About Sikkim
Sikkim is a state in East India in the Himalayan foot hills also bordering China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan.The name has been coined from the words 'Su','Him'i.e. beautiful home.Though it should be better named by abode of nature.The snow covered mountains & lush green valleys not only invigorates one's soul,it also leaves the spectators bewildered by the extravaganza of its natural beauty. Nearly 40% of the total area is forested. There are many adventure activities possible to do in Sikkim. Tourists can go for Trekking, Rafting and Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Yak Safari and many more. The state has been blessed with natural beauty in abundance consisting of verdant green valleys and snow-clad mountain. Exploring the various Buddhist monasteries is a must.
Best Season to Visit
From April till June. In summers Sikkim stays pleasant and lovely. The temperature stays between 5 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. Nights of the summers can be chilling, so it is advised to pack in some woolen clothes as well. This is the best time to visit Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Rumtek Monastery and others.
Place to visit in Sikkim
RUMTEK MONASTERY
Rumtek Monastery was built in the 16th century around the same time as the other 2 monasteries established by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje and was the main seat of the karma Kagyu lineage for some time and was eventually abandoned to ruins. When the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, he decided to rebuild the monastery as the site was considered highly auspicious qualities and was surrounded by the most favorable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind, a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the local folks of Sikkim, it was built by the 16th Karmapa as his main seat in exile.
GANGTOK
Gangtok is the capital of East district and Pakyong is the sub divisional head quarter of East District. Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1780 meters and is a charming, laid – back town. It is the hub of commercial activity is the base for explorations into some of Sikkim’s most alluring features. Prominent feature of this clean town is Orchids, Butterfly, Snow Peak Mountain and beautiful places around, last but not the least the climatic condition are congenial. Package tour can be organized for Gurudongmar, Yumthang and Yumesongdong, known for lakes, snow covered area and hot water springs is worth visiting.
YUKSOM
Located in the Western parts of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. The once a capital of Sikkim, this hamlet is more known for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal.Also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’, this Sikkimese village has recently started gaining tourism attention. Well, this is also the reason, you can expect pristine beauty and untouched nature in Yuksom. Home to the oldest monastery in Sikkim, this pictorial hamlet is one amongst the most peaceful and serene places to visit in Sikkim.
TSOMGO LAKE
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m, the lake remains frozen during the winter season.The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colours of the lake.
ZULUK SILK ROUTE
Dzuluk or Zuluk or Jhuluk or Jaluk is a small hamlet located at a height of around 10,000 feet (3,000 m) on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim of the Indian state Sikkim . This place is relatively an emerging and offbeat destination in East Sikkim. Today it is fast emerging as a new tourist destination. It derives its tourism importance due to the excellent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchenjunga.
NAMCHI
Namchi is also famous for its giant statues. It currently has two of them -- one Buddhist and one Hindu -- and a third one is apparently being planned. The Buddhist statue, of Guru Padmasambhava (credited with introducing Tantric Buddhism to the Hinalayan region), reaches around 140 feet tall. It has a commanding position on Samdruptse Hill, 7,000 feet above sea level. Not quite as tall but perhaps more impressive is the white 108 foot high Lord Shiva statue at Solophuk Hill, south of Namchi. The epic complex surrounding the statue contains guest houses and temples.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE
Set at an altitude of 17,800 ft, Gurudongmar Lake is a high altitude Himalayan lake which is scenic and peaceful. Hemmed in by snow-covered mountains, this lake remains frozen during the winter season and during summers, the lake water reflects the sky and clouds like a mirror. It is one of the highly suggested places to visit in Sikkim on the Northern side of Kanchenjunga mountain range which is situated at around 180 kilometers from Gangtok. Due to the proximity to the Chinese Tibetan border, one has to take permits to visit the lake.
LACHUNG
Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron.
LACHEN
Lachen is a town in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means "big pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.