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Area: 7300 sq. km.
Population: approximately 500,000
Capital: Gangtok
Altitude: 228 - 8585 meters
Climate –
Gangtok: Summer 13 - 21 degrees C
Winter 7 - 13 degrees C
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Altitude - Gangtok: 1700 meteres
Rainfall: In Gangtok 325cm per year
In Muguthang (extreme north) 60cm per annum
Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity
Languages: Nepalese, English, Bhutia, Lepcha,
Limbu, Bengali
Form of Government: State of India with its own administration
How to reach:
By Air
- Fly via Delhi or Calcutta to Bagdogra in West-Bengal.
From Bagdogra via jeep or Bus to Gangtok (127 km). There is a helicopter
service connecting Bagdogra with Gangtok.
By Train
– The nearest station is NJP or New JalPaiguri in
West Bengal, which is about 115 km from Gangtok. Jeeps and Buses connect
all major towns of Sikkim with NJP.
By Road – The area is well networked with road. The major town
in the region is Siliguri of West Bengal which is connected by road
to the rest of the country.
Permits:
Visitors from abroad needs a special 15 day restricted area
permit. This permit is available at foreigners registration offices
at Delhi, Calcutta, Darjeeling as well as at the entry point of Sikkim.
The permit can be extended by 15 days more.
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Best Season
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Spring
- March through the beginning of June
Spring is the best time to experience Sikkims vast variety of flowers.
This colourful and sweet-smelling forest with blooming Rhododendron-
and Magnolia-trees mark the mountain slopes. Orchids and Bougainvilleas
are also at their peak in spring. The landscape is green and full
of live.
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Autumn
- September through mid December
This is peak trekking season: the monsoons are over, the hillsides
are lush and green, the skies azure-blue. Mountain views are crystal
clear all day and are particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Fall is also the time to many colourful local festivals and busy harvest
activity. Nomadic herdsmen return to villages, their yaks laden with
cheese and butter for sale.
Winter
- December through March
Mild winter temperatures and brilliant skies are perfect conditions
for trekking at lower elevations. Winter ushers in both the Sikkimese
and Tibetan New Years Celebrations, religious dances and archery competitions.
Hot springs are now easily Accessible and visited by many. |
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