.
It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave “Shar Chok Bephu”, one of the holiest caves in Sikkim..
Maenam Hill: Maenam towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla Bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 feet, the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. The trek from Maenam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Maenam Hilltop one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village.
Borong: Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Maenam. A picturesque village with beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot spring “Borong Tsa-Chu”. The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Maenam-Borong (5 to 6 days) is one of the most interesting trials scaling the hill tops along the route.
Varsey: It lies at an elevation of 10,000 feet and has motorable roads access up to Hilley. An easy 4 km trek from there takes one up to the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim.
North Sikkim is center of Sikkim tourism. It is called as the flower valley, replete with 500 waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and the majestic snow covered Himalayas. All these make North Sikkim a heaven on earth. A typical North Sikkim tour starts from Gangtok then via Kabi Lungtsok 23 km, Phodong 40 km, Mangan 67 km, Singhik 72 km, Chungthang 98 km, Lachung 117 km to 141 km away flower valley Yumthang.
Kabi Lungtsok: This historical place is 17 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.
Singiek: The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.
Chungthang: Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung.
The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids , plants & wild life, is 95 km from Gangtok, 23 km from Lachung, 29 km from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.
Yumthang: Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 km from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang “Tsa-Chu” or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power.
Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colours in May. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.
