Sikkim, State in northeast India
Description
Sikkim is a state in northeastern India between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, dominated by the Himalayas. Kangchenjunga National Park occupies much of the territory and includes glaciated peaks, rhododendron forests, and steep valleys with fast rivers.
History
For centuries the Chogyal dynasty ruled this Buddhist kingdom, until political tensions and a referendum in 1975 led to incorporation into India. The last ruler left the palace in Gangtok, which now serves as a museum.
Culture
Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali communities live together here and celebrate festivals like Losar with masked dances, drumming, and dishes made from yak butter. Monasteries open their doors during religious ceremonies, when monks in red robes hang prayer flags and welcome visitors inside.
Practical
Gangtok, the capital, sits at mid-elevation and offers access to monasteries, trekking routes, and local markets through shared taxis and organized tours. Higher elevations require time for acclimatization due to thin air, and many roads become difficult to pass during monsoon season between June and September.
Did you know?
Since 2016 all farmers here work their fields completely organically and grow specialties like black cardamom and mountain rice. This conversion made the area India's first fully organic state and drew international attention to its sustainable farming methods.
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Kanchenjunga
38.7 km
Khangchendzonga National Park
22 km
Rumtek Monastery
29.7 km
Buddha Park of Ravangla
29.6 km
Temi Tea Garden
35.7 km
Pemayangtse Monastery
36.7 km
Zemu Glacier
32 km
Kabru
38.6 km
Rabdentse
36.6 km
Dubdi Monastery
33.6 km
Enchey Monastery
26.5 km
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
12.2 kmHanuman Tok
25.8 km
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
34.7 km
Banjhakri falls and park
24.4 km
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
54.7 km
Do-drul Chorten
28.4 km
Paljor Stadium
26.5 km
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
26.8 km
Kirat Chuli
40.2 kmGipmochi
50.1 km
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
28.2 km
Ralang Monastery
29.6 kmFalut
61.2 km
Rathong Glacier
38.6 km
Tsuklakhang monastery
27.4 km
Sanga Choeling Monastery
39.3 kmChangey Falls
51.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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