Sikkim Tourism

SIKKIM
WHERE NATURE SMILES….

WELCOME TO SIKKIM – GENERAL
INFORMATION
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’.
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 - Facts & Figures
Sikkim shares its border with Nepal in the west and

Time zone : IST (UTC+5:30)
Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau
rising from its northern border. It was once a Area :
7,096 km (2,740 sq
mi)
Himalayan monarchy and part of the fabled Silk
Capital : Gangtok
Route to China. Its merger with India in 1975 has
Largest City : Gangtok
offered a window to the world to discover the
District(s) : 4
treasures of this hidden land.
Population : 540,493 (28th)
Sikkim's tiny size geographically belies the profound Density : 76.17/km (197/sq mi)
diversity she offers. The state has the steepest rise
in altitude over the shortest distance and has within Nepali, Bhutia,
Language(s) :
its 7,096 sq. kms the entire climatic range, from English, Hindi
tropical to temperate to alpine, bestowing on the

Shri Prem Singh
land an intense natural heritage. Lush and thick Chief Minister :
Tamang
forests, flush with blooms of exotic flora, hilly
Governor : Shri. Ganga Prasad
expanses embellished by Sikkim's two main rivers,
the Teesta and the Rangeet, the picturesque Established : 16 May 1975
villages, hot springs and waterfalls have a Legislature
: Unicameral (32)
compelling appeal. (seats)
ISO abbreviation : IN-SK

HOW TO REACH SIKKIM –( MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION)
Almost All the modes of transportations are available to visit Sikkim. This Paradise on Earth is
well connected by airways, railways and roadways. In spite of being a hilly state,
transportation of Sikkim is comfortable and more frequent to enjoy the ride on the world’s
most beautiful valley.
AIRPORTS
The airport located nearest to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is only 124
Kms away from Gangtok. India’s national carrier, Air India including almost all other
domestic airlines such as indigo Airlines, Go Air 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.
RAILWAYS
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.
ROADWAYS
The lifeline of Sikkim, which is National Highway 31A connects gangtok with Siliguri and
this picturesque highway runs through the lush green forests along the bank of river Teesta on
one side and sky touching mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya on other side. This unique
ride of almost two hours will gives you the opportunity to enjoy the valley carpeted with
numerous wild flowers. Regular bus service operated by S.N.T. and adequate number of
private buses, jeeps and taxies are available from morning to evening at reasonable rate
and you can have a very comfortable journey. From Siliguri you can catch jeeps and taxies to
reach almost all the important tourist destinations located in both South and West Sikkim.
You can also hire taxies and jeeps to travel to your destination of choice at reasonable rate.
Most of the reputed destinations of siikim are interlinked by motor able all seasons roads.
HELICOPTOR SERVICE
For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism is proud to
present the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to
Bagdogra Airport and back. The five-seater Helicopter offers
an exclusive mode of transport not merely enabling
connecting flights, but also to see Sikkim from an entirely new
view.
Sikkim Helicopter Service also conducts, besides the regular
runs to Bagdogra Airport and back, special mountain
flights.
Special flights are also conducted over West Sikkim and
North Sikkim for a bird's eye-view of the monasteries and
the exotic Valley of Flowers, Yumthang.
GEOGRAPHY
(DISTRICTS OF SIKKIM)
The visitor to Sikkim will be spoilt for choice with each of the four districts offering a unique travel
opportunity.
EAST DISTRICT:
The east district is the most populated with Gangtok being the main administrative and business
centre. Apart from the modern attractions of the capital town, in the east you will also find the beautiful
Tsomgo Lake, the historically important Nathula pass, as well as many monasteries and temples.
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and heart of all the business hubs.
WEST DISTRICT:
West Sikkim is replete with history and religion. This is where the first Chogyal of Sikkim was
consecrated at Yuksum in 1642 and this is where some of the holiest and most important monasteries of
Sikkim were established, including Dubdi and Sanga Choling, the first monasteries to be built in Sikkim.
West Sikkim is beautiful terrain abounding in lakes and waterfalls and also has great trekking routes.
Gyalshing is the head quarter and town of the West District.
 SOUTH SIKKIM:
South Sikkim, the smallest district belies its size with its variety of
tourist attractions. With stupendous view of the Khangchendzonga
range, the south of Sikkim is a fairy tale land of picturesque villages
and high hills. Near Namchi, the district headquarters is
Samdruptse Hill, the site of the 135 feet tall statue of Guru
Padmasambhava. In the south too are Tendong Hill and Maenam
Hill, of mythical importance to the Lepchas and Bhutias, as well as
the tourist destination of Ravangla which hosts the annual Pang
Lhabsol festival with great pageantry. Namchi is the district
headquarter of South Sikkim which is 78 kms from Gangtok.
 NORTH DISTRICT:
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 its
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. 67 kms from Gangtok is the
Mangan District Headquarter of North District. A three day music
festival is held at Mangan in December every year.

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SIKKIM

WHERE NATURE SMILES….

Sikkim shares its border with Nepal in the west and

tropical to temperate to alpine, bestowing on the

ISO abbreviation : IN-SK

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