North East India Tourist Destination
  
Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim the 22nd
state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April,
1975. It is considered a Himalayan wonderland with its lovely
views and exotic orchids, and its forest-trails. A virtual Shangrila
overlooked by Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak,
Sikkim is attractive equally for the sightseer, the adventure
sports enthusiast and those interested in Buddhism and Tibetology.
Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district
has further been bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative
purpose. Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain ranges
of Himalayas, is hilly having varied elevation ranging from
300 to 8540 meters.
A Brief History of Sikkim
 Sikkim
was inhabited in pre-historic times by three tribes namely Naong,
Chang and the Mon. The Lepcha who entered Sikkim sometimes later
absorbed them completely. The origin of Lepchas is shrouded
in mistery but it seems that they belonged to the clan of the
Nagas of the Mikir, Garo and Khasia hills which lie to the south
of the Bramaputra valley. Some believe they came from somewhere
on the borders of Tibet and Burma. According to their own tradition
they came to Sikkim from the east in company with Jindaxs, who
went to Nepal and shared their tradition. The Lepchas were a
very peace loving people, deeply religious and shy, which characteristics
they still have retained. They were in fact the children of
nature, and worshipped nature or spirits of nature. These Lepcha
lived quite close to the nature by way of leading sustenance.
Some of them practiced shifting cultivation and raised grains
like maize and millets. They led a tribal life at the beck and
call of their tribal leader.
Location
Sikkim is a very small hilly state in the Eastern Himalayas,
extending approximately 114 Kms from north to south and 64Kms
from east to west, surrounded by vast stretches of Tibetan Plateau
in the North, Chumbi Valley of Tibet and the kingdom of Bhutan
in the east, Darjeeling district of West Bengal in the south
and the kingdom in Nepal in the west . The state being a part
of inner ranges of the mountains of Himalayaa has no open valley
and no plains but carried elevations ranging from 300 to 8583
mtrs above means sea level consisting of lower hill, middle
and higher hills, alpine zones and snow bound land, the highest
elevation 8583 mtrs. being the top of the Mt. Kangchendzonga
itself.
Climate
The climate of the state has been roughly divided into the tropical,
temperature and alpine zones. For most of the period in a year,
the climate is cold and humid as rainfall occurs in each month.
The area experience a heavy rainfall due to its proximity to
the Bay of Bengal. The rainfall in north district is comparatively
less than of the other districts. The general trend of decrease
in temperature with increase in altitude holds good every where.
Pre-monsoon rain occurs in April-May and monsoon (south-west)
operates normally from the month of May and continues up to
early October.
TREKKING IN SIKKIM
North
Sikkim trekking expedition to Green - Lake
Perhaps the most beautiful of the districts, the north offers
an exquisite experience for the lover of nature and alpine scenery.
Yumthang alone is enough to satiate the most demanding, with
it's panoramic valley of flowers. During springtime the lush
meadows abound with delicate wildflowers that carpet the valley
floor in a rich riot of colors. A must-see here are the hot
springs and the vibrant Sikkimese tribal culture and customs.
Rhododendron Trek
This trek takes one through Darjeeling , its tea plantation
and on to exciting Goecha-La in Sikkim. Here one traverse at
the base of Kanchenjunga. In this trek one walks through verdant
tropical and alpine forests where a great variety of orchids
and Rhododendrons and Primuleas carpet the alpine terrain. The
valleys are warm and one can expect temperatures around 350C
while night temperature drop below 0 C
Yoksum To Dzongri & The Guicha La
If one is in search of adventure, the west is the district to
visit. The west district lives up to its proverbial name as
being wild and free as it is the base from where all treks into
the wilds of the majestic Himalayas begin. Whether it's white
water rafting down the frothing waters of the Teesta and Rangit,
or trekking through the beautiful and dense Rhododendron forests,
the west district has it all.
READ MORE ABOUT SIKKIM TREKKING
River Rafting in Sikkim
River rafting enthusiasts have two rivers the Teesta and Rangit
gushing through paradise country. The Teesta (also spelt as
Tista) experience takes one rafting from Makha down to Sirwani
and Sirwani to Rangpo. The Rangit (also spelt as Rangeet) expedition
is from Sikip to Nayabazar to Melli.
Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek the assistance
of the Department of Tourism and travel agents for arranging
river-rafting trips.
READ MORE ABOUT RIVER RAFTIN IN HIMALAYAS
Kayaking in Sikkim
Kayaking is undertaken on the Teesta and is arranged for special
groups. Kayaking is for the more experienced and requires some
expertise. Fibreglass kayaks of international standards are
available on hire.
Yak Safari in Sikkim
A Safari With A Difference .Yak Safari is organized from Dzongri
onwards by Sikkim Tourism or organized Sikkim Travel agencies
on prior booking. An unforgettable experience!
Mountain Biking in Sikkim
Mountain Biking is another adventure that has been recently
introduced in Sikkim. Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable
by mountain bikes. This sport is definitely poised to become
popular in Sikkim in the near future. The sport is being promoted
in most parts of North Sikkim & West Sikkim. For further
details please contact - Sikkim Tourism.
Facilities are also available for Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing
with instructors from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute
in Gangtok.
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