SIKKIM
Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. Because of its remoteness and the fact that permits are required, Sikkim isn't the most accessible area to visit in India. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. GENERAL INFORMATION
Statehood: 22
nd State of India (1975) Prior to that it was a Saperate Kingdom. Area: 7096 sq kms
Location: Sandwiched between Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and China in the north. Ethnic Groups: Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepalis
Language: Nepali is a primary language widely spoken by all communities,
English and Hindi are well understood and are spoken by most,
Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo, Rai and other ethnic languages are spoken by respective communities. Airport: Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri) - 3 and 1/2 hours drive. Railway Station: NJP Railway Station (Siliguri) - 3 and 1/2 hours drive
Sikkim Heliservice: Gangtok – Bagdogra – Bagdogra daily Helicoptor service to Bagdogra Arprt - 45 Mins
Best Time to visit: The best time to visit Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills will to a great extend depend on what you are interested in. Mid Oct to Mid Jan: Is the best time to visit this region if you want to be assured of clear views of snowy mountain ranges, clear skies and a pleasant holiday weather. October and November: Is also the best time for all trekking (High altitude and low altitude)
December to Mid Jan: Is the best time if your interest holds in Buddhist festivals and other local fairs of the region. March and April: Is the best time to visit the Valley of flowers, the riot of colours of Rhododendrons, orchids and other flowers in bloom. This is also the best time if you want to play with the snow as the snows till the accessible 12,000ft persists till April. Late August & September: Is the best time if you are interested in alpine flora above 10,000 ft
May and June: are the semi seasons and there are 50 / 50 chances of good and bad weather. July and August: Avoid the travel to this region as this is the peak monsoon period. Permits and Entry details:
Domestic Tourists: Domestic clients do not require any permit to visit Sikkim. However to visit few restricted areas under army control like- Tshangu, Nathula, Yumthang, Dzongu, ILP (Inner line Permit / Restricted Area Permit) needs to be obtained. Hence all domestic tourists should be advised to carry some identification.(TPS will however take care of all permit procurement processes)
Foreign Tourists: Besides a valid passport and an Indian visa, foreign tourists need to obtain Inner Line Permits to enter any part of Sikkim. All Indian missions abroad can issue a 15 days ILP for Sikkim which can be stamped on the passport on request at the time of obtaining an IndianVisa. However they can also be obtained from any Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi,Kolkatta, Siliguri, Melli and Rangpo if they are already in India. The initial permit allows only 15 days of stay in Sikkim. However, maximum of 3 further extensions of 15 days each is allowed which can be obtained from the Foreigner's Registration Office. Further, foreigners will also require obtaining PAP (Protected Area Permit) if he/she wants to opt for trekking in any part of Sikkim through a registered travel company in Sikkim.
