Northeastern India's Sikkim state is bordered by Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The 8,586-meter Kangchenjunga, which is part of the Himalayas, is one of the region's stunning mountains. It has the tallest mountain in India. Geographically speaking, Sikkim's small size belies the vast diversity she offers. Over its 7,096 square kilometres, the state contains the whole climate spectrum, from tropical to temperate to alpine, giving the region an intense natural heritage. It also has the sharpest rise in altitude over the shortest distance. The Teesta and the Rangeet, Sikkim's two main rivers, along with the attractive villages, hot springs, and waterfalls, add beauty to the steep landscapes, lush and deep woods, and blooming exotic flora.
The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center is the headquarters of the Kagyu order, one of the four main Tibetan Buddhist sects, and is located 24 kilometres from Gangtok. The centre has been home to some of the most unusual religious texts and artwork in the entire world since His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa's arrival in the late 1960s. Its traditional style is nearly identical to that of the ancient Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8 kms. from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Lachung, a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.
At the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South Sikkim and West Sikkim . It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu", one of the holiest caves in Sikkim.
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960's, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the center houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
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
It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level, forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan.[1] On the Indian side, the pass is 54 km (34 mi) east of Gangtok, the capital of Indian state of Sikkim on JN Marg and only citizens of India can visit the pass, that too after obtaining a permit in Gangtok.
If you are at Gangtok you must visit ropeways or cable car located at Deorali market. This cable care journey is not included any local tour packages and this place can be easily reached by taking a local cab from any hotel. This rope way of about 1 km long has three entry points or stops. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling ( below the state secretariat ). There is a mid point stop at Nam-Nang. One can enter from any point and return to same point after touching other two points.
River rafting is relatively new in Sikkim. Graded on the international scale at Grade IV, the icy cold waters of the Teesta, with a series of rapids with varying intensity and character is one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. Ask us for an overnight camp by the river Teesta.
Sikkim Paragliding Association (SPA) a body formed to promote Aero sport and Tourism in Sikkim is an initiative of the professional paragliding pilots and educated unemployed youths and also fully supported by TAAS, Tourism and Sports & Youth Affairs Dept