Sikkim, once a tiny, mysterious Himalayan kingdom, is today open to tourists and trekking has been permitted in many forbidden regions in the north. Now a part of India (since 1971), this tiny state beckons visitors with its mysterious mountains, enchanting lakes and ancient monasteries, where learned lamas have been chanting sacred mantras for centuries. Sikkim is home to a mixture of Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali people. The third highest mountain in the world Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) looms large in the background at all times. Kanchenjunga translates as “treasure of the five snows” and is named after its five snowy peaks. Sandwiched by Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east and Darjeeling in the south it shares its borders with three of the most interesting regions in the Himalayas.

Places to visit

Gangtok at 1,780m is the capital and sits atop a ridge straddling much of the hillside. Among the places of interest are Enchery Monastery, Lal Bazaar and the Institute of Tibetology where one can see rare manuscripts, statues, antique thangkas and rare ritual objects. Do-Dual Chorten is a stupa, a Buddhist shrine where devotees come to circumambulate while turning the many prayer wheels that encircle the mound.

Beyond Gangtok

The famous Rumtek Monastery is 24 km. From Gangtok and the highest- ranking monk here is the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. 38 km. East of the capital lies the pristine Tsomgo Lake at 3,780m. Further up along the old trade route to Tibet and 20km. From Tsomgo Lake is the Nathula Pass (4,392m). North Sikkim has recently been opened to tourists and the unspoiled landscape of meadows endowed with flowers and the sight of lazy yaks grazing in the peaceful ambience is simply enthralling. One such enchanting place is Yumthung at 3,782m and is 134km from Gangtok. Drive to the west of Sikkim and there is the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. This is a lamasery belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism (112 km from the capital). One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim is the Sangacholing, which was built in 1697. The most sacred lake is the Khecheopari; revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. An exhilarating drive to the top of Manam Hill (3,141m) is rewarded by a sweeping view encompassing the Himalayas and the plains down below.

Activities

There is much to do in Sikkim. You can go trekking, mountaineering, rafting down the turbulent rivers or join the unique yak safari. The hidden beauty of north Sikkim has not been explored by many and remains untouched by the ravages of human habitation.

Getting there

An easy means of reaching Sikkim is to fly to Bhadrapur in the terai in eastern Nepal. After this one hour flight, drive all the way to Siliguri in West Bengal, India through the Indo-Nepalese border at Kakarbhitta. Gangtok is 110km or 31/2 hour drive away from Siliguri. Travelling through India, the nearest Indian airport is Bagdogra,which is connected to the important cities in northern India like Delhi and Kolkota.

When to visit

Avoiding the monsoon and the bitter winter is the basic rule. Visit any time between March-May and from October-December. The skies are clearer and the days, pleasant.