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NORTH SIKKIM

KABI LUNGTSOK

    This historical place is 17 kms. from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

SINGIEK

    The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.

CHUNGTHANG

    Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river teesta , has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids , plants & wild life, is 95 kms. from Gangtok, 23 kms. from Lachung , 29 kms. from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.

YUMTHANG

    Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Yak and Yeti Travels organise 'Alpine Package Tour' for 2 nights and 3 days and also for 7 nights 8 days and the night stay for the tour is at Lachung, a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.

    LACHEN TO GREEN LAKE TREK.

    SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

    DAY:

       1. Gangtok to Chungthang .
       2. Chungthang to Lachen .
       3. Lachen a day rest .
       4. Lachen to Jakthang .
       5. Jakthang to Yabuk .
       6. Yabuk to rest camp .
       7. Rest camp a day rest .
       8. Rest camp to green lake & back.
       9. Rest camp to Yabuk .
      10. Yabuk to Jakthang .
      11. Jakthang to Lachen .
      12. Lachen to Chungthang .
      13. Chungthang rest/farewell.
      14. Chungthang to Gangtok.

SINGBA RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY IN NORTH SIKKIM

    Singba Rhodendron Sanctury (Area; 43 sq. km/Alt 3048-4575 mts.) is located in North Sikkim in the famous Lachung Valley at a distance of 137 km. from Gangtok , The sanctuary is bouded on its southern pheriphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. It is hemmed in on the east by high regged Chuba - Sagochen mountain ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava pass. The picturesque Yumthang river flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species of which are recorded from Sikkim alone, that ablaze in color during March - May. Rhododendron nevium the state tree occurs through the sanctuary, which is also rich in ground flora such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, larch, juniper, maple with trailing lichens. The also abounds in silver fir, spruce, dense carpet of moss protecting the soil and its inhabitants from the chhu at Phunyi in 1978 and have been flourishing since. Lachung is the last frontier village before reaching the sanctuary. Facilities include Angling in Phuniya Chhu & Yumthang Chhu from April to Spetember, Log brige over Yumthang chhu, waterfall at Phuniya, Hot spring at Yumthang & Log house at Phuniya, Lachung & Yumthang.Yak and Yeti Travels organise package tour to this exotic places.

KANCHANDZONGA NATIONAL PARK

    The Kanchendzonga National Park (KNP) is situated in the North District of Sikkim, with total area of 850 sq. kms. covering the highest elevation range (1829 to 8585 metres) in the country. The area of the park of spectacular wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forest cover. There are many glaciers in the park area. amongst them the Zemu Glacier is the longest and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga (8585 m) which literally means 'Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses' including the five peaks are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area. The topography and the peaks along with the forest wilderness in the park area forms the main attraction of the KNP which attracts nature & adventure lovers from all over the world. Among the avifauna of the state which consists of almost 550 species of birds many are to be found in abundance in the KNP like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, snow pigeon, Impeyan phesants, sunbirds & eagles.

    The variation of altitude and vegetation have enriched the park area with rich variety of flora. The temperate broad leaved forest are dominated by Qurcus spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants.among the fauna to be found in the park area is the famous Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) which holds the apex position. The other best known animals are Clouded Leopard, himalayan black bear, Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Lesser Cats, Tibetan wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan sheep. The trekking spot that falls under the KNP are Dzongri-Thangshing-Gochala-Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp), Green Lake-Jakthang-Yabuk etc. Yak & Yeti Travels organises trekking and mountaineering expedition to the various circuts in the fascinating park which is one of the highest and exotic in the Himalayas.

SOUTH SIKKIM

NAMTSE

    Namtse, meaning sky high, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500 ft., commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. it is also the HQ of the south district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms. from Gangtok and 100 kms. from Siliguri.

TENDONG HILL

Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namtse, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft.,surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. One can also proceed to Namtse by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Such trekking is also possible throughout the year except during monsoons, that is if one is scared of ubiquitous leaches.

RAVANGLA

    At the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South Sikkim and West Sikkim . It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu", one of the holiest caves in Sikkim..

MAENAM HILL

Maenam towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla Bazar settlement. situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft., the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. The trek from Maenam from Ravangla takes about 4 hrs. and from Maenam Hill-Top one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village .

BORONG

    Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Maenam. A picturesque village with beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot spring "Borong Tsa-Chu". The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Maenam-Borong (5 to 6 days) is one of the most interesting trials scaling the hill tops along the route.
VARSEY

    It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has motorable roads access up to Hilley. An easy 4 kms. trek from there takes one up to the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim .

EAST SIKKIM

DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFT & HANDLOOM

    Instituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the state's traditional arts and crafts, the directorate of handicrafts & handloom is a storehouse of hand-woven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely-carved 'Choktse' or table and many other gift items.
    Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year )
    Phone : 23126 , 22928 .
FLOWER FESTIVAL

    Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok. orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.

WHITE HALL

    The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.

RIDGE GARDEN

    The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official residence, known as the Mintogang, meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a Pagoda rooftop on the other end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture. The Ridge is lined with plants and trees which when bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.

DO-DRUL CHORTEN (STUPA)

            The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba around this Chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Mani-lhakor(prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "hail to the jewel in the lotus ", to invoke Buddhisattva.


SIKKIM RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY (SRIT)
The most prestigious of its kind in India - this Buddhist Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas and has over 200 Buddhist icons. Today, it is the renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

      Visiting hours: from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (opened throughout the week and govt. holidays)
      Phone 22525.


SIKKIM TIME CORPORATION LTD. (SITCO)

    Situated at a distance of 1.5 Kms from Gangtok town is one of the first industrial units set up in Sikkim. The Sikkim Time corporation Limited (SITCO), set up in 1977, has grown from strength to strength & now has 4 units which manufacture quality mechanical watches and top class watch crowns. In its 20 years of exestience, besides attaining the distinction of producing over 7.5 millon HMT mechanical watches, the unit is presently involed in marketing its own brand of fashionable digitial watches having Functionals versatality and Analog Watches with exquisite dials and various colour options These quality watches are reasonably priced & aavailable in all the leading outlets of the country. Located in the beautiful campus is a showroom in the factory premises from where the wacthes can be brought at ex-factory cost.
    Visiting hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. expcet Sundays and National Holidays.
    Phone: 23089 / 22338.

     
    RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE

        About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. since the late 1960, traditional in design, it is almost replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The centre has a collection of some of the most unique religious art objects.
        Phone: 22663.
    TASHI VIEW POINT

        Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8 kms. from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
    GANESH TOK

        It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms. from Gangtok. From this spot one gets birds view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves you hot tea/coffee and snacks.

    HANUMAN TOK

          It is 11 kms. from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu temple where the devotees come and offer prayers.


    FAMBONG LA WILDLIFE
    SANCTUARY

        Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 kms. from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq.km. The main vegetation is oak , katus , kimbu , champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be a home for various species of wild animals. The best season is October and April.

    KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY.

        Kyngnosla Alpine Sanctuary (Altitude: 3292-4116m.) is situated some 26 kms. from Gangtok on way to Tsongo Lake, this 3100 hectare sanctuary abounds in Alpine flowers like Poppies, Primulas and rhododendrons. Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan black deer, Red panda, Lesser cats, Blood Peasant are some of the species found. The best period to visit Kyongnosla is July-August-Sept. The sanctuary is rich both in flora and fauna, Rare, endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons intersperesed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are among the important plants present.

        Rhododendrons nevium the State Tree of Sikkim and Cypripedium tibeticum the ground slipper orchid on the verge of extinction, have been introduced here.Groung flora include different species of primulas, wild strawberries, irises, poppies and the rarely seen Panax pseudo-ginseng. Medicinal plants such as 'kutki' Picrorhiza scrophulariflora, 'jatamasi' Nardostachs graandiflora, 'Nilo bikh' Aconitun ferox, Podophyllum emodi and even the wild onion are occupied by the soil binding bamboo Arundinaria sp.

        The area is snow covered often upto May when primulas pop up through the snow and rhododendrons come into bud. By June-July they are full bloom. Flowering succession by the many species continues right through to October when Polygonum sp. the last to flower, dries up. First snowfall is normally by December - January. Tranquil trekking trail begins from Knongnosla Village.

        The routes are: Iris point- Tseten Tashi Cave - Rong Chu 1 km.
        Helipad - Kheding and back
        Helipad - Simulakha - Goral Rock - Tashipong - Rong Chu 6.5 km.
        Rong chu - Namnang Lakha - Nakcho and back 20 km.
        ( Trekkers withpermit from Army can return from Nakcho via Tsongu Lake).

    FIVE POINTS AND SEVEN POINTS TOUR

       1. Directorate of Handicraft.
       2. Enchey Monastery.
       3. Tibetology.
       4. Chorten.
       5. Orchid Sanctuary.
       6. Saramasa Garden.
       7. Rumtek & Botanical Garden.

    VIEW POINTS

       1. Tashi view point.
       2. Hanuman Tok.
       3. Ganesh Tok.
       4. Deer Park.
       5. White Hall & Flower Show.

WEST SIKKIM

RABDENTSE RUINS

    This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 a.d., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
PELLING

    Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
YUKSOM

    This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 a.d. by three learned Lamas. Since the history of the state began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksum is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse which is at a distance of 32 kms. from Yuksun. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksum for those desiring to spend a few days there.

YUKSOM TO DZONGRI TREK

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

DAY :

   1. Gangtok to Yuksom.
   2. Yuksom to Tshoka.
   3. Tshoka - A day rest.
   4. Tshoka to Dzongri.
   5. Dzongri - A day rest.
   6. Dzongri to Tshoka.
   7. Tshoka to Yuksom.
   8. Yuksom - A day rest sight - seeing/farewell.

 

YUKSOM TO GOECHALA TREK

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

DAY:
    

   1. Gangtok to Yuksom.
   2. Yuksom to Bhakim to Tshoka.
   3. Tshoka a day rest.
   4. Tshoka to Dzongri.
   5. Dzongri a day rest.
   6. Dzongri to Thangsing.
   7. Thangsing to Samiti lake.
   8. Samiti to Goechala to Thangsing.
   9. Thangsing to Dzongri.

10. Dzongri to Tshoka.

11. Tshoka to Yuksom.

12. Yuksom a day rest/sight-seeing/farewell.


ROUTE MAP FOR TREKKING LAKES FROM WEST SIKKIM

Sikkim perhaps has the most beuitful natural lakes in the world. It is a domain of sky lacquered lakes, glacial valleys and Chiselled peaks. The best season for the visit is from July to September and if you are trekking some other time make sure that all necessary provisions are provided.
 

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