Sikkim is an Indian state located near the Himalayas. With a population of only 6, 13,000 inhabitants (census 2012), is the least populated state in India and the 2nd smallest state after Goa. Due to its unique location near the Himalayas, Sikkim is geographical diverse and the climate ranges between sub-tropical and high-alpine. The state boasts of its various cultural and natural resources and also has the only open land border between India and China. Sikkim is rich in cultural heritage and houses a multitude of different flora and fauna. The state is divided into 4 districts namely East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. Due to its location near the Chinese border the place is mostly controlled by the Indian army and many areas require special permits if one wants to visit them.
Table of Contents
1.Pemayangtse Monastery
Located around 140 kilometres west from Gangtok, Sikkim, the monastery was founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, and is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Pemayangtse Monastery was built for “pure monks” (ta-tshang) meaning “monks of pure Tibetan lineage”, celibate and without any physical abnormality. This practice is still retained. Only the monks of Pemayangtse Monastery are entitled to the title “ta-tshang”.
2.Kanchendzonga National Park
Covering an area of around 849.5 km2 and located at an elevation of 1,829 meters to 8,550 metres, Kanchendzonga National Park is also a Biosphere reserve and one of the few high altitude national parks in India. The park is covered with vegetation that includes temperate broadleaf and mixed forests consisting of oaks, fir, birch, maple, willow etc. The vegetation of the park also includes alpine grasses and shrubs at higher altitudes along with many medicinal plants and herbs.
3.Nathu La Pass
Nathu La Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas, which connects Sikkim with Tibet. The pass is located close to the Nathu La Pass Village.The Nathu La Pass was opened for trade on November 6, 2006 after being closed for 44 years. It was reopened as a result of the Sino-Indian Agreement on Trade and Transit, which was signed by Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang in September 1988.Nathu La Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas along the Sino-Indian border. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.The Nathu La Pass was opened to trade by both countries in 2006, and has been open to tourists since 2008.
4.Tsango Lake
Tsango Lake is a small, rural community in northern British Columbia.Tsango Lake is a small, rural community in northern British Columbia. It is located about halfway between the towns of Fort St. James and Fort Nelson, and has a population of approximately 500 people. Tsango Lake has been home to the Tsangikut-kwa’wakw First Nation for centuries, but was not officially recognized as an Indian Reserve until November 12th, 1914.The main industry that supports Tsango Lake is forestry. The town’s sawmill provides employment to many residents, who work long hours in dangerous conditions for low wages with few benefits.
5.Himalayan Zoological Park
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a great place for tourists to visit and experience the beauty of the Himalayas.The Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo that was opened in 1993. It houses over 100 species of animal and has a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs. The park also has an aquarium that contains over 500 fish species.The Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo in Delhi, India. It was inaugurated by the Vice President of India on 12 December 2017. The park is home to over 100 animals and birds of different species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.It has an animal hospital, a veterinary laboratory and a bird hospital. It also has facilities for visitors such as parking space, eateries, shops and an auditorium for educational programmes.
6. 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.
7.Namchi
Namchi is the capital of Sikkim, India. The city is located on the banks of the Teesta River and is home to many Buddhist monasteries.Namchi is a small town, but it has a lot of history behind it. It was once the capital of Sikkim, before it was moved to Gangtok in 1835. It has a lot of Buddhist monasteries that are worth visiting if you’re in the area.The name Namchi means “shelter” and was named such because it was an important trading center for salt trade between Tibet and India during ancient times.
8.Khecheopalri Lake
Located at an average elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Hindus and is situated in the Khecheopalri village in the west Sikkim district. The name of the lake ‘Khecheopalri’ was originally known as ‘Kha-chot-palri’ which means the heaven of Lord Padmasambhava. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.
9.Phodong Monastery
Along with the 2 other monasteries that belong to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Phodong Monastery was founded by the 9th karmapa in the 18th century. However, the monastery was rebuilt in the 20th century, although the old mural paintings and frescoes were preserved.
10.Trekking at Mt. Kanchendzonga
With a monolithic elevation of 8,568 meters above sea level, Mt. Kanchendzonga is the world’s 3rd highest peak and the highest peak in India. Located on the boundary between Sikkim and Nepal, the mountain is a trekker’s haven and is considered to be one of the most challenging trek spots. Apart from the aforementioned 10 places, Sikkim has plenty more things and places to explore and with its diverse climate and rich and unique cultural heritage and thus is a must visit.
Sikkim is a state in Northeast India. It borders China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Sikkim has the world’s only fully organic farming system. The state has many tourist places to visit such as:Pelling – Pelling is a beautiful town in Sikkim that is famous for its hills and mountains. Tourists can visit the monastery here and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.Gangtok – Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and also one of its most popular tourist destinations. Tourists can explore this city by visiting its museums, temples, parks, etc.Yumthang Valley – This valley is located in North Sikkim near Tibet border and it’s famous for its beautiful waterfalls like Yumesamdong, Tsomgo Lake, etc. Tourists can also go trekking or explore other nearby places from here like Lachen Village or Tsomgo Lake Resort
