Sikkim The “Switzerland of East”Land area: 7,096 km²,

Founded: May 15, 1975, 3:00 PM PDTCapital: Gangtok,

Population: 619,000 (2012) Bird: Blood PheasantThe Tsomgo River, Sikkim

• Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after thaSikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make it to your plan. Here are gems of this journey which attracts a large number of tourists to this part of Sikkim.

• These are key tourism destinations of Sikkim. A trip of 7-8 days would be enough to experience the amazing beauty of Sikkim.t you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make it to your plan. Here are gems of this journey which attracts a large number of tourists to this part of Sikkim.

• These are key tourism destinations of Sikkim. A trip of 7-8 days would be enough to experience the amazing beauty of Sikkim.

North East Regional Institute of Education, Umiam( A constituent unit of NCERT, New Delhi MHRD, Govt.

of India )

The Contour Map of Sikkim

The Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Given below is the Map of Sikkim giving details about the location of the state. The Sikkim Map given below gives information about the location of Sikkim's districts and also the location of Sikkim state on India

Map. The map also shows the national and international boundaries which Sikkim shares with its neighboring states and other countries.

The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide range of species occurring from subtropical to alpine regions. Orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and bamboo grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim, which enjoy a subtropical-type climate The alpine-type vegetation is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,000 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper, pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests

The Statue of Guru Rimpoche at Samdrupts

Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas. Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration

Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Given below is the Map of Sikkim giving details about the location of the state. The Sikkim Map given below gives information about the location of Sikkim.

Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali (lingua franca), Bhutia, Lepcha (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang (since 1995) and Sunwar (since 1996). English is taught at schools and used in government documents. It is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and the largest town. Sikkim has a booming economy dependent on agriculture and tourism, and has the only open border between India and China. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow.

Education and Employment

Literacy in Sikkim is 69.68%, which breaks down into 76.73% for males and 61.46% for females. There are a total of 1157 schools, including 765 schools run by the State government, 7 central government schools and 385 private schools. Twelve colleges and other institutions in Sikkim offer higher education. The largest institution is the Sikkim Manipal University of Technological Sciences, which offers higher education in engineering, medicine and management. It also runs a host of distance education programs in diverse fields. There are two state-run polytechnical schools, Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (CCCT) in Sikkim which offer diploma courses in various branches of engineering. ATTC is situated at Bardang, Singtam and CCCT at Chisopani, Namchi. Sikkim University a central university began operating in 2008 at Yangang, which is situated about 28 km from Singtam. Many students, however, migrate to Siliguri, Kolkata, Bangalore and other Indian cities for their higher education.

The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide range of species occurring from subtropical to alpine regions.

• The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide range of species occurring from subtropical to alpine regions.

• Orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and bamboo grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim, which enjoy a subtropical-type climate.

• In the temperate elevations above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) are Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests, where oaks, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders, and magnolias grow in large numbers, as well as Himalayan subtropical pine forests, dominated by Chir pine.

• The alpine-type vegetation is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,000 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper, pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. Higher up are Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows, home to a broad variety of rhododendrons and wildflowers.

• Sikkim has around 5,000 flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 424 medicinal plants. A variant of the Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be found in abundance in the mountainous state. The orchid Dendrobium nobile is the official flower of Sikkim.

The Waterbodies Sketched in the map of Sikkim

The Rare Map of NEFA Tract - Theatre of the World War II

The Sikkim Map the location of Sikkim's districts and also the location of Sikkim state on India Map. The map also shows the national and international boundaries which

Sikkim shares with its neighboring states and other countries.

• Political Subdivisions: Sikkim has four districts, each overseen by a Central Government appointee, the district collector, who is in charge of the administration of the civilian areas of the districts. The Indian army has control of a large territory, as the state is a sensitive border area. Many areas are restricted and permits are needed to visit them. There are eight towns and nine subdivisions in Sikkim.

• The four districts are East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. The district capitals are Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively. These Four Districts are further divided into Subdivisions. "Pakyong" and "Rongli" are the subdivisions of the East District. "Soreng" is the subdivision of the West District. "Chungthang" is the subdivision of the North District. "Ravongla" is the subdivision of the South District.

The Drainage Map of Sikkim: Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the Teesta and its tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", flows through the state from north to

south. About a third of the land is heavily forested

The Sikkim Map given below gives information about the location of Sikkim's districts and also the location of Sikkim state on India Map. The map also shows the national

and international boundaries which Sikkim shares with its neighboring states and other countries.

The White house of Sikkim,

Sikkim is a mountainous stateGeography: The thumb-shaped state is characterized by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to

8,585 metres (28,000 ft). The summit of the Kangchenjunga is the highest point which falls on the border between Sikkim and Nepal.

• Topology: The most widely accepted origin of the name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two words in the Limbu Su, which means "new", and Khyim, which means "palace" or house, in reference to the palace built by the state's first ruler, Phuntsog Namgyal. The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Denjong, which means the "valley of rice". The Lepchas, original inhabitants of Sikkim called it Nye-mae-el or paradise, and the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong, which means the hidden valley of rice. In Hindu religious texts, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the garden of Indra.

• Most of Sikkim is covered by Precambrian rock and is much younger in age than the hills. The rock consists of phyllites and schists and therefore the slopes are highly susceptible to weathering and prone to erosion.

Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the

Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India.

The Rumtek Monestry, SikkimThe Sikkimese celebrates all major Nepali festivals like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja are

common. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals - Losar

The State Emblem of Govt. of Sikkim,

The Budha Temple

Hon"able Shri Niwas Patil

The Governor of Sikkim

The Lush Flora Garden - Namchi WMV, Sikkim

• Namchi is blessed with fresh air which is fragmented with the aroma of lush flora. The beautiful sight of snowcapped mountains and the woodland mountain valleys adds to the scenery; and makes it an important one among the places to see in

• Sikkim.Khangchendzonga range, Sherdup Choeling Monastery, The beautiful tea gardens, Rock Garden

• Namchi Mahotsav in October

The Traditional Borong Village, Sikkim

Dzongu- It is located at 70 km from Gangtok in North Sikkim. Dzongu is a reserved area for Lepchas, who are the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Here one can experience the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of Lepchas from close. There is a seven sister waterfall in Dzongu, which is one of the very popular tourist attraction in Sikkim

The Thunderbolt Clouds on Himalayan Ranges, Sikkim

• Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim

The Roaring Great Himalaya's, Sikkim

The Furious Thunderclaps of Himalayas - Sikkim

The Yuksom Town - Human Habitat, Sikkim

The Meander 's of River Teesta, Sikkim

• Teesta River is stunning to look at when it is frozen in winters. During spring however the river is shimmering in the sun rays and displays a perfect habitat for blooming flowers.

• River rafting and kayaking during the summers, Bird spotting, Lush green fauna and flower beds on the banks Sangam of river teesta with it tributary the Rangeet River, Dikchu bridge on way to Lachung

The Lachung Valley, North Sikkim

• Lachung- Just like Lachen, Lachung is also a beautiful small village. Usually tour packages named them combine Lachen & Lachung. It is famous for its, Apples, Peaches and Apricots. Coming near to their tradition and culture is unbelievable experience which every tourist should have on his trip to North sikkim. It is a perfect place to stay for a night before you visit Yumthang Valley. Lachung village is one of the most popular places of Sikkim.

• Kabi Lungchok (17 km from Gangtok) is a historical attraction of North Sikkim and Phodong Monastery (38km from Gangtok) is one of the major Monastery of Sikkim and opens a religious perspective for tourists in North Sikkim.

• Kabi Lungchok (17 km from Gangtok) is a historical attraction of North Sikkim and Phodong Monastery (38km from Gangtok) is one of the major Monastery of Sikkim and opens a religious perspective for tourists in North Sikkim.

The Zuluk Village, SikkimZuluk is a small village located at a high altitude and has a very

empowering history due to its connection with the Silk Route. It promises great views of the snowcapped mountain ranges especially during winter.

The Tsongu (Oxbow) Lake, SikkimTsongo lake which is located just 38 km away from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the

most popular tourist places in Sikkim. A snaky road through rocky mountain topography and strident mountains which takes you to the Tsongo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself. Migratory ducks like the

Brahmini,

The Ravangla Village Human Habitat Sikkim

Revangla- Furrowed by dense forests and outstandingly balanced on a ridge superintending an extensive swish of western Sikkim, Ravangla assures one of the most beautiful mountain views. It is a popular tourist place in Sikkim and draws many nature lovers every year.• Tathagata Tsal, a Buddhist park,, Mane Choekhorling

Gompa, Pang Lhabsol, which displays religious prayers and songs, Hikes and treks

The Peellig Himalayas – SikkimSikkim is a small state in northeastern Region India,

India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and

thousands of varieties of wildflowers.

The Frozen Gurudongmar LakeGurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its best. It is

among 15 biggest lakes in world. History behind it is, that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Dongmar), touched, and sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the lake does not freeze and this lake is sacred for religious

people.

Indian Army Field Post in Great Himalayan Ranges, The way to reach by only the Nathula Pass in the

Himalayas, connects India with Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a side-shoot

of the prehistoric Silk Road on Border of India and China, a war memorial Exhibition Centre of the

Indian Army at Mt Chomolhari.

The Gurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its best. It is among 15 biggest lakes in world. History behind it is, that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Dongmar),

touched, and sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the lake does not freeze and this lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Lachen Big Pass

Lachen is a distant village in North Sikkim and the winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung is also a high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim. And Yumthang is a beautiful valley bounded by snowcapped mountains. All three are extremely beautiful tourist places in Sikkim.This is a perfect example to say “simplicity at its best”. A small village with around 200 houses takes you to a dream land where one gets taste of real peaceful life. It is at altitude of 8500 ft. Lachen is also gateway to the Gurudongmar Lake. Foreigners need a special permit to visit here. It adds the perspective of simplicity in tourism attractions of Sikkim. Monastery of Lachen gives a panoramic view of Lachen Village.

The Lachen - North Sikkim Valley Human Habitat

Trio logy of the Sikkim

Gurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its best. It is among 15 biggest lakes in world. History behind it is, that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Dongmar), touched, and sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the lake does not freeze and this lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Trio logy of the SikkimGurudongmar Lake

The Meander"s - Tsongu Lake

Tsongo lake which is located just 38 km away from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the most popular tourist places in Sikkim. A snaky road through rocky mountain topography and strident mountains which takes you to the Tsomgo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself.

The Yamthang Valley Foothills, North Sikkim

• Yumthang Valley- This wonder of Sikkim is situated at a height of 11800 feet is popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers, 148 kms from Gangtok, it is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty. In spring season tourists get Bumper offer by Nature to see something which you cannot forget, it is really a lifetime experience to gaze bed sheet of flowers on slops of mountains. There is also a hot spring, which is a popular tourist spot at Yumthang valley. Yumthang Valley is a must visit destination of North Sikkim.

The Lachung Valley, Sikkim

Lachung- Just like Lachen, Lachung is also a beautiful small village. Usually tour packages named them combine Lachen & Lachung. It is famous for its, Apples, Peaches and Apricots. Coming near to their tradition and culture is unbelievable experience which every tourist should have on his trip to North sikkim. It is a perfect place to stay for a night before you visit Yumthang Valley. Lachung village is one of the most popular places of Sikkim

The Topology of Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim

The Trio logy of Sikkim

• Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.

• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim

The Eastern Himalayan Lachen Valley - Sikkim

Indian Army Field Post - Great Himalayan Ranges, SikkimNathula Pass, located in the Himalayas, connects India with Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a

side-shoot of the prehistoric Silk Road.

The Great Himalayan Ranges, Sikkim

The Kanchanjangha Range of Sikkim Himalaya's,

The Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim Paragliding in the valley Jhakri Falls and Kyongnosla Water Falls, Yak ride, lively nightlife, Snowcapped ranges of Mt Kachendzonga, Bird eye

view from the rope way, Enchey Monastery

The Gangtok has loads of gems in its kitty,never ending walking trails and gorgeous silver-fir trees.