Sikkim has been a state of India only since 1975 and retains all the flavor of an old Himalayan kingdom. A land of the greenest Himalaya, Sikkim boasts the old town of Gangtok, famous for its orchid gardens. Day trips from Gangtok take our guests to the Buddhist monasteries of Rumtek and Labrang. Nearby Sikkim is Darjeeling, famous hill station of the British Raj, where our guests are treated to visit to the tea gardens and enchanting walks in the misty romantic streets of the old town. Sikkim is easily reached from Nepal by land, or by flights from the country's border towns.
In the capital city of Lhasa, which is reached by regular flights or motor transport from Kathmandu, they can shop for curios among the friendly Tibetans at the delightful Bharkor market, and will delight in such relice as the Jeweled Garden of Norbulinka and the sacred Jokhang Temple, the country's most important shrine. For those with a taste for adventure, our guests are offered treks in Tibetan mountains and valleys, and trips to sacred Mt. Kailash and its companion holy Lake Manasarovar.
Sikkim Travellers Tips
GEOGRAPHY
This India's newest state is snuggled into the eastern Himalayas and covers and area of about 7,096 sq. kms.
LANGUAGE
Nepali is the widely spoken language here. Majority of the population in the cities speak & understand English.
CLIMATE
The best times to visit Sikkim are March to late May, and October to mid-December. Summer temperatures rang from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and winter temperature fluctuates between 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.
CLOTHING
As in other mountainous areas, it is recommended that you wear layered clothing that can ensure your comfort at a variety of altitudes, with their accompanying variation in temperatures.
CAPITAL
Gangtok - the capital of Sikkim at an altitude of 1640 meters. Places of interest here the Institute of Tibetology, a center of study on Buddhist philosophy and religion, the Rumtek Monastery, Tashi view point and Phudong Monastery. the Enchay gompa and the view point. Another places worth visiting in Sikkim is Kalimpong and Pen….. with its Pemanyangtse Monastery.
A visit to Sikkim is incomplete without a visit to Darjeeling, a fascinating hill station with a maze of steep terraced fields, tea gardens, narrow winding roads and commanding a superb view of the mountains including Kanchanjunga.
A rewarding day can be spent visiting the Tiger Hill, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, the rock Garden and the monasteries or just stroll around the exotic little bazaar looking for bargains.
A visit to Sikkim can be combined with a trip to India , Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet as well.
BEST SEASON
The best month to travel are mid September throuch March. Sikkim can be reached from India by air from Delhi or Calcutta to Bagdogra, or overland from Nepal or Bhutan.
VISA
Sikkim requires a visa for Indian and special permit for Sikkim which can be obtained from the India High Commission office from your home country. Besides Indian Visa an Inner Line Permit is required to enter Sikkim. Check details with Indian Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence.
MONEY MATTER
It is possible to exchange foreign currencies only in the banks. Indian currency is easily accepted here. It is comparatively easier to exchange US$ cash rather than Travelers checks. Credit cards are difficult to use.
ENTERING SIKKIM
While travelling from Kathmandu, Sikkim can be reached by flying to two airports in eastern Nepal and drive from there about 8 hours drive to reach Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra in West Bengal, 124 kms from Gangtok, Sikkims Capital. It takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok.
A valid passport is required to enter into the country.
TIME CURRENCY
Indian Rupee
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts Alternating current