Sikkim General Information
A paradise of natural beauty, Sikkim lies nestled - and almost hidden - between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalayas. This small but beautiful land is dominated by Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese, and Kanchenjunga is revered as their protective dc:eity. With 200 Buddhist monasteries dotted across the tiny land, the influence of Buddhism is everywhere. Even in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags are a constant reminder of the teachings of Lord Buddha. Until 1975, Sikkim was an independent kingdom ruled by Chogyals (kings). The history of Sikkim's Chogyals dates back to the sixteenth century, when the first Chogyal was consecrated by three holy men at Yoksom, in West Sikkim. In 1975, following a popular movement to abolish the monarchy, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union.
Long a restricted area, Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors from around the world to share its rich heritage and natural bounty.
Area : 7300 sq.kms
Number of districts : Four (North, East, South and west
Population : 4,21,500
Language spoken : Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi
GANGTOK
Gangtok is the capital town of Sikkim, which is also one of the well known hill stations of India. It is at an altitude of 5840ft. (1780m) above sea level with approximate population of 50,000 and and area of 15 square kilometers. An important transit point on the busy trade route with Tibet at one time, Gangtok today has become the base from which tourists can plan their exploration of Sikkim at the same time providing a breather from the exhilarating experience of the rest of Sikkim
The town has emerged into the mainstream of the tourism industry with more and more tourists visiting this Himalayan state every year.
CLIMATE
Sikkim has a typical four-season year. The temperature of Gangtok in summer is Max. 210C and Min. 130C and in winter it is Max. 130C and Min. 0.480C. Gangtok records rainfall on an average of 325cm per annum.
Best season to travel: March to late May/October to December.
MONEY
Indian currency called 'RUPIAH' is in use throughout Sikkim, which comes in the note of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
COMMUNICATION
Sikkim is linked to the world through satellite and there are many internet service providers, where you can surf the net and mail and international direct dialing and subscribers trunk dialing facilities are also available.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
Trekking permits are issued to foreign tourists consisting of a group of 4 or more provided they are sponsored by recognized travel agents.
Follow the formal entry routes into Sikkim as prescribed in the inner Line Permit.
Foreigners may now visit Lachung and Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim for 5 days and Tsangu in East Sikkim for one day, subject to obtaining protected area permits from Secretary Tourism, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. Permits may be obtained in advance or on arrival at Gangtok through recognized travel agent. If you are traveling from Nepal you can opt for Visa from Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
SHOPS
Gangtok has facilities for the tourists who want to buy books, souvenirs, gifts and handloom garments, Tibetan carpets, thangkas. Many of them has interesting selections of books on Sikkim and India, post cards and handmade paper. You can also take back with you the special products of Sikkim such as Cheese, Teas and fruit juice. The main thoroughfare of Gangtok town is MG Marg. Slightly less than a kilometer in length adn lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, bakeries, studios, cyber cafe, pool rooms and curio shops.
TOURISM DEPARTMENT OF SIKKIM
A great deal of information can be easily available from the Tourism Department of Sikkim in Gangtok. Tourist Information Center is located at MG Marg.