an overview to sikkim

7/31/2019 An Overview to Sikkim

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An Overview

Sikkim: An Overview

Sikkim : Land of the mighty Khangchendzonga. The tiny Indian Himalayan state, nestled inthe heart of the Himalayas.

Wrapped in mists and clouds. A garden state with an incredible variety of orchids,rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers. Tumbling streams and torrents.Mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas. The land of the mightyKhangchendzonga. This is the second smallest state of India, Sikkim, nestled in the heart ofthe Himalayas.

Small but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. Spread below MountKhangchendzonga (8534 mts.), the third highest mountain in the world, which is revered by

the Sikkimese as their protective deity, Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the North,

Bhutan in the East, Nepal in the West and the Indian state ofWest Bengal in the South.

Just as Mt. Khangchendzonga is an indisputable part of theconsciousness of the Sikkimese people, so too are the rivers

Tista and Rangit with deep ravines and valleys that allow themonsoons to penetrate and nourish this garden state. Otherthan Mount Khangchendzonga, the best known peaks are

Pauhunri (7125m), Pandim (6691m), Talung (6147m), TentPeak (7365m), Jongsang (7459m), Rathong (6679m),

Koktang (6147m) and Sinioulchu (6887m), regarded bymountaineers as the most beautiful peak in the world.

With an area of 7,300 sq. kms and measuring approximately 115 kms from north to southand 65 kms from east to west, the elevation ranges from 244 mts. to over 8540 mts. abovesea-level. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and

terraced hills, Sikkim offers a spectacular and unique experience. Within a matter of hours

one can move from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the ruggedmountain slopes that reach upto the areas of perpetual snow.

Wander through mountain meadows, cascading rivers or densely forested ridges. Loseyourself in the romantic solitude of the mountains. Float the rivers on a raft or seek outwildlife. In the course of your wanderings, watch the electric blue butterfly or hear thethrush and cuckoo serenade you. Sikkim is home to woodpeckers, kingfishers and thrushesamong other birds.
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Sikkim is home to a variety of 4000 plant species - magnolias, rhododendrons, junipers,blue poppies, primulas, wild strawberry, raspberry and exotic orchids in stunning sizes andcolours. In Sikkim there are musk deers, the Himalayan black bear, the famed snowleopard, Thar yaks, wild ass, bharal or blue sheep, shapi and the symbol of Sikkim- the

endangered Red Panda.

Travelling on the serpentine roads of Sikkim is afascinating experience. There are roads to every

nook and corner of the state. Even seemingly

inaccessible places, like North Sikkim near theChinese border, are accessible by roads, built andmaintained by the Border Roads Organisation.

The people of Sikkim, Lepchas,Nepalese and Bhutias, are warm,

simple and friendly with a naturaluninhibited gaiety. Here time has noteroded enduring values, it has only

enhanced them.

Administratively, the state is divided into four districts : North, East, South, and West. Theheadquarters are at Mangan, Gangtok, Namchi, and Gyalshing, respectively. Within each

district the village panchayati system ensures the administration and implementation ofwelfare programs. Primary and secondary education is free in the state. A government-

subsidized degree college located in Gangtok is affiliated to the North Bengal University in

Darjeeling, West Bengal. Seats in the elected Vidhan Sabha are equally apportionedbetween the Nepalese and the minority Lepcha and Bhutia populations. One Lepcha-Bhutiaseat is reserved for the nominee of the Lamas, or Buddhist religious leaders, and one seatof the Nepalese group is reserved for the representative of the Scheduled Castes.

People and culture:

The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a naturaluninhibited gaiety. Sikkim's population consists of Lepchas,

Nepalese and Bhutias. The Lepchas are the oldest inhabitants of

Sikkim. There is an old Lepcha legend that long ago, the laughter ofthe Lepchas wafted into the sky and it scattered and froze into

shimmering stars. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Tibetans

arrived bringing with them the Red Hat Lamaist tradition -Nyingmapa, which became the dominant culture and official statereligion.

Sikkim's traditions and festivals are strongly influenced by Tibetan

customs, while retaining the diversity of the ethnic groups that inhabit the land: theLepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. Bon, the religion preceding Buddhism, has also left behind a

rich legacy of customs and rituals. The most important annual festival is the two-day

Phanglhabsol festival in August or September, in which masked dancers perform in honourof the presiding deity, Khangchendzonga. The people of Sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the

chasing away of evil spirits or celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimesedo it all with refreshing abandon. Taste the 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented millet,served in bamboo containers with a hollow bamboo pipe.
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Sikkimese culture finds expression in its beautiful arts and crafts. Carry back a memento ofyour holiday, be it an intricately carved piece of furniture (choktse), a highly embellishedcarpet or something made of woven bamboo.

With a population of only 4.2 lakhs, concentrated in the East and South districts, West

Sikkim is moderately populated whereas North Sikkim is sparsely populated. The crime ratein Sikkim is negligible and it is a very peaceful state.

With close to 194monasteries and ManiLhakangs, the influence of

Buddhism in Sikkim is

pervasive.

Religion and Festivals

Religion forms the main thread in the fabric of life here. Withclose to 194 monasteries and Mani Lhakangs, the influence of

Buddhism is pervasive. Even in the remote mountain regions,near wind-swept summits, beside monasteries and private

houses, the ubiquitous prayer flags flutter everywhere.

The main monasteries are Pemayangtse and Tashiding in West Sikkim, Enchey in Gangtokand Ramtek near Gangtok, Ralong in South and Phodong and Tolung in North Sikkim.

Influencing the lifestyle and cultural heritage of the people, each monastery is host to a

number of festivals, each of which is a fascinating experience of old-world pomp andpageantry. The lama dances, complete with fierce masks, gorgeous brocade costumes,music and chants, is at once both evocative and mysterious.

One of the sacred objects of worship for the Sikkimese isBumchu a sacred pot containing holy water, blessed by a

Buddhist saint in the 17th century. Today after 300 years thewater remains as fresh as before.

There is a lake in the midst of a luxuriant forest with not asingle leaf floating on it. And if even a leaf falls a little bird picks it up ... so the legend goes.This is the Wishing Lake or Tsho-Sho-Tsho as the Sikkimese call it.

The Sikkimese Nepali is the inheritor of the legacy of Hindu traditions. The visitor to Sikkimis spellbound by the colourful festivals of Dasain/Tewar celebrated by the Hindu Nepali

population. Invocations are made to Goddess Durga and barley seeds are planted in prayerrooms. Their other important festival is Dipavali, a rare treat, to participate in thecelebration of.
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Religion and spiritual values are an integral part of Sikkim's daily life. The sense of peaceand calm that is palpable in this and other Himalayan regions makes a visit to Sikkim morethan a holiday treat - it will remain a lifetime experience.

Sikkim: Economy

Other than Gangtok, the capital and largest town of Sikkim, with a population of 30,000,people live in scattered villages and settlements

The Economy

Other than Gangtok, the capital and largest town of Sikkim, with a population of 30,000,people live in scattered villages and settlements with agriculture and related activities as themainstay of the people. Other towns include Singtam, Rongphu, Jorthang, Nayabazar,Mangan, Gyalshing, and Namchi.

Maize, rice, wheat, and barley are cultivated in terraced hillsides. Beans, potatoes,vegetables, fruits and tea are grown. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of

cardamom. While yaks and sheep are popular in the higher elevations, other livestock thatare tended include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry.

Copper, lead, zinc, coal, graphite, and limestone are among the minerals found in thestate, though not all are commercially exploited. There is considerable land under forestcover and there is potential for hydroelectricity projects.

Until the early 1970's, Sikkim had only cottage industries with carpets, blankets andtraditional hand-woven textiles, wood carving and scroll paintings and embroidery. Somesmall-scale industries have been set up, including a distillery, a fruit canning and bottlingfactory and a tea- processing factory.

Sikkim: Festivals

Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leapand swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting horns and chanting monks.

Festivals of Sikkim

Sikkim's famous mask dances provide an opportunity for aunique experience to witness a time-worn tradition, that hasendured. Performed by lamas in the gompa courtyard tocelebrate religious festivals, these graceful dances

demonstrate perfect foot-work.


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Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leapand swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting horns and chanting monks.

SAGA DAWA is a very auspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go tomonasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around

Gangtok carrying the holy scriptures.

PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to MountKhangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander.

Festivals of India

More about SikkimAn OverviewGeographyHistoryPeople & CultureEconomyOff the Beaten TrackWild LifeAdventureMonastery MagicGangtokTourist InformationAccommodationGetting ThereClimateFAQTraveloguesJourney to RememberRumtek DiaryYumthang Valley

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TrekkingFreedom From FearClassic Dzongri TrekWhen Climbers Trek

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KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemnnature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
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DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population iscelebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

DIPAVALI, is the festival of lights.

Calendar of Events

The festivals in Sikkim are governed by a lunar calendar and may vary according to theEnglish calendar. Festivals celebrated in Sikkim are mentioned according to the Buddhistcalendar, with approximate months corresponding to the English calendar.

Saga Dawa Full moon of the 4th month, around end of May and early June.

Drukpa Tseshi 4th day of the 6th month, around August.

Pang Lhabsol 15th day of the 7th month, around end of August-September.

Losoong Sikkimese New Year, last week of December.

Losar Tibetan New Year, around FebruaryDasain Month of Aswin, September-October

Maghe Sankranti Month of Magh, around January

Enchey "Chaams" 18th & 19th days of the 11th month, around December-January.

Ramtek "Chaams" Tse-Chu'Chaams'- 10th day of the 5th month, around June.

Winter 'Chaam' (Guthor 'Chaam') 2 days prior to Losar.

Sikkim: Wildlife

The Red Panda, an endangered animal, and the symbol of Sikkim, is found in themountain forests between 6,000-12,000 ft above sea level.

Sikkim is a delight for those who seekunspoiled natural terrain, an

unbelievable array of flora and unusualfauna. Spectacular waterfalls; untouched

forests, rich with rare and exotic plantand animal life. Depending on how

adventurous you are, any one, if not all,

of the four zones of Sikkim should proveto be the ideal getaway.

To match the floral delights of Sikkim,the animal kingdom has much to offerthe nature lover. Sikkim has a large

variety of animals that are peculiar to the

Himalayan environment. Wildlife includesthe Himalayan black bear, brown bear,


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panda, numerous species of deer, including musk deer, yaks, wild goats, sheep including

Bharal or blue sheep, goral, Tibetan antelope, tiger and leopard. Lesser cats are also found.

The Red Panda, an endangered animal, and the symbol of Sikkim, is found in the mountainforests between 6,000-12,000 ft above sea level. Among other animal species, Sikkim ishome to the elusive Snow Leopard and the rare Clouded Leopard.

Bird life includes pheasant, partridges, quail, eagles, barbets, Himalayan cuckoos, Tibetanblack crows, and minivets.

Of the 1,400 butterfly species that exist in the Indian subcontinent, 50% can be found inSikkim.

Sikkim: Adventure

Sikkim with it's spectacular mountainous terrain offers opportunities for mountaineering,

trekking, river rafting, yak safaris, mountain biking and gliding.

It is impossible to visualise Sikkim without seeing it in the broader context of theHimalayas. The unspoiled natural splendour and tranquility of the countryside has made

certain regions in Sikkim ideal for trekking. These mountains, which form an intrinsic part of

the lives of the Sikkimese, also offer adventure to the brave hearted. Listen to the sound ofthe wind among the trees, feel the way of the rocks, watch the snow clad peaks as you trekup a mountain side, dwarfed by the ramparts of echoing cliffs.

Trekking from Yuksam situated 5,800 feet above sea level to Dzongri at 13,800 feet takes2 days. All along the route one is amazed and spellbound by the spectacular mountain

scenes. For those who would like to push themselves more, the trek from Dzongri toGochala, is equally rewarding, through spectacular majestic, mountain ranges.

TIf you feel so inclined you can go on a yak safari - an experience unique to Sikkim.

For those who want to see some white water action - get ready for the sparkling ice-coldmountain rivers of Sikkim. River rafting tours and kayaking are organised on the Tista andRangit Rivers.

The adventurous at heart may indulge in the following activities that Sikkim has to offer:Mountaineering, Trekking, River Rafting, Yak Safari, Mountain Biking, Gliding.

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Off the Beaten TrackWild LifeMonastery MagicGangtokTourist InformationAccommodationGetting ThereClimateFAQTraveloguesJourney to RememberRumtek DiaryYumthang Valley

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Mountaineering

The first European to explore the Khangchendzongaarea was Douglas W. Fresfield who reached its base

in1899 from the Green Lake Basin area. A German

expedition led by Paul Bauer made the first attempt toreach the summit in 1929 followed by another attemptin 1931 when they reached an altitude of 26,000 ft. In

1955, Charles Evans reached Khangchendzonga, a fewfeet below the summit from the Nepal side. In1977, anexpedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feet

below the summit. In 1987, an Assam Rifles expedition

attempted the peak. In 1991, an Indo-Japaneseexpedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogatareached the summit of the peak.

TThe Kabru was first climbed in 1935 by a British, C.R. Cooke. The Pyramid Peak was first conquered in1949 by a Swiss, R. Dittert. A British, A.M. Kallas, climbed the Paunhri in 1911. The summit of Siniolchu was first reached by a

German in 1936. It was later again climbed by the famous Sikkimese Everester Sonam

Gyatso. Pandim was climbed in 1993 by a team from the Sonam Gyatso MountaineeringInstitute.

The summit of Rathong was reached by an Indian expedition in 1964.
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Trekking

Yuksam- Dzongri- Goecha La Trek

Yuksam (1630m) - Bakhim (2,740 m) - Tsokha(3050 m) - Pethang ( 3,760m) - Dzongri (4025

m)--Thangshing / Bikbari (3,840 m) - SamitiLake (4,200 m) - Goecha La (4,940 m) andback.

One of the most popular treks in Sikkim, the

trek to Bakhim is scenic and invigorating with

more than 20 varieties of rhododendronssetting the forest aflame with colours. Dzongri

at 3,963 m welcomes the climber with a

heavenly close-up of the Khangchendzonga.The sunset views leave memories of a spectacular Sikkim.

Trekkers' huts en route are the best places to stay. During the season, there is not sufficientaccommodation, so it is imperative to carry tents.

Some of the other treks that can be organized through Sikkim Tourism or recognized travelagencies are:

Monastery Trek

An 11 day, relatively leisurely trek that is spiritually elevating. Pemayangtse - Sangacholing- Khecheopalri - Dubdi - Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang .

Rhododendron Trek

(March - May, when the rhododendrons are in bloom) Naya Bazar - Hilley / Soreng - Varsey- Dentam - Pemayangtse.

Khangchendzonga Trek

A 15-day incredible trek that gives you enchanting views of Mt. Khangchendzonga that will

remain with you forever. Savour this beautiful and unspoiled area with its tiny jewel-like

lakes and exotic flora and fauna against the backdrop of the majestic Khangchendzonga.

No technical climbing experience is necessary as most of the treks are between 6,000 and

14,000 feet. However one needs to be totally fit. Camping and trekking equipment isavailable on hire from the tourism department and from reputed travel agents. Whenever

you are planning a trek, keep in mind the need to acclimatize gradually to avoid highaltitude sickness.
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River Rafting

River rafting enthusiasts have two rivers, the Tista and Rangit

gushing through Himalayan country. The Tista experience

takes you rafting from Makha down to Sirwani and Sirwani to

Rangpo. The Rangit expedition is from Sikip to Nayabazar to

Melli. Beginners as well as experienced adventure enthusiastscan seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism andrecognised travel agents for arranging river- rafting trips.

Tista Experience

Makha - Sirwani - Bardang - Rongpo

Rangit ExperienceSikip - Jorethang - Majitar - Melli

Kayaking

Kayaking is undertaken on the Tista and is arranged for special groups. Some experience inkayaking is required. Kayaks are available with Sikkim Tourism.

Yak Safari

A safari with a difference. Yak Safaris are organized from Dzongri onwards by SikkimTourism as well as private travel agencies on prior booking.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is another adventure activity that has been recently introduced in Sikkim.Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. This sport is eliciting interestand will increasingly grow more popular in Sikkim in the near future. This sport is being

promoted in most parts of North Sikkim and West Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism helps youorganize a trip.

Gliding

Gliding in North Sikkim and Jorethang in West Sikkim is a new activity being promoted bySikkim Tourism.

Sikkim: Climate

Sikkim's climate is sub tropical in the lower valleys, but changing fast to temperate andalpine with increase in elevation. For most of the year, it is cold and humid as rainfall occursright through the year. The area experiences heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the Bayof Bengal. The rainfall in the north district is comparatively less than the other districts. The

general trend of decrease in temperature with increase in altitude holds good everywhere.Pre-monsoon rain occurs in April-May and the south-west monsoon operates normally fromthe month of May and continues up to early October.
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Places with a moderate altitude (4000ft to 10,000 ft) have a more or less pleasant climatefrom March to June and September to November. Needless to say, the winter months ofDecember-February are very cold. Some of the better known places situated at a moderatealtitude are Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom & Lachung.

Snowfall

In the higher altitudes of 10,000 ft plus, the temperature rarely rises above 15 degreecentigrade. Some of those places are Yakshey Lodge above Lachung ; Yumthang valley,

Tsango Lake and Dzongri where heavy snowfall occurs during the winter months. Tsangoand Yakshey sometimes receive snowfall even during April or mid-November.

Temperature

The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone varies from 1.5 to 9.5 degreecentigrade. Temperature varies with altitude and slope. The maximum temperature isrecorded usually during July and August, and minimum during December and January.

More about SikkimAn OverviewGeographyHistoryPeople & CultureEconomyFestivalsOff the Beaten TrackWild LifeAdventureMonastery MagicGangtokTourist InformationAccommodationGetting ThereFAQTraveloguesJourney to RememberRumtek DiaryYumthang Valley

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Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May toSeptember.
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Summer : Max. 20.7oC Min. 13. 1oC

Winter: Max. 14.9oC Min. 7.7oC

Rainfall

Available rainfall data shows that the mean annual rainfall is minimum at Thangu (82 mm)and maximum at Gangtok (3494 mm).

There are two maximum rainfall areas:* South-East quadrant, including Mangan, Singhik, Dikchu, Gangtok, Rongli etc.* South-West corner including Hilley. In between these two regions, there is a low rainfall

region viz. Namchi.

North-West Sikkim gets very little rainfall (even less than 4.9 mm.). This area has mainly

snow -covered mountains. Rainfall is heavy and well distributed during the months fromMay to early October. July is the wettest month in most of the places. The intensity of

rainfall during the south-west monsoon season decreases from south to north, while thedistribution of winter rainfall is in the reverse order.

Sikkim: Getting There & Around

Sikkim is well connected by rail and air to the rest of the country through Siliguri in WestBengal. There are no airports or railway stations in Sikkim. The primary means of transport

within Sikkim is by road. To get to Sikkim you must first reach Siliguri.

a) By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri in West Bengal. It is connected by

daily flights from New Delhi and 6 flights from Calcutta (excluding Thursdays) every week.It is 115 kms from Gangtok and takes about 4 1/2 hrs. Recently a 4-seater helicopter

service from Bagdogra to Gangtok has started and takes about 20min. (Please checkflight schedules as they are apt to change)

b) By Rail: The broad guage railway station is New Jalpaiguri, near Siliguri. The DadarGuwahati Express is the only direct train from Mumbai. From Calcutta, it is easily accessibleby both rail and road. From Delhi, the New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani passes through New

Jalpaiguri. ((Please check railway schedules as they are apt to change)

c) From nearby hill stations: If you are planning a visit to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik orBhutan, you can combine the trip with extensions to Sikkim or vice versa.

Within Sikkim jeeps are the most popular form of transport. Most jeeps are MahindraCommander 4 wheel drive, but there are also a limited number of Sumos. In certain areas,

Maruti vans are also used. From New Jalpaiguri/ Bagdogra to Darjeeling or Gangtok, 28seater mini buses also ply. Individual (private) jeeps have a maximum capacity of 10persons whereas vans take 4 persons. In North Sikkim only shared jeeps are available withthe maximum no of persons being 7.

Among all the hill stations and tourist places in the Himalayas, Sikkim has the best roads.Roads are maintained by the Indian Army.


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an overview to sikkim

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