Sikkim, is
India's Sikkim one of the smallest state situated
in the eastern Himalayas amidst various trees,
orchards and mountains and overlooked the
magnificent Kanchenjunga range, the third
highest mountain in the world. Sikkim has
so rich of flora, fauna and diverse ethnic
and cultural population as no other state
in India due to which it is the famous tourist
destination of India. A former kingdom , Sikkim
is now the 22nd State of India. It is rooted
to the Himalayan Massif like a scale on the
neck of a Dragon. The various ethnic groups
have their own nomenclature for Sikkim; the
Nepalese call it “Sukhim” or “New
Home”, for Tibetans peoples it is “Denzong”
or “the Valley of Rice”, and to
the Lepchas, Sikkim’s original inhabitants
, it means “Nye-Mal-Ale” or “Heaven”.
The state’s 64-km width is squeezed
between the mountainous kingdoms of Bhutan
and Nepal to the east and west respectively.
The high plateau of China’s province
of tibet lies 40-km to the north and India’s
Bengal state to the south. Within Sikkim’s
113-km north - south delineation the altitude
rises steeply from 253m to 8,595 (800 ft to
28,199 ft) and encompass allmost all the climatic
zones found on earth. Sikkim is divided into
four districts - East, West, North and South.
The most populated area is the eastern district
which contains the capital town Gangtok, followed
by the southern and western districts , and
finally the sparsely populated northern area
with its inhospital climate and steep ridges.
The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok so
the life here for everything is centred around
it. Gangtok's Buddhist past is the root of
its appeal for visitors, and remains evident
at the impressive Institute of Tibetology,
the Enchey Monastery, Pemayengtse and the
marvellous Rumtek Monastery not far away,
the last a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism.
Sikkim's pride, the orchid, is nurtured at
the Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and
around Gangtok..
Tourist attractions of Sikkim
The main attractions of Sikkim are various
monastries which are around 194 monasteries
or gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu
order have not only been influencing the cultural
heritage and lifestyle of the people but also
demonstrate the ancient rituals in practise.
Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient
mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets
while soft lights flicker from decorative
lamps placed before statues of the great Guru
Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of
being one with nature and close to the almighty
as sacred words mingle with the shirring prayer
wheels. The gompas are adorned with life-like
frecoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk
and brocade thangkas. Also preserved here,
are ancient tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely
carved wood work and icons of silver and gold.
Bellow is the list of some popular ones :
Rumtek Monastry, around
24 kms from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful
countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra
Centre built in 1960's by His Holiness the
late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took refuge
in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It is
an excellent replica of the original Kagyu
headquarters in Tibet. It houses some of the
world's most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts
and icons. About 2 kms away from Dharma Chakra
Centre is the recently rebuilt 300 year old
Rumtek Monastery which was originally built
by the fourth chogyal. His Holiness late Gyalwa
Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion
of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Today
it is the residence of His Hiliness and the
headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious
Centre. The annual dances are held here on
the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of
the lunar calendar.
Pemayangtse "The Lotus Sublime",
situated around 118 kms (via Rabongla)
from Gangtok, Founded during the reign of
Chador Namgyal the third Chogyal in 1705 and
perched at a height of 2085 mts, it is the
second oldest and perhaps the most important
monastery in Sikkim. Pemayangtse belongs to
the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries
in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The 108 monks
living here are from the Bhutia families of
Sikkim.
The monastery contains numerous antique idols
and object of worship. The top wooden structure
depicting the Mahaguru's Paradise Sangthokpelri
was completed in five years, single handedly
by the late Dungzin Rinpoche. A unique event
is held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th
month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Dressed
in costumes of rare magnificance, the Lamas
represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The
dance ends on the third day with the unfurling
of the 'Ghyo-ku' - a gigantic embroidered
Buddhist scroll as the devotees bend down
in homage.
Pemayangtse is an excellent base for all
trekking expeditions in the western region,
offering a number of unfrequented trails through
some of the most spectacular mountain terrain.
Phensang, built in 1721
during the time of Jigme Pawo, it was gutted
by a fire in 1947, and rebuilt in 1948 through
the efforts of the lamas. There are 300 monks
in this monastery and the main annual function
is held here on the 28th and 29th days of
the tenth month of the lunar calendar.
Phodang, around 28 kms from
Gangtok The original monastery has been rebuilt
and like Ralong and Rumtek the main annual
puja is performed here on the 28th and 29th
days of the tenth month of the lunar calendar
with religious dances being the main attraction.
Ralong, belonging to the
Karma Kagyu order, it was built after the
return of the fourth Chogyal from his pilgrimage
to Tibet. H.H. the Gyalwa Karmapa performed
the 'Rabney (blessing on its completion from
Tsurphu itself, and grains from this ceremony
fell on the ground at Ralong. Between 1975-81
A.D. the government rebuilt the monastery
which today has around 100 monks. The main
ceremony falls on the 28th and 29th day of
the tenth month of the lunar calendar, when
the 'chaams' are performed.
Enchhey, Lama Drupthob Karpo
is supposed to have built a small hermitage
at the spot he reached after he flew from
Maynam Hill in South Sikkim. Later during
the reign of Sikyong Tulku 1909 - 1910 the
present monastery was built in the shape of
a Chinese pagoda. Following the Byingma Order,
it has around 90 monks. The annula puja is
celebrated with dances on the 18th and 19th
days of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.
Tashiding, it is built on
top of a hill between rangit and Ratong rivers,
where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga
came to an end. The main monastery was built
by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdar
Namgyalin 1716 A.D. The sacred objects of
worship in Tashiding are the chorten Thongwa
Rangdol and Bumchu (holy water). The chorten
was built by Lhatsun Chenpo and it is believed
that merely to view the chorten is enough
to cleanse one of all sins. Bumchu is a sacred
pot containing holy water which does not dry
up nor spoil and continues to have a fresh
smell even 300 years later. The sacred Bumpa
containing the water is opened for public
darshan once a year on the 15th day of the
first Tibetan month.
Yuksam, located around 35
kms from Pemayangtse. The sacred spot of Yuksam
is nestled in a pine forested area with crystal
clear mountain lakes. A stupa marks the spot
where three lamas performed the consecration
cremony of the first ruling monarch of Sikkim.
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Flora
& Fauna of Sikkim, as
the altitude that vary right from sea level
to summits that touch the skies ,the flora
and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum.
Nowhere in the world in such a small area
can one find flora and fauna of all varieties
- Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical
and zoological richness can be measured
by more than 4000 species of plants and
30% of all the birds found in the Indian
sub-continent . No wonder Sikkim has been
a dream of naturalists. Dr. J. Hooker during
the middle of the last century surveyed
in the detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim
and his findings were embodied in the publication
'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered
as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim
Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed
account on birds in his book 'The birds
of Sikkim'. Besides these there are many
books available on the flora & fauna
of sikkim.
Plants : The lowlands
in the south, 800'to 5000', experience a
tropical climate; lush vegetation such as
figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have
been cleared in some areas for farming.
The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple,
birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates
between 5000; and 13000. Above 13000, is
the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses
and rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline
lies at 16000'. Luxuriant forests cover
36% of the land, more than 4000 species
of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over
600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytal
and terresterial types, in the tropical
and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons
grow in temperate and alpine regions, their
flowering from May to August colours hillsides.
Animals : Amongst the
mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard,
Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer
and Blue Sheep. Birdlife is abundant with
Giant Lammergeier, Vultures, Eagles, Whistling
Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants
among the 550 species to be seen in Sikkim
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Lakes
& hot water springs in Sikkim
Sikkim has many hot springs known for their
medicinal value. The most important are
the ones located at Reshi , Yumthang , Ralang
. These hot springs are located about 25
kms. from Gyalshing on the river rangit.
The water of these springs has medicinal
value as it contains sulphur and can cure
some skin diseases. Yumthang
is situated about 135 kms. from Gangtok
in North Sikkim . It is well known for its
hot springs. The route to Yumthang from
Lachung has a very picturesque landscape
and is lined with Rhododendrons. Yumthang
falls in the restricted area .
Chola Mu, Is a lake which
lies on the plateau that juts into Sikkim
into Tibet. From this moderately sized lake,
the Teesta River takes birth as a trickle
hardly a foot wide. The water in the lake
flirts with ice before getting frozen in
winter. The reflection of the surrounding
mountains doubles the beauty. Everything
looks so prehistoric that you almost expect
to see a Dinosaur amble by. A flock of birds,
the cranes swims on the placid ice water
of Chola Mu. These birds are migratory from
Russia, China and other parts of India.
The Green Lake, Is fast
developing into a take-off point for mountaineering
expeditions to the peaks of this area. The
Green Lake may in the minds of many conjure
up an image of beautiful, exotic waterbody,
but sadly it is not true. Infact in 1899
the lake had disappeared according to D.
W. Freshfield who writes, the hollow enclosed
between the covering moraines of Zemu and
Green Lake Glaciers has been lately a lake,
and was now a lake basin.
Khecheopalri lake, Is
considered as one of the sacred lakes of
this state both by the Buddhist and the
Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich
forest cover. It is believed that the birds
do not permit even a single leaf to float
on the lake surface. There is a motorable
road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake
area. For those interested in spending a
night or two in the peaceful environment
a trekkers hut has been provided by the
tourism office. The hut is presently managed
by a local person and provides comfortable
stay providing a taste of local cuisine
which may include 'chang' brew made of fermented
millet. There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed
by the tourism department , which is meant
to provide accommodation to the people who
come on pilgrim tours.
Laxmipokhari Lake, It
is a big natural lake cupped in deep crater.
The rim of the crater is so hard above the
lake level that it is easy t o photograph
the complete lake without using a wide angle
lens. As you invoke the blessing on the
bank of this Pristine Lake, you cannot help
thinking that it is here that God really
resides.
Memencho Lake, It is a
beautiful lake located 20 KMs. ahead of
Changu Lake. It lies cradled between the
mountains below the Jelepla Pass and is
source of river Rangpo-chu. It derives its
water from melting snows around. The lake
is famous for its Trout and a farm to cultivate
these fish also exist nearby.
Samiti Lake, As you climb
towards Gochala Pass and pause to take a
deep breadth, you can enjoy the colour of
transparent torquise of Lake Samiti- A glacial
lake in the Onglathang valley. (a view from
west sikkim)
Tsomgo Lake, It is literally
known as "source of the lake "
in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away
from Gangtok, the capital of the state,
this serene lake is situated at an altitude
of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway.
It falls in the restricted area and hence
an inner line permit is required by Indians
to visit this place. Foreign nationals are
not permitted to visit this lake without
special permission. The lake is about 1
km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep
and is considered sacred by the local people.
It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's
cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic
beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva
is constructed on the lakeside . This placid
lake remains frozen during the winter months
up to mid-May. Between May and August it
is possible to see a variety of flowers
in blooms, including the rhododendrons,
various species of primulas, blue and yellow
poppies, irises etc. It is also an ideal
habitat for thered panda and various species
of birds.
Yumathang Valley, It is
situated at an altitude of about 11,800
ft. And is 149 Kms. from Gangtok. It is
covered with rhododendronshrubs and trees
of various species. The valley is well known
for its hot springs, which is slightly saline
in taste, it is colorless, emits bubbles
of sulphurated hydrogen gas and the temperature
of 106 degree. It is surrounded by mountains
and seems to touch the heaven as one has
to face vertically upwards to see the mountain
top. The scenic view is breathtaking.
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