Sikkim Holiday Tour (Duration: 09 Days / 08 Nights)

On 16 May 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union. To enable the incorporation of the new state, the Indian Parliament amended the Indian Constitution. First, the 35th Amendment laid down a set of conditions that made Sikkim an "Associate State," a special designation not used by any other state.

However little is known about Sikkim's ancient history beyond the fact that its original inhabitants were the Lepcha. The earliest historical mention of Sikkim is a record of the passage of the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, through the land in the 8th century AD. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism, and foretold the era of monarchy that would arrive in Sikkim centuries later. According to legend, Khye Bumsa, a 14th-century prince from the Minyak House in Kham in eastern Tibet, received a divine revelation instructing him to travel south to seek his fortunes. A fifth-generation descendant of Khye Bumsa, Phuntsog Namgyal, became the founder of Sikkim's monarchy in 1642, when he was consecrated as the first Chogyal, or priest-king, of Sikkim by the three venerated lamas at Yuksom.

In 1947 after the Indian Independence a popular vote rejected Sikkim's joining the Indian Union. Although a treaty was made between India and Sikkim in 1950, in the interest of PM Jawaharlal Nehru. That Indo-Sikkim treaty made Sikkim an Indian protectorate status. Sikkim came under the suzerainty of India, which controlled its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications, but Sikkim otherwise retained administrative autonomy.The Sikkim National Congress demanded fresh elections and greater representation for Nepalis in Sikkim. Palden Thondup Namgyal, the Chogyal at the time, proved to be extremely unpopular with the people, and in 1973, riots in front of the Chogyal's palace led to a formal request for protection from India. In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to the Indian Parliament for Sikkim to become a state of India. In April of that year, the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok and disarmed the Chogyal's palace guards.

Climate

Sikkim has three major seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter months in Sikkim (November to March) are pleasant with bright sunny days and cool nights. In the northern Sikkim however the minimum temperature at times drops very steeply. Winters tend to be chilly especially in the northern fringes of Sikkim where snowfall is a frequent phenomenon. The Himalayas and its foothills receive snowfall, sometimes till early April. In most parts of western, southern and eastern Sikkim where Gangtok is situated, December and January are pleasantly cool but never chilly. A light woolen garment is recommended for day use. The south-west monsoon usually hits the Sikkim in early June and tracks north over the next two months. Most of Sikkim receives its major share of rainfall between June and September. Summers tend to be bright and sunny with maximum temperature between 25 to 30 degree Celsius. Most of the domestic tourists tend to visit Gangtok during this period which is from March to June.

Places of Interest

Tsomgo Lake & Nathu-La

A must visit area when you are in Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake at an altitude of 12,400ft. is approx 35 - 40 kms away from Gangtok, it is known as "source of the lakes”. The lake is considered sacred and one can see variety of flowers in bloom-rhododendrons, primulas, blue poppies and irises. The lake is a home of Ruddy Shelduck (Brahminy ducks). It is also an ideal habitat for the Red Panda. One can have a unique experience of Yak ride around this lake.A further drive up from Tsongmo Lake, you can visit the Indo-Chinese Nathu-la border with a chance to meet up the Chinese Army. Open for both the Foreign and Indian nationals. Foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more and have to apply for the visitors permit through a registered Travel agency. The Hotel’s travel desk makes arrangements for day trips to Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu-la. Only limited number of vehicles are provided permits every day.

Points to be noted

These areas are restricted areas and entry allowed only after making permits. Permits should be made at least 15 days in prior during peak season and at least 7 days during off- season.Foreigners are allowed only with a guide and a minimum of two foreigners are required For permits, you need to provide two passport size photo and one photocopy of photo ID (Driving License, Passport, UID Card etc) of every guest Only citizens of India are allowed till Nathu-la

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

This loop is perfect masterpieces of railway engineering. At the centre of the loop- a war memorial stand which reminds us of the Gorkha martyrs, who laid their lives protecting the sovereignty of our motherland.Distance - 58 km ( from Gangtok )Altitude - 13500 ft.Built In memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment, the temple lies between Nathul and Jeepla passes. Legend has it that he appeared in a dream a few days after he went missing while patrolling the border, and expressed a desire that a monument be built in his memory. This has over the years acquired the status of a pilgrimage centre.  

Rumtek Monastery

Also called the Dharmachakra Centre, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok. It is a focal point for the sectarian tensions that characterize the Karmapa Controversy.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.

Enchey Monastery

An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200- year-old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.

Himalayan Zoological Park

This park exhibits species of Himalayan fauna like the black deer, barking deer, snow leopard, civet cat, red pandas and the spotted deer.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)

The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Tashi View Point

Built by the late King of Sikkim Sir. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.

Ganesh Tok

It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on a hillock on Gangtok- Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.

Jhakri Falls

About 10 - 12 KM from M.G Marg of Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourist, fully operated by solar energy. Park features waterfalls, dragon statue, Lepcha statue, Jhakri statue etc

Handloom and Handicrafts Centre

It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries. Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans, it has become on t of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased . A word of caution to the innocent guest. It is better to check whether there is a government holiday or not as the G.I.C.I. is closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was has since become one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. Today, it is a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

PERMANENT FLOWER SHOW

White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge Park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.