Sikkim

Sikkim is a small but beautiful state with an area of 7,300 sq kms; situated in the Eastern Himalayas. It spread below the Mount Kanchunzunga, the third highest mountain in the world. It is revered by Sikkimese as their protective deity. Sikkim shares border with Nepal, in the west, Bhutan in the east, Tibet in the north & State of West Bengal in the south. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers & streams, terraced hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a unique experience. Within a matter of hours, one can travel from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual snow clad peaks.

General Information:

Best Season: March to late May & October to last November.

How to get to Sikkim: The nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal, which is 124km and is about 5 hours journey to Gangtok (Capital). Bagdogra has regular Indian airlines services from Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow & other important cities in India. The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (114km) and New Jalpaiguri (125km), connecting Calcutta, Guwahati, Lucknow & other important cities in India. Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri & other centers & also with all other district head quarters within Sikkim.

Where to Stay: There are many hotels, Lodges & guesthouses that are standardized to suit the individual's liking. To name a few: Hotel Norkhil, Hotel Tibet, Hotel Tashi Delek, Siniolchu lodge etc. Visitors are advised to book their accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season.

Places of interest:

Orchid Sanctuary - This is an exotic site of over 200 species of orchids set amidst beautiful landscape. It is situated just below the institute of Tibetoloy.
Rumtek Monastery - This is a must for every visitor. This Monastery is situated about 24km from Gangtok. It is a seat of Karmapa lineage, the Kagdyu Order.
Research Institute of Tibetology – Is a Renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare thankas, statues, over 200 Buddhists icons. It remain closed on Saturday & government holidays.
Tashi View Point - It is situated 8 km from Gangtok. This sight offers a breathtaking view of the majestic mountains such as Mt. Kanchenjunga & Mt. Siniolchu.
Phodong Monastery - It is 38 km from Gangtok and is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim. You can also visit the Labrang Monastery, which is about 4 km from Phodong Monastery.