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| Sikkim |
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 Tucked
away in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim is simply a wonderland
with panoramic views, exotic orchids, amazing culture and forest-trails.
A virtual Shangri-la, the state is equally attractive for casual
visitors, adventure sports enthusiasts and those interested
in Buddhism and Tibetology. Spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga
(Kanchenjunga), the world's third highest peak, Sikkim offers
her visitors a rare and singular experience with the grandeur
of mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and beautiful
hills. 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. Though entire
Sikkim is worth exploring, locations around Kanchenjunga are
the main attraction in Sikkim. Gangtok, the delightfully quaint
capital, is a place that delights its visitors with many wonders.
Sikkim offers several treks that lead through pine forests &
picturesque valleys and to monasteries & mountain lakes.
It is also the base for mountaineering expeditions, and the
rivers Teesta and Rangeet offer excellent scope for river rafting. |
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| GETTING
HERE |
Sikkim lies on
the North Eastern corner of India and is juxtaposed between
Bhutan and Nepal, with West Bengal in its South. Capital of
Sikkim is Gangtok, which connects Siliguri through National
Highway 31A. Siliguri, a major town on the northern fringe of
West Bengal, is the main gateway of Sikkim. To reach Sikkim,
the nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal, which is 125
kms from Gangtok. There is also a daily helicopter service from
Bagdogra to Gangtok. The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri
(West Bengal), which is 125 kms away from Gangtok. By road,
the main connection of Gangtok with the rest of the country
is Siliguri (110 kms). Local taxies are easily available at
Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri for transport to Gangtok.
There are interstate bus services and private taxi services
as well for the tourist to get inside Sikkim and to move around.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit to enter Sikkim. Valid
for fifteen days, this permit is issued by the Ministry of Home
Affairs, or Government of Sikkim, New Sikkim House, New Delhi
(Phone: +91-11-26115346, 26115171). For visiting the interior
areas, Protected Area Permit can also be obtained from the Department
of Tourism, M. G. Marg, Gangtok (+91-3592-223245). |
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| WHAT
TO SEE |
Kyongnosia
Alpine Sanctuary
Situated at an altitude of 3350 metres, 26 kms away from Gangtok,
adjoining the Tsomgo Lake, this sanctuary abounds in a variety
of alpine flowers, especially in summer.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Covering an area of 205 hectares, this park is the semi-natural
habitat of the endangered red panda, barking deer, spotted deer
and bear.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
World-renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion,
this institute is the world's largest treasury of invaluable
old Tibetan books, attracting Buddhist scholars from around
the world.
Enchey Monastery
One of the most important monasteries of Sikkim, Enchey has
within its precincts many icons and religious artefacts. This
place also offers the best view of the mighty Himalayan mountain
range.
Rumtek
(24 kms from Gangtok) Rumtek Monastery is a prominent and striking
structure, home to the Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of
His Holiness, the Gwalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa
Order of Tibetan Buddhism. |
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Yumthang
(140 kms from Gangtok) Known as the valley of flowers, this
is a virtual paradise for nature lovers with fascinating blend
of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic view. Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu'
or the hot spring of the Lake Lachung Chu is immensely popular
for its amazing healing and curative power.
Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass
(38 kms from Gangtok) The serene oval shaped glacial Tsomgo
(Changu) Lake is situated at a height of 3780 m in mystical
environs.
Dzongri
At an altitude of 4200 m, Dzongri is one of the best and most
challenging trekking destinations in India, the main attraction
being the Mount Khanchendzonga (Kanchenjunga).
Thangu
(170 kms from Gangtok) A small village at an altitude of 15,000
ft, Thangu is the entry point to this part of the cold desert.
The main attraction here is the Guru-Dongmar Lake. |
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