| Sikkim | |
| Capital | Gangtok |
|---|---|
| Residents | 657.876 (2011) |
| surface | 7,096 km² |
| website | www.sikkim.gov.in/ |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | |
| location | |
.svg/250px-Sikkim_in_India_(claimed_and_disputed_hatched).svg.png) | |
Sikkim is an Indian state in East India and was an independent kingdom until 1975. Because of its location in the southern Himalaya it is particularly popular as a trekking destination, in Sikkim lies with the Kangchenjunga, with 8,586 m the third highest mountain on earth. The capital of the state is Gangtok.
Regions
Sikkim lies between Nepal, Bhutan and China in the north and borders on the Indian state in the south West Bengal.
places
East Sikkim
- Gangtok
- Aritar, Rumtek, Changu Lake, Nathula
North Sikkim
- manganese
- Chungthang, Dzongu, Lachung, Singhik, Lachen, Phodong, Kabi, Gurudongmar, Yumthang
West Sikkim
- Gyalshing
- Tashiding
- Pelling
- Uttarey, Rinchenpong, Yuksam, Khecheopalri, Pemayangste, HeeBermoik, Soreng, Varsey, Dentam, Sombaria, Legship
South Sikkim
- Namchi
- Ravangla, Jorethang, Samdrupste, Solophok
Other goals
background
Sikkim was an independent kingdom before joining a state of India in 1975.
language
The most important language for travelers is certainly English. Next to it are Hindi, Nepali, Lepchu and Bhutia are important national and official languages.
getting there
The state does not have its own airport or rail network. The journey is therefore made in the last stage on the road.
Entry requirements
Due to the sensitive border relations with China, special regulations apply to entry. So every foreigner needs one Inner Line Permit (ILP)that one in Sikkim HouseDelhi, Kolkata or on the border of Sikkim in Rangpo If you state in the visa application for India that you want to travel to Sikkim, you usually get the Inner Line Permit with the India visa.
In India, Inner Line Permits are issued by:
- Sikkim House, 12-14 Panchsheet Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (Tel 011-2611 5346),
- Sikkim Tourist Center, SNTC Bus Stand, Hill Cart Road, Silguri (Tel 0354-251 2646),
- Sikkim Tourist Information Center, Sikkim House, 4/1 Middleton St., Kolkata (Tel. 033-2281 7905)
- Foreign Regional Registration Office in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Darjeeleing.
- Immigration authorities at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai airports,
The permit is valid for 2 weeks after entering Sikkim and can be extended for 2 more weeks. The extension of the permit is from Foreigners' Registration Office, Kazi Road, Ganngtok (Tel. 03592-223041) or from the police in manganese, Gyalshing and Namchi performed. The Inner Line Permit is valid for the south of Sikkim and for large parts of the east and west of Sikkim with the exception of treks in the high mountains.
For the sensitive border regions like the Tsomogo Lake in the east of Sikkim, including most of North Sikkim and treks into the high mountains Dzongri and Singalila Ridge you need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Foreigners are only allowed to visit these regions in groups of at least two people and accompanied by a representative of a travel agency. The agency also takes over the procurement of this protected area permit.
Foreigners are allowed some regions, for example Nathu La in the east of Sikkim or Gurudongman Lake do not visit in northern Sikkim.
Current information can be found on the Homepage Sikkims.
By plane
By train
The next train station is in New Jalpaiguri Near Siliguri also about 120 kilometers from Gangtok. It is served by night trains from Calcutta.
The narrow-gauge one runs between Siliguri and Darjeeleing Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Other means of transport are faster than this train, but it is definitely worth seeing. Sometimes steam locomotives still run. The route mostly leads along the street.
Public transport / taxi
The arrival from Siliguri or Bagdogrades can be easily reached by bus or taxi / SUV (around 100 INR). There are also shared taxis several times a day Kalimpong (120 Rs., 2½ St .; 2015) and Darjeeling.
There are bus connections from / to Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Siliguri in West Bengal as Jorethang in the south of Sikkim. The buses of the state company Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) stop in Gangtok on SNT bus stand, Paljor Stadium Road and Metro Point, MG Marg. Private buses stop at Private bus stand, National Highway NH-31A, 2KM south of downtown.
mobility
As already mentioned under arrival, there will be a bus, taxi or SUV.
Tourist Attractions
Monasteries
- Pemayangtse, 118 km from Gangtok, 2 km from Pelling and 9 km from Gyalshing away. 17th century monastery overlooking [Darjeeling], The monastery is also Perfect Sublime Lotus (perfect sublime lotus) called. It was built in the 17th century. of Lhatson Champo, the patron saint of Sikkim and is one of the most important monasteries in the country. In the large, three-story gompa there are pictures of Guru Rinpoche and Lhatsun Chenpo, valuable thangkas (scroll paintings) and wall paintings. The wooden sculpture on top represents Sang Phok Patri, the whereabouts of the Guru Rinpoche in heaven, and was carved and painted by the abbot of the monastery at the time. He is said to have worked on the depictions of demons, animals, dragons, Buddhas and bodhisatvas for five years. Every year for the New Year celebrations (February / March) there is a large monastery festival (chaam) instead of.Open: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Price: INR 20.
- Rumtek. This monastery belonging to the Kagyu order is located a little outside of Gangtok. It was built in 1961. Arriving by taxi / off-road vehicle from Gangtok.
- Tashiding. Considered the holiest monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is located on a conical mountain 19 km southeast of Yoksum. It was built in 1717 - according to legend, in a place that a huge rainbow marks the summit of Kanchenjunga Association. The path leads steeply upwards from the main road, the last part is decorated with flags. The monastery consists of several stupas (chorten), chapels and the main temple as well as a number of stupas (chorten) with the relics of the lamas of Sikkims. Here, on the 15th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Nyingmapa Buddha Festival instead of.
landscape
- Maenam. The mountain is 3,235 meters high, the climb from Ravangla is 10 kilometers long with an altitude difference of 1,000 meters and takes 3 to 4 hours. When the weather is nice, there is a wonderful view of the summit of Narsing (5,825 meters).
- Yumhang. The road from Lachung leads to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The place Yumhang is located at 3,645 meters above sea level. Steep rocks and peaks up to 6,000 meters high tower on both sides of the valley. A 10-kilometer hiking trail leads from the valley back to the entrance of the rhododendron reserve.
- Khecheopalri Lake (Wishing Lake), 33 km northwest of Pelling at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The lake applies to the Lepchas as a holy lake. According to legend, a bird gathers the leaves that fall on the surface of the lake to keep the water clean.
activities
Trekking
Sikkim is a popular destination for hiking. Treks into the high mountains are only allowed in groups and are organized by the following agencies in Gangtok:
The agencies also obtain the necessary permits. A high mountain trek costs US $ 40 to 150 per person per day.
Popular and recommended treks are:
- Dzongri Trek. This 5-6 day trek leads from Yuksom to Dzongri. There is in Gangtok some agencies that take care of the organization (guides, porters, equipment, directions). From Yuksom (1770 m) you hike for three days to Dzongri. From the summit (4200 m) you have a wonderful view of the Himalayas with the Kangchenjunga (8586 m).
- Monasteries Trek. Season: March-May / October-December, route: PeMaiangtse- Sangacholing- Khecheopalri- Dubdi- Hongri- Sinon- Tashiding- Ralong.
- Rhododendron Trek. Season: March-May, route: Naya Bazaar - Hilley / Soreng - Barsey - Dentam - PeMaiangtse.
- Khangchendzonga Trek. Season: mid-March - mid-June / October - December, route: Yuksom - Bakhim - Tsoka - Dzongri - Thangsing / Bikbari / Kokchorong - Lamuni / Chaurigang - Goechala / Rathong Glacier and back.
- Coronation Walk. Season: October / December, route: Rumtek - Sang - Yangyang - Ravang - Tashiding - Yuksom.
- Khedi Trek. Season: October - December, route: Assam Lingzey - Pashing Teng Kha (Base Camp, 1425 m) - Chauri Kharka - Do Bato - Khedi - Sela Pass (3150 m) - Do Basto - Tal Kharka - Nubang - Passang Teng Kha.
- Singalila Trek. Season: mid-May - October, route: Uttarey - Chewabhanjang - Dhor (Wahong) - Sikkim Megu - Dafey Bhir - Gomanthag / Boktok - Tegyapla - Bikbari - Dzongri * Tsoka - Yuksom.
- Kosturi Orar Trek. Season: mid-March - mid-June / October - December, route: Yuksom - Dzongri - Theshyapla - Bikbari - Dzongri - Tsoka - Yuksom.
- Samartek Trek. Season: mid-March - mid-June / October - December, route: Kodong - Dokshing - Tsen Khong - Lenchok - Samartek - Pakchong - Kungo - Kuling Nae (Cave) Gungramgampo - Singhik Dak Bungalow.
- Rinchenpong / Soreng Trek. Season: April - June / October - December, route: Kaluk - Rinchenpong Dak bungalow - Rigsum Gumpa - Kaluk - Sribadam Jhandi Dara - Soreng.
- Himalayan Trek. Season: April - June / October - December, route: Namchi (Base camp) - Tendong - Damthang - Ravangla - Maenam - Bhaley Dhunga - Yangyang - Sinchuthang - Bermoik - Parbing - Namchi.
- Tosha Lake Trek. Manganese - Naksuk - Sohar Dhe - Soahar Antsok - Patam - Tosar Lake - Maiong Tar - Kale - Manganese.
- Chewabanjyang Trek. Uttarey - Chewanbanjyang - Dhund-Sikkime meghu - Gomathang - Yangsap - Big Bari Khola - Dzongri - Yaksum or Gochala.
- Meanam Hill Trek. Rabong - Meanam - Ballydunga - Ralang.
- Tendong Hill Trek. Dentam - Tendong - Namchi.
kitchen
Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan influences can be found in Sikkim's cuisine. The main components are Reise and Dhal. The traditional stew gyakho (with meat) is only served on special occasions.
Sikkim's specialties are:
- ningro, cut fern leaves with chili,
- shisnu, Nettle
- phing, Glass noodles,
- churpis, Cottage cheese made from yak milk.
The national drink of Sikkim is tomba, it consists of fermented millet, is served in a wooden or bamboo bowl and sipped through a bamboo stalk. The drink is poured with hot water and left to rest for a few minutes and tastes like a warm, milk-like beer.
nightlife
Bars are open until 11 p.m. at the latest. Alcohol is only permitted in licensed bars and restaurants.
Sports betting and gambling in casinos has been permitted since 2009; these are located in large hotels.
climate
The climate is sufficient (comparable to Bhutan from tropical to temperate to alpine. Sikkim has the highest rainfall in the Himalayas. The rainy season is May to October, with most of the rain falling in July. Gangtok has 184 rainy days per year. Fog is common from May to September and there are four seasons:
- Winter: December to February
- Spring: March to May
- Monsoon season: June to September (southwest consumption)
- Retreating monsoon season: October to November
literature
- : Bhutan-Ladakh-Sikkim - Mountain hiking in the Tibetan culture. Graz-Stuttgart: Leopold Stocker Verlag, 1979; 223 pages (German). bound, out of print, antiquarian available
Web links
- http://www.sikkim.gov.in/ - Official website of Sikkim
- Sikkim Nationalized Transport, the state bus company
- Sikkim Tourism (English)
- Map of Sikkim
