Sikkim Tourism

The tourist places in Sikkim.

Sikkim has been given many names. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land called it Nye-mae-el `paradise'. The Limbus named it Su Khim or `new house' while to the Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong `the hidden valley of rice'.

Today, travelers embarking on a journey of Sikkim discover a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. The panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at once fascinating and challenging.

The crowning glory of Sikkim is Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. With magnificent snow and ice scenery it is often regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world. But for the Sikkimese Khangchendzonga is much more than a mountain and is revered as the abode of their guardian deity Dzo-nga.

Sikkim is the top most tours & travel destination in India. It is one of the most politically stable and peaceful place in India. This landlocked state is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts and naturalists. Lying at an elevation of 8,586 metres, the state’s highest point is the summit of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world. Sikkim tourism has lots to offer a discerning traveller. Foreigners here can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained. There are numerous Lakes and Monasteries which make the hill station vibrant and lively. To experience complete rejuvenation, Sikkim is a perfect place to travel for holiday.

Located in the Shivalik Hills and at an altitude of 1437 m. Gangtok is the capital and the largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim and is also known as the land of monasteries, as it has got maximum number of monasteries in the whole world. It is a significant Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre and Buddhist people visit this place every year. Gangtok is situated in the eastern Himalayan range, nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya Mountain and having mild temperate climate year-round, Gangtok is the most important centre of the tourism industry of Sikkim.

The tourists here can have complete enjoyment in terms of adventure, climate, religious tours and unparalleled natural beauty. Gangtok is a cosmopolitan city offering all possible amenities to the travelers here. Cyber cafes, pool parlours, night clubs and Shopping complexes are available in good number for those who love the night life.

MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok is a great place to chill out throughout the day, it’s the country’s first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. This place is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December every year when Sikkim’s multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances is exhibited.

For a complete view of Gangtok and all its surrounding, you can go to Ganest Tok located on a ridge at a distance of seven kilometers from Gangtok, from this place you can get a view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. The view from Ganest Tok is truthfully incredible with snow peaks providing the wonderful background for a panoramic view of Gangtok town.

You can also visit the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, it is the most prestigious research institute of its kind in the whole world, it is a treasure of vast collection of rare Tibetan, Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (colorful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Except for an attractive museum, it has over two hundred Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art and also a renowned centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion in the world.