Sikkim

Sikkim also known as Shikim or Su Khyim is a landlocked Indian state located fareast in the Himalayan mountains. The first known inhabitants of Sikkim Lepchas (Rongkup) gave their mountain home a name meaning `land of happiness’. Also 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’. It was an independent monarchy till it joined India in 1975. Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last chogyal (king) to rule over Sikkim until it became India’s 22nd state, was an avid conservationist who protected his Buddhist kingdom from development. Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis live here. The world’s third highest mountain Kanchendzonga dominates the skyline and the life of Sikkim’s people. The state is bordered by countries Bhutan, Nepal and China and by Indian state of West Bengal.   Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second smallest state in area after Goa. It stands in its serene valleys, richly ornamented Buddhist monasteries and emerald green terraced tea fields. Sikkim is probably the least explored and most unspoiled part of India. Much of the state is a continuous flow of hills and valleys, that are excellent for trekking and rafting. The state is also famous for its wildflowers. The Main attractions are ancient monasteries like Tashiding and Pemayangtse, Yuksom and the Dzongri Trek, Teesta river rafting, the Nathu La pass at China border, flora and fauna sanctuaries and stunning lakes like Tsomgo and Gurudongmar and Gangtok.

Cities to visit in Sikkim

Pelling

Pelling is a town in the district of West Sikkim nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m. Sikkim's capital city Gangtok is at a distance of 115 kilometres and Siliguri is about 135 kilometres from Pelling. The district headquarters of Geyzing is at a distance of 10 km from the town. It was the first capital of Sikkim and is inhabited by the Limboo tribe. It is also said tha...

Gangtok

The capital of Sikkim Gangtok also known as `the hill made flat’, lies at an altitude of 1640 m, facing Kanchenjunga. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry. Irreverent, cheerful and pleasantly boisterous Gangtok, rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage ...