Sikkim
“Sikkim – The Switzerland Of the East”
Sikkim offers unparalleled beauty. Hilltop monasteries, sleepy hamlets tucked away in the rolling valleys, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze – that’s Sikkim- Switzerland of the East. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. The most widely accepted origin theory of the name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two Limbu words: su, which means “new”, and khyim, which means “palace” or “house”. Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok. It also has the only open land border between India and China. Sikkim’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism.
Popular Tourist Places in Sikkim1. Monasteries :- In testament to the fact that Sikkim is a marvelous place for meditation, almost 200 monasteries dot the divine hilltops. The most visited monasteries in Sikkim are Rumtek (overlooking Gangtok), Pemayangtse (near Pelling in West Sikkim), and Tashiding (also in West Sikkim). 2. Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail:- Sikkim is a trekker’s paradise. The trek from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak, and further on to Goecha Peak if you’re up for the challenge, is the most popular trek in Sikkim. It passes through the unspoiled forests, magnificent rhododendron gardens, and powerful rivers of Kachenjunga National Park. 3. Teesta River Rafting:- River rafting is the latest adventure activity to arrive in Sikkim, and the Teesta River offers some world class opportunities. The Rangeet River, with its more turbulent waters, also offers advanced rafting opportunities from Sikip-Jorethang-Majitar-Melli. The best time for rafting in Sikkim is from March to May and October to December. 4. Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries:- Sikkim is renowned for its astounding variety of birds, animals, and flowers – over 450 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, 450 varieties of orchids, and 40 species of rhododendron. Two of the best places to see them are the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in south Gangtok & Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary around an hour from Gangtok on the way to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La. 5. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple:- Up the hills, close to Nathula pass, there is a temple dedicated to an Indian soldier Harbhajan Singh, who died years ago on duty. Till date the soldiers’ community believe that his unsatisfied soul still guards the border in service of the country and guide his fellow soldiers about the ensuing dangers. His shoes, bed and water bottles are worshipped by the army men on duty there. To see this legendary Baba Harbhajan temple, you need to visit Gangtok. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, quaint sleepy town is the capital of Sikkim. Stare at the sunrises and the sunsets beyond the misty peaks, sit on the edge of the river Teesta. |
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