No wonder Sikkim is a bio-diversity hotspot; the state constituites only 0.2percent of the area of India but has 26 percent of its biodiversity species of flora and fauna, wild animals like marmots and the red panda, a wide range of flora from primulas to orchids. More then 580 varieties of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 552 species of birds can be found in Sikkim. The pristine unspoilt natural beauty includes alpine landscape, thick luxuriant tropical forest, rivers in torrents and peaceful lakes. Sikkim has a very rugged and formidable topography.
Sikkim was earlier a protectorate of India with a monarchy Government but in 1975 it metamorphosed as the 22nd state of the Indian union. All though Nepali is the most widely spoken language in Sikkim, everyone seems to know Hindi and English. In spite of rapid development, Sikkim continues to be a small place and everything about it is simple.
Sikkim Travel Info
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN Sikkim
Changu Lake/ Tsomgo Lake
A lake at 3753 meters impossible you will say but it is a fact. Changu Lake is 38kms from Gangtok and is situated on the Gangtok Nathula High Way which forms a part of the old trade route from India to China.
Baba Mandir
This temple lies on the road between the Nathula and Jelepla Pass. There is a touching story behind the establishment of the temple. Harbhajan Singh was a soldier in the Punjab Regiment.
Nathula Pass
Nathula at 4320meters (14400ft) remained as the major Pass connecting Sikkim to Tibet till 1962. It was through this pass that trade between the two countries used to be carried out with trains of mules carrying wool, gold, rock salt .
Pelling
Pelling is a town in the district of West Sikkim, India. It is nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 ft). The town is located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing.
Namchi
Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level and is a dristic head quarter of South. It is situated at a distance of 92 km from the state capital Gangtok and is fastly emerging as a tourist destination.
Yuksom
The tranquil little village and surrounding of Yuksom offer ample opportunity for experiencing the history of Sikkim. Yuksom is situated 119kms from present Capital Gangtok and 34kms from Pelling.
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 5,800 feet (1,800 m) and covers an area of 2.54 square km.
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Things To Do In Sikkim
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Traditional Food In Sikkim
Momos
Thukpa
Daal Bhaat
bamboo shoot curry
Dhindo
How to reach Sikkim ?
By Air : Bagdogra near Siliguri, 120 km from Gangtok is the nearest airport to the state. Another special Helicopter service has come up in Bagdogra for reaching Sikkim .You can use this service once in a day and four people are allowed at one time.