Tourist Attractions In Sikkim:
Nestled at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, Sikkim boasts of an unexplored beauty. Lofty mountains dominate the skyline of Sikkim. The state lays its invitation in green-coated rolling slopes, the rushing hills streams, and tall junipers and Rhododendrons and sparkling orchids. Hilltop monasteries peep from the rugged terrains while multicolored prayer flags wave in the mountain breeze.
Gangtok City: The capital city of the state is now a sprawling urban settlement. Quaint pagoda-roofed houses and colorful monasteries teeming with red-robed lamas sum up Gangtok for you.
Rumtek Monastery: Only 24kms from Gangtok, the magnificent monastery is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is the residence of 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.
Tsomgo Lake: Some 40kms from Gangtok, Tosmgo is a tranquil lake surrounded by frozen hillsides. A drive further uphill would take you to the
Nathula Pass, which gives you a bird's eye view of Indo-China frontier. Mind it, entry is restricted for foreign nationals.
Gangtok City: The capital city of the state is now a sprawling urban settlement. Quaint pagoda-roofed houses and colorful monasteries teeming with red-robed lamas sum up Gangtok for you.
Rumtek Monastery: Only 24kms from Gangtok, the magnificent monastery is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is the residence of 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.
Tsomgo Lake: Some 40kms from Gangtok, Tosmgo is a tranquil lake surrounded by frozen hillsides. A drive further uphill would take you to the
Nathula Pass, which gives you a bird's eye view of Indo-China frontier. Mind it, entry is restricted for foreign nationals.
Monastery: Sikkim has over 194 age old Monasteries of great spiritual and historical importance. Some of the major Monasteries are Rumtek, Pemyangtse, Pemayangtse, Sangacholing, Dubdi, Tashiding, Phensong, Phodong and many more.
Mountains: Sikkim has a picturesque mountain treasure. Singalila on the West and Chola on the east are the major mountain ranges in Sikkim. Sikkim gives a panaromic view of the Mt. Kanchendzonga.
Glaciers: The most picturesque glaciers are: Zemu Glacier(the largest glacier of eastern Himalayas), Rathong Glacier and Lonak Glacier in North Sikkim. Several Icefalls and waterfalls have formed at the junction of the Zemu glacier with tributary glaciers which allure the tourists.
Passes: The mountain ranges are interspersed with passes, which are of prime attraction for tourists looking for some fun and adventure. The most important passes are the Nathu La and Jelep La, Chiwabhangjang, Kang La, Kongra La.
Wild life: Sikkim has an unbelievable array of flora and unusual fauna, untouched forests, peculiar to the Himalayan environment with major highlights like the Himalayan black bear, brown bear, panda, numerous species of deer, including musk deer, yaks, wild goats, sheep including Bharal or blue sheep, goral, Tibetan antelope, tiger and leopard. The Red Panda, an endangered animal is the symbol of Sikkim. Sikkim is home to the elusive Snow Leopard and the rare Clouded Leopard.
Other Major Attractions: Namchi, Tendong Hill, Temi Tea Garden, Ravangla, 'Shar Chok Bephu' cave, Menam Hill, Borong, Versey, Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa), Saramsa Garden, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Water Garden, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok temple, Ganesh Tok temple, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre, Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabi Lungchok, Rabdentse Ruins and many more.
How to Reach Sikkim:
by Air: The state does not have any airport in it. But the nearest Airport is Bagdogra (near Siliguri) in West Bengal, which lies only 125kms away from Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. Bagdogra is connected to cities like Delhi and Kolkata by regular flights.
by Road: Although the state of Sikkim lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a good network of roads. The state can be entered through northern areas of West Bengal. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri are directly connected to Gangtok and other cities of the state. But during the monsoon seasons sometimes, landslides create temporary problems in road transport.
by Rail: The state does not have any rail network in its boundary. The nearest Railways Station is New Jalpaiguri (near Siliguri), which is connected to Gangtok by road. New Jalpaiguri boasts of an extensive rail network with major Railway Stations in India, such as Kolkata,Delhi It is also conveniently linked to the cities of Northeastern India like, Guwahati.
