HIMANI HIMALAYA TREKS AND TOURS
Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India and one of the smalles and therefore an apt adage: Sikkim- Small but Beautiful. The thumb-shaped state borders Nepal in the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan in the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official language of the state is English and the three ethic people of Sikkim – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese speak their respective languages.
Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Khangchendzonga, the world’s third highest peak, is located in the northwestern part of the state on the boundary with Nepal.
Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Let us take you to a brief tour of Sikkim with its popular destinations:
The State of Sikkim is divided into four administrative zones ,East-West-North-South districts, with a headquarter in each district
Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Khangchendzonga, the world’s third highest peak, is located in the northwestern part of the state on the boundary with Nepal.
Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Let us take you to a brief tour of Sikkim with its popular destinations:
The State of Sikkim is divided into four administrative zones ,East-West-North-South districts, with a headquarter in each district
1. East Sikkim.
East sikkim is the administrative and commercial hub of Sikkim. Let us familiarize ourselves with a standard tour of East Sikkim.
Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom
This special cottage industry is a warehouse of traditional arts and craft that has come down the ages in this beautiful state of Sikkim. It houses hand-woven woolen carpets workshops with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls, wood craft, thanka paintings among other interesting crafts. The building also houses a sales emporium which remains open throughout the year.
Enchey Monastery
This is an important monastery belonging to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The site for this monastery is believed to have been blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. It is about 200 years old and houses images of Buddha and Tara among other religious objects. ‘Chaam’ or religious masked dances is performed in the courtyard every year around January. Approx 3 km from the main town.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center
24 km away and an hour’s drive from Gangtok takes you to an important seat of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, perched majestically on the hill of Rumtek. This monastery is a replica of the original Kagyu headquarter in Tshurpu, Tibet and was built by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa around 1960. It houses rare religious scriptures and object. It has over 300 centers worldwide.
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology
One of the most prestigious places for higher knowledge of Buddhism in India, Institute of Tibetology is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and ‘thankas’. It is also a renowned worldwide center for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Do-drul Chorten
A ‘chorten’ is a traditional Buddhist stupa signifying a Mandala. Do-drul Chorten was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, a high lama of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1946. The stupa houses a statue Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kangyur relics, Zung (mantras) and other religious objects. The 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels surround the Chorten, which are turned by the devotees while chanting ‘Om Ma-ne Pad-me Hum’ (Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus), an invocation to Avalokiteswara. There are also two small chortens dedicated to Green Tara and Vajrasattwa and a Guru Lhakhang.
Flower Festival
Flower festivals are organized round the year at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall complex, Gangtok and Saramsa Gardens 14 km south east of Gangtok. Orchid shows are held during the spring coinciding with the peak tourist season and is one of the most popular events organized in the State.
24 km away and an hour’s drive from Gangtok takes you to an important seat of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, perched majestically on the hill of Rumtek. This monastery is a replica of the original Kagyu headquarter in Tshurpu, Tibet and was built by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa around 1960. It houses rare religious scriptures and object. It has over 300 centers worldwide.
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology
One of the most prestigious places for higher knowledge of Buddhism in India, Institute of Tibetology is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and ‘thankas’. It is also a renowned worldwide center for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Do-drul Chorten
A ‘chorten’ is a traditional Buddhist stupa signifying a Mandala. Do-drul Chorten was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, a high lama of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1946. The stupa houses a statue Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kangyur relics, Zung (mantras) and other religious objects. The 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels surround the Chorten, which are turned by the devotees while chanting ‘Om Ma-ne Pad-me Hum’ (Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus), an invocation to Avalokiteswara. There are also two small chortens dedicated to Green Tara and Vajrasattwa and a Guru Lhakhang.
Flower Festival
Flower festivals are organized round the year at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall complex, Gangtok and Saramsa Gardens 14 km south east of Gangtok. Orchid shows are held during the spring coinciding with the peak tourist season and is one of the most popular events organized in the State.
Tsongmo Lake
It is literally known as the “Source of the Lake” in local language and located about 35 kms away from Gangtok at an altitude of 3780 meters. This lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered extremely sacred by the local people.
This lake remains frozen during the winter months. During the spring season one can enjoy the beauty of this lake and the surrounding areas with abundance flowers in blooms including many species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, wild iris and rhododendrons. It is also ideal home for the Red Panda and various species of birds.
It is literally known as the “Source of the Lake” in local language and located about 35 kms away from Gangtok at an altitude of 3780 meters. This lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered extremely sacred by the local people.
This lake remains frozen during the winter months. During the spring season one can enjoy the beauty of this lake and the surrounding areas with abundance flowers in blooms including many species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, wild iris and rhododendrons. It is also ideal home for the Red Panda and various species of birds.
2. West Sikkim
If you are in search of adventure, West district provides you with some breath taking adventurous trails to the majestic Himalayan region. It is the gateway to fascinating treks, white water rafting, dense rhododendron forests, emerald lakes and Khangchendzonga panorama.
Yuksam
A place of historical importance for the people of Sikkim and the first capital of Sikkim.
The modern history of Sikkim starts from this place dating back to 1642 A.D with the consecration of Phuntshog Namgyal, the first Chogyal of Sikkim. Literally Yuk-Sam means Three Monks – also the patron saints of Sikkim, namely Lhatsun Chembo, Sempa Chembo and Rigzin Chembo. Situated at an altitude of around 1800 mts, Yuksam houses some of the oldest sites of historical importance to Sikkim
Dubdi Monastery- one of the oldest monastery in Sikkim built in 1701 by Lhatsun Chembo, the patron saint of Sikkim
Norbugang Consecration Palace – Phuntshog Namgyal, the first Chogyal of Sikkim was consecrated here in 1642. This place still has the great stone throne and the witness tree which is more than 400 years old. Nearby, one can also have a holy sight of a foot of Lhatsun Chembo miraculously embossed in a rock.
Norbugang Consecration Palace – Phuntshog Namgyal, the first Chogyal of Sikkim was consecrated here in 1642. This place still has the great stone throne and the witness tree which is more than 400 years old. Nearby, one can also have a holy sight of a foot of Lhatsun Chembo miraculously embossed in a rock.
Pelling - Traditionally a pilgrimage place for burning insense sticks and offering prayer to Mt. Khangchendzonga, the Guardian diety of Sikkim hence the name ‘Pe’ meaning incense and “ling” place. This sleepy little village has evolved through a short span of time into a bustling town with concrete jungle of hotels, owing to patronization of honeymoon tourists. However, the charm remains and the discerning travelers will still find it a haven for their spirit, mind and trekking sores. And remains the magnificent views of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Rathong and Mt. Pandim.
While in Pelling, one can continue the historical tour of Sikkim visiting the following sites.
Pemayangtse Monastery – built in 17th Century by Lhatsun Chembo and follows the Nyingma tradition.
Sangacholing Monastery – also founded by Lhatsun Chembo, it is one of the oldest monastery with its construction dating back to 1642 A.D. Resting on a top of a hill, this monastery provides breath taking view of the Mt. Kanchendzonga and Geyzing valley.
While in Pelling, one can continue the historical tour of Sikkim visiting the following sites.
Pemayangtse Monastery – built in 17th Century by Lhatsun Chembo and follows the Nyingma tradition.
Sangacholing Monastery – also founded by Lhatsun Chembo, it is one of the oldest monastery with its construction dating back to 1642 A.D. Resting on a top of a hill, this monastery provides breath taking view of the Mt. Kanchendzonga and Geyzing valley.
Rabdentse Palace Ruins - seat of 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim, Tensung Namgyal, making Pelling the second capital of Sikkim. Also built in 17th Century.
Kechodpalri Lake – this wish fulfilling lake is the most holy lake of Sikkim. Various mythological and legendary tales surrounds this lake like the dense forest cover which protects this calm and inspiring water body.
Kechodpalri Lake – this wish fulfilling lake is the most holy lake of Sikkim. Various mythological and legendary tales surrounds this lake like the dense forest cover which protects this calm and inspiring water body.