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Sikkim and Darjiling

About Destination

Sikkim & Darjeeling are the panoramic sites with surprises of all kinds. A wonderful kaleidoscope of Himalayan culture, scenery, mountain ranges interspersed with passes and an unbelievable array of flora and fauna these mystical lands cherish the enthusiasm of every traveller! The cultural folk dances bring smiles and a spirit of celebration of life! We believe to experience these heavenly lands in their raw form. Witness the spectacular dawn on the world's third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga with Sikkim holiday packages.

The various aspects of Sikkim and Darjeeling like Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails, glaciers and glacier lakes, the snow-clad peaks, and the colonial-era architecture, make them hard-to-miss destinations! Explore beautiful tea gardens with our Darjeeling tour packages. Sikkim’s Gangtok city, Tsomgo Lake, Ranka Monastery, and Lachung are the must sees’ which can be explored with our Sikkim tour packages. Darjeeling is a destination that inspires the poets to write and the writers to frame their story, just with the rejuvenating breeze that soothes the soul!!

About Sikkim

Sikkim, state in India, is located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is one of the smallest states in India. Sikkim is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, by Bhutan to the southeast, by the Indian state of West Bengal to the south, and by Nepal to the west. The capital is Gangtok, in the southeastern part of the state

A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park.

Long a sovereign political entity, Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and an Indian state in 1975. Its small size notwithstanding, Sikkim is of great political and strategic importance for India because of its location along several international boundaries. Area 2,740 square miles (7,096 square km). Pop. (2011) 607,688.

Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. Long a sovereign political entity, Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and an Indian state in 1975.

Weather

Sikkims geographical location with its altitudinal variation allows it to have tropical, temperate and alpine climatic conditions within its small area of 7,096 kms.Temperature conditions vary from sub-tropical in the southern lower parts to cold deserts in the snowy north. It is also the most humid region in the whole range of the Himalayas, because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and direct exposure to Southern monsoon. Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F).

Language

The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang.

Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha are spoken in certain areas. English is also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma, Hindi, Majhi, Majhwar, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha.

Major Airports

The first airport of Sikkim, Pakyong Airport located in the Pakyong Village, 35kms south of Gangtok besides Dikling Monastery and the National Research Centre, 4500 feet above sea level, could be considered a special airport as it increases connectivity to Sikkim, a much-loved travel spot for Indians as well as global travellers. The Pakyong Airport has the honour of being among the highest airports of the country.

Apart from Pakyong airport, Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is only 124 Kms away from Gangtok is the alternative to Pakyong Airport for visitors visiting sikkim. India’s national carrier, Indian Airlines including almost all other domestic airlines such as Jet Airlines, Air Deccan run regular flights from the important cities of India such as Kolkata, Delhi etc. Bagdogra is also connected with Gangtok by daily helicopter service operated by Sikkim Tourism development Corporation and it will take only 20 minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra. This helicopter service is subjected to the weather conditions.

Railway Station

New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two rail stations nearest to Sikkim located in West Bengal. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well connected to all the major cities. Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalized Transport office in all working days.

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. Sikkim became a part of India as late as 1975. An independent monarchy before, little is known about its history, apart from it being a base for Tibetans, and the British building the hamlet of Gangtok as their military base when forging into Tibet during the 19th century.

The impact of this is still vibrant today in the culture, look and feel of the city. It is dotted with Tibetan monasteries and Tibetan culture. Resembling the Bhutanese capital, Thimpu, in its structure, it is a small hill city, a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. A popular base for treks, Gangtok attracts trekkers from all over India and abroad. Unlike big cities, Gangtok has none of the noise, pollution and bustle, nor a skyline of tall buildings, but is equipped with plentiful amenities to give its visitors are wholesome experience of life in the mountains.

Nepali is the local language, and spoken popularly. Due to its similarity to Hindi, most people understand Hindi as well. English is the state language. The city is a very tourist friendly locale from the standpoint of communication. Tibetan, Bhutia, Sikkimese are some of the other local languages.

Places Of Interest
  • Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology
  • Do-drul Chorten
  • Rumtek Monastery
  • Enchey Monastery
  • Hanuman Tok
  • Lake Tsomgo
  • Nathu La Pass
  • Banjhakari Falls And Park
  • Tashi View Point
  • By Air: The nearest Airport – The Pakyong Airport, 30 km from Gangtok.
  • By Train : The nearest train station is New Jalpaiguri, in Siliguri.

Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. Located 10 km from Geyzing and 130 km from Gangtok, the main attraction of the place is the breathtaking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighboring peaks

The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometer from here and is a major tourist hotspot. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Pelling, a beautiful petite town sited at a height of 6800ft was initially covered with wild thick forest which served as home to many indigenous wild animals of that period including Wildman (may not be yeti though). This ridge being situated in between two old Buddhist monasteries (Pemayangtse and Sangacholing) developed into a full-fledged village named Pelling. Today, Pelling is one of the best-chosen tourist hotspots in Sikkim. More than that, Pelling is the heart where all the breathtaking tourist spots of West Sikkim can be visited.

A destination for all seasons, Pelling has hotels and resorts catering to all budgets. Named after the guardian deity of Sikkim, Khangchendzonga Festival is held at Pelling every year.

Places Of Interest

The main highlight of the place includes a view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains, many gorgeous waterfalls, bridges, ancient monasteries and so on.

  • Pemayangtse Monastery.
  • Khecheopalri Lake.
  • Rabdentse Ruins.
  • Samga Choeling Monastery.
  • Kanchenjunga Falls.
  • Yuksom.
  • Sangachoeling Monastery.
  • Tashiding Monastery.
  • Rimbi Waterfall.
  • Darap Village.
  • Sewaro Rock Garden.
  • Singshore Bridge.
  • Kanchenjunga National Park.
  • Kaluk.
  • Changey Waterfall.
  • Ravangla.
  • By Air: The nearest airport from Pelling is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal which is around 160 kilometers from it.
  • By Train : The nearest railway station to Pelling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri, West Bengal.

Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.

In Short, Darjeeling is one of the prettiest hill stations in India located in the northern part of West Bengal. It’s all about magnificent views of snowcapped Kanchenjunga, torrents flowing down the mountain slopes, lovely tea gardens, landscapes with firs, pines & ferns, and all that combined with friendly people and modern yet colonial charm.

You can find about 4000 different types of flowering plants in Darjeeling district including rhododendrons, orchids, magnolia etc, there are some 300 types of ferns including the rare fern trees. And if you care to go around the forested land, you can see some amazing animal life like red pandas, pangolins, yellow throated martens, barking deer as well as leopards and even elephants in their natural habitats. And of course if your vacation plan is to Relax, Enjoy Food, do shopping and sightseeing, the friendly natives like the Nepalis, Tibetans and Lepchas will make you feel perfectly at home as you enjoy the fabulous weather and charm of the place.

Places Of Interest
  • Kanchenjunga Mountain.
  • Tiger Hill.
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
  • Japanese Peace Pagoda.
  • Tinchuley Village.
  • Batasia Loop.
  • Darjeeling Toy Train.
  • Lamahatta.
  • Mahakal Temple.
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
  • Passenger Ropeway.
  • By Air: Nearest Airport is Bagdogra which is 76km away from Darjeeling
  • By Train :Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri 76kms away.

Lachung is a small hill town tucked in the Himalayas of North Sikkim, at an altitude of 3000 ft above MSL. The drive to Lachung is as scenic as the town itself. Accessible by road from Gangtok, which is located at a distance of 120km, Lachung is a town out of some old classic book. Most of the houses are made of wood, surrounded by small kitchen gardens around winding roads, small stepped grassy fields, wandering cows, interrupted every now and then by a small shop. Here, you would feel like you have been transported to a different time, except that you still get to use your smartphone when you get the network.

Lachung offers great views of snow capped mountain peaks around the year. It is surrounded by waterfalls on the mountain routes. In the winter season, the region receives snow. The best time to visit is during the summer or autumn, avoiding the monsoon which brings landslides, and winter, during which many routes are closed due to snowfall.

Places Of Interest
  • Yumthang Valley.
  • Yume Samdong (Zero Point).
  • Naga Falls.
  • Bhim Nala Falls.
  • Lachung Monastery.
  • Lachung River.
  • Sikkim Travel Tour.
  • By Air: Nearest Airport is around 125 km from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri.
  • By Train :Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri 191kms.

Lachen is the sister town of Lachung, tucked away in the Himalayan wonders, surrounded by the Lachen Chu river and mountain ranges. Located at an altitude of 8838ft and a distance of 109 km from Gangtok, it is the starting point of treks further north into the Himalayas, and also to the nearby Gurudongmar Lake & Chopta Valley. As with all the areas in North Sikkim, travel to Lachen requires permits, being close to the China border. This can be obtained via a travel agency from Gangtok.

The town carries all the charm of a small hill town, with wooden houses, narrow curvy roads, grazing cattle, and beautiful vistas of the hills. Growth of tourism in the area has led to more concrete and brick houses, but the old charm remains. There is nothing much to buy in the town, but the picturesque setting of the town itself is a feast for the eyes. A walk around the town in the early morning or evening is a light exercise as well as a delight for those who relish old world sights. Lachen monastery is a short walk, and a beautiful site showcasing Buddhist culture. The inhabitants of Lachen are mostly Bhutias or Tibetan Buddhists but they understand Hindi.

Lachen is one of the most scenic spots in Sikkim, and shows the unadulterated, untouched countryside of the hills of India, recreating the old-world charm. Most hotels in Lachen are homestays and the hospitality of the people can be experienced first-hand. It is also the starting points of treks in the mountains, which require elaborate planning and permits. Professional mountaineers and trekkers will need to plan their treks way in advance, as per the season.

Places Of Interest
  • Lachen Monastery.
  • Shingba Rhododendron Sancturay.
  • Gurudongmar Lake.
  • Chopta Valley.
  • Thangu Valley.
  • Tso Lhamo Lake.
  • Lhonak Valley Or Muguthang Valley.
  • Green Lake.
  • By Air: Nearest Airport is around 200 km is Bagdogra in West Bengal.
  • By Train :Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri 155 kms away.

Kalimpong is a bustling bazaar town set among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. Kalimpong has become an important tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. It is famous for its flower market, especially the wide array of orchids.

A part of Bhutan until it was wrested by colonial British and joined to the Indian Territory, the hill station of Kalimpong boasts of ancient Buddhist monasteries, quaint old churches and popular temples. Situated on the lower ranges of the Himalayas, Kalimpong offers panoramic vistas of the Teesta Rangit Valley in Sikkim.

Kalimpong is situated on the northern edge of West Bengal in East India and is about 53 km from the hill station of Darjeeling. The town was added to the district of Darjeeling in 1866. In 1866–1867 an Anglo-Bhutanese commission demarcated the common boundaries between the two, thereby giving shape to the Kalimpong subdivision and the Darjeeling district.

Places Of Interest
  • Deolo Hill.
  • Dr Graham’s Home.
  • Pine View Nursery.
  • Durpin Dara Hill.
  • Kalimpong Science Centre.
  • Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery.
  • Delo Park.
  • Hanuman Temple.
  • Mangal Dham.
  • 7th Mile View Point.
  • Thongsha Gumpha.
  • Crookety House.
  • By Air: Nearest Airport is Bagdogra 79km in West Bengal.
  • By Train :Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri 77 kms away.

Attractions and Activities

Gangtok: The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is known for its scenic beauty, bustling markets, and vibrant culture. Visit attractions like the Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

Nathula Pass: Located on the Indo-China border, Nathula Pass offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and is accessible via a permit obtained in Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake): Situated at an altitude of 3,753 meters, this glacial lake is renowned for its serene beauty and is a popular tourist destination.

Yumthang Valley: Also known as the "Valley of Flowers," Yumthang is famous for its vibrant alpine flowers and is a paradise for nature lovers.

Pelling: A picturesque town in West Sikkim, Pelling offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and is a gateway to various monasteries and trekking trails.

Ravangla: Known for its tranquil environment and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Ravangla is a popular destination for meditation and trekking.

Trekking: Sikkim offers numerous trekking trails, including the Goechala Trek, Dzongri Trek, and Singalila Ridge Trek, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and rich biodiversity.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Toy Train offers a nostalgic journey through picturesque tea gardens, quaint villages, and stunning mountain vistas.

Tiger Hill: Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayas.

Tea Gardens: Darjeeling is renowned for its tea industry, and a visit to its sprawling tea gardens offers insight into the tea-making process along with scenic beauty.

Batasia Loop: A unique engineering marvel, Batasia Loop is a spiral railway loop where the Toy Train makes a loop around a garden and offers panoramic views of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Home to endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf, this zoo is dedicated to the conservation of Himalayan wildlife.

Japanese Peace Pagoda: A symbol of peace and harmony, the Japanese Peace Pagoda offers panoramic views of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.

Adventure Sports: Darjeeling offers opportunities for adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, and river rafting in the Teesta River.

Location

Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, boasts dramatic landscapes and Buddhist monasteries. Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station in West Bengal, offers stunning views of the Himalayas and renowned tea estates. Together, they form a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in northeastern India.

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