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The crowning glory of Sikkim is Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. The panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at once fascinating and challenging.
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From Pelling one can also visit Khechopari lake, Rimbi waterfalls, Kanchenjunga waterfalls, Changay waterfalls, Sigshore bridge, Dentam bazar, Yuksam which was set up in 1614 and was the first capital of Sikkim, The Phamrong Waterfalls and Tashiding Monastery.

Lachung
In North Sikkim ia also very popular. Beyong Lachung is the Yumathang valley (valley of flowers). Lachung can be reached by jeep from Gangtok.

The Kanchendzonga National Park
It is in the North District of Sikkim which offer views of the glaciers of which Zemu Glacier is the longest. Snow Leopard can be seen here apart from himalayan black bear, Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer etc.

Kyngnosla Alpine Sanctuary
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.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
The Do-Drul Chorten Stupa which contains some rare 'Mandalas', Holy Books and Mantras is the most important Stupas of Sikkim, built by Truisi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order. It is encircled by 108 prayer wheels.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom was set up by the Government to promote and encourage the traditional Arts & Crafts of Sikkim. It is a storehouse of exquisite Carpets, Blankets & Shawls in 'Lepcha' weaves. (Closed on Second Saturdays & Govt. holidays)

Orchid Sanctuary
Situated just below the Institute of Tibetology, the Orchid Sanctuary offers an exotic sight of over 200 species of orchids. The sanctuary is surrounded by a very beautiful landscape.

Enchey Monastery
Situated at a distance of  3 kms. from Gangtok, this 200 year old Monastery was built after its site was blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa.On special occassions, religious masked dances are performed here.

Research Institute of Tibetology
This is a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy & religion. It is a treasure house of rare Thankas, Statues and over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. (Closed on Second Saturdays and Govt. holidays).

Orchidarium 
The Orchidarium houses some rare tropical and temperate plants and a host of beautiful orchids. It is maintained by the Department of Forests.

Tashi View Point
For a spectacular view of the Mount Khangchen-dzonga and the Mount Siniolchu, head for the Tashi View Point which is just 8Kms away from Gangtok.

Phodong Monastery
Situated at a distance of 38 Kms from Gangtok, the Phodong Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim. The Labrang Monastery lies just 4 kms. from Phodong.

Rumtek Monastery
Situated at a mere 24 Kms from Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the 'Kagyu order', a close replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet. It is an important destination for all the people coming to Sikkim and has some of the most unique art objects of the world.

The Yak Safari is another experience, unique to Sikkim.
There are also good river-rafting avenues in Sikkim. River rafting tours and kayaking are organised on the Tista and Rangeet rivers.
A vast variety of 4000 plant species - magnolias, rhododendrons, junipers, blue poppies and primulas' greet the traveler. You could spot the rare Red Panda, peeping from a tree-top, musk deers, the Himalayan black bear and yaks in the Alpine zone during your stint in the mesmerizing state of Sikkim.The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a natural joyous rectitude. The lives of the Sikkimese people revolves around their faith in Buddhism.The Sikkimese people constitute an amalgam of Lepchas, the Bhutias and the Nepalese. A favourite drink of the Sikkimese people is the 'Chaang', a preparation from fermented millet. The drink is served in bamboo containers with a hollow bamboo pipe.

The untouched natural splendour of the grand mountains of Sikkim provides a perfect  avenue for trekking. A leisurely trek from Yuksam, situated 5800 feet above sea level to Dzongri 13,800 ft. takes almost 2 days. All along the route you can admire at the grandeur and beauty of the mountains. And if you are in the mood to rough it up a little more, the trek from Dzongri to Gochala, through spectacular majestic, mountain ranges, will offer you ultimate exhilaration and satisfaction. Sikkim offers some spectacular sights of lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers meandering through the mountain slopes, the grand Himalayas, and terraced hill farms.The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid February to late May and from October To December.

Though Gangtok still remains the main hub of tourism in Sikkim the tourism sector is now also expanding to other planes here. Sikkim has been divided in to the North, South, East and West.

Pelling
On the ridge between the two monasteries the Permayangtse (2kms away) and the Sanga Choling  (2kms away) in a different direction, Pelling can be reached by a bus or jeep from Siliguri (133 kms away). from Gangtok it is 125 kms away. Pelling offers superb views of Kanchenjunga and also there are other sights that can be visited. It is the point of origin for trekking to Varshay, Dzongri and further up. The season time is march- June and September - December.







Enchey MonasteryStanding tall at a height of 8534 mts, the Mount Khangchen-dzonga is a spectacular sight. And situated in the Eastern Himalayas, below the Mount Khangchendzonga, is the small but wonderfully beautiful Sikkim. The Mount Khangchen-dzonga (or Kanchenjunga' as it is commonly called) holds a special importance in the lives of the Sikkimese people who worship it as their protective deity. Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the East, Nepal in the West and the State of West Bengal in the South.

Sikkim is home to woodpeckers, kingfishers, thrushes and cuckoos, among other birds of different feathers.  It also abounds in the growth of flowers of all kinds. The air is always thick with the beautiful fragrances of these floral marvels.







Explore Sikkim  I   Festivals in Sikkim  I   Trekking routes