Sikkim Government Organized 15 - Day Trek To Circumambulation In Mt.Kanchanjunga For Natural Lovers

Coming soon: A 15-day trek at Mt Kanchenjunga

 

Very soon, you will be able to circumambulate Mt Kanchenjunga in a 15-day trek organised by the Sikkim government in association with the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF).

Every time a traveller gets a clear view of the Great Himalayan Peaks, he feels grateful to Mother Earth for such a wondrous creation.

Mount Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet), the third highest mountain peak in the world, is one such peak. Among other feelings, a passionate traveller often feels a strange pull to get as close to the mountain as possible. Seems like that is going to be a reality very soon.

According to a report by The Pioneer, the Sikkim government is planning to launch eco-tourism at Mt Kanchenjunga.

When launched, this initiative will let adventure lovers, mountaineers and trekkers circumambulate the mountain in a 15-day trek.

The trek will start from the Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP) and will bring travellers in closest encounters with the snow-capped peaks, the local temples, the flora, the fauna and the unique biodiversity of the region surrounding this mountain.

Slated to be organised by the Sikkim government in association with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), the treks are most likely to take place during the summer months as the weather is the most favourable at that time.

State Resident Commissioner Gobind Mohan told The Pioneer, "Our aim is to provide highest level of professional support and logistics to nature lover enthusiasts during the parikrama tour through the State Tourism Department and registered tour and travel agencies."

Gangtok Got Award For Cleanest Tourism Destination In India

Gangtok awarded the Cleanest Tourism Destination; 4 things not to miss when you are there

The idea of travelling to Sikkim makes most of us travellers really excited. After all, the lush green mountains, the waterfalls, and the snow-capped peaks are just too beautiful. But now, here's one more thing that is all set to make the state capital Gangtok a bigger tourist attraction.

The city of Gangtok has been awarded as the Cleanest Tourism Destination by the Union Ministry of Tourism at a time when the Swachh Bharat Mission is in full swing in the country.

The award was handed over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days back in the national capital. he Sikkim delegation participated in a workshop organised by the Urban Development and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for implementing the flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban and Gramin), at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by the PM Modi and attended by Union Ministers of the concerned departments, chief ministers of many states and ministers in-charge of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Chandigarh and Mysore on the other hand, were felicitated for 'Clean Cities in million plus population' category.

In case you are planning a trip to Gangtok, here are a few things you must not miss:

Visit monasteries

You can't not explore monasteries when you are in Sikkim. Gangtok is one destination which is known to have some of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the country. And each of these monasteries has centuries of history. The oldest one is the Rumtek Monastery, which was built in 1700 and is now a major Buddhist learning centre in the whole country. Enchey Monastery, on the other hand, was built in 1840 and was honoured by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was believed to have flying powers. Do-drul Chorten, on the other hand, was built in 1945 and happens to be one of the stupas housing some of the most ancient Buddhist relics.

Yak safari at Tsomgo Lake

When you are in Gangtok, a visit to the famous Tsomgo Lake is a must. Located at a beautiful spot within the mountains, this serene glacial lake is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks that make for a breathtaking view. When you go to this place, make sure you take the yak safari--nothing else will make you feel more beautiful than a ride on the back of an yak across the lake.

Visit Nathula Pass

After spending some time at the Tsomgo Lake, head to the Nathula Pass. Located higher up at an altitude of 14,140 feet, this pass is the Indo-Chinese border and requires a permit to visit. The tourists can actually see China from this side of the border. In ancient times, this pass was a part of the Silk Route.

Eat  at MG Marg

The MG Marg, located right at the heart of Gangtok city, is an amazing place to eat out. If you are looking for delicious bites with the panoramic views of the mountains, the Bakers Cafe is the perfect place to be. The food served here is unexpectedly good and the views from the window-side table is unparalleled. For the best Tibetan morsels, visit the Taste of Tibet, which has been also rated as the Top Pick by Lonely Planet. And if you want to have good quality Chinese food with the view of the MG Marg, Chopsticks is the place you must head to. When you are taking a walk on the MG Marg, don't forget to pay a visit to Roll House--this place serves the best momos and rolls in town.

Yumthang Valley – The Place Has Been Astonished Visitors With Its Floral Variety

YUMTHANG VALLEY

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NORTH SIKKIM

Yumthang Valley is a beautiful valley situated in north Sikkim. It sits at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea-level, so naturally home to many beautiful Himalayan flowers.

Yumthang valley is about 25kms from Lachung located at an altitude of 11,800ft and takes about 1.5 hours of drive. The name Yumthang Valley means 'Valley of Flowers'. So you know what to expect.

Yumthang Valley is extremely picturesque, with green slopes covered with trees, yaks grazing in the flower-spangled grassy plains below, and a river flowing right through the valley. The serene and tranquil air of the Valley cannot be described in words. A single visit there can leave the visitor in an enchanted state for weeks.

But the name would have been more appropriate if it said 'Valley of Rhododendrons'. Because here as the tree line ends and the vast stretch of flowering valley exposes a dense bed of rhododendron flowers for miles and in many different colors like purple, blue, red, pink etc.

The Valley has an astounding, over 24 species of Rhododendrons which paint the Valley red in spring. Rhododendrons are shrubs or trees, and different species of Rhododendron cover different large stretches of the Valley.

the wonderful views of vast valley of flowers, Yumthang also offers lovely views of the mountain peaks such as Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa forming the backdrop of the river Teesta. Before entering the Yumthang Valley, a pedestrian pathway goes over a small bridge and reaches Yumthang Hot Spring. You will need to walk for few thousand yards to reach the hot spring.

In such a cold climate, this surprisingly natural warm water comes as a pleasant surprise. The water is rich with sulfur and said to have good healing and medicinal value. The spring water here is directed to a hut and couple of pools inside so that one can take a healing bath here.

Nearby there are couple of rivers - Yumthang chu and Puniya chu where you can do fishing if you have time. But for that you need to plan a longer stay at Lachung. About 7kms further north of the hot spring, there is a Shiva Temple.

It also happens to be situated at what is called "the tree-line", the altitude above which there are no trees. This makes the Yumthang Valley unique in that it has trees and Rhododendrons, and yet abounds in tiny, low-growing Himalayan flowers.

There is no accommodation available at the valley. Visitors stay at Lachung from where the valley is about an hour’s drive. Over the last few years several hotels and resorts have come up in Lachung. Facilities are clean and descent, but cannot be compared to other more upmarket destinations. This is primarily due to the inaccessibility of the destination. Your accommodation and food will be arranged as part of a package tour to Yumthang.

The road to Yumthang from Gangtok follows the Teesta River, crossing a spectacular gorge over the Rang Rang suspension bridge. The last major town is Chungthang about from where Lachung is an hours drive where tourists stay overnight.

Even now Yumthang is reached mostly as part of a tour group. Individual and independent travel can be organised on demand.

These packages typically includes all transport, accommodation, sight seeing and food. The package tours are for one or two nights from Gangtok to Gangtok basis.Each vehicle carries maximum 7 - 8 tourists. All our tours are exclusive so that you dont have to share the vehicle with others.

Get The Ecstasy Feelings While Paragliding At Gangtok

PARAGLIDING IN GANGTOK

Paragliding in Gangtok is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sports. And why not. Who would not love to see the magnificent Himalayan range and the snow peaks from the sky as you fly like a bird and the look below to see the stunning mountain landscape of Sikkim and Gangtok. 

Actually there is no experience or training required to enjoy paragliding in Gangtok. Because the operators here offer Tandem Flights. Which means that an experienced and certified pillot will accompany you. Both pilot and the passenger sit safely and comfortably in harness which is attached to the paraglider. The pilot takes care of the entire flight and its navigation. So after an easy take off, you will only enjoy the flight with breathtaking views. 

  

However you should be physically fit and within normal weight limits (90 kgs). While the pilot does the bulk of the job, you will need to participate in take off and landing. So wear sneakers, jeans/trousers etc. 

Paragliding location and flights in Gangtok 

There are two types of paragliding flights you can enjoy and both are offered with Tandem Flights which means there will be a certified pilot with you. 

The first type of Paragliding flight is known as Medium Fly. As the name suggests, you will fly at a medium altitude of about 1300 - 1400 meters and will get a lovely aerial view of Gangtok township as well as that of Himalayan snow peaks. The take off location for Medium Fly Paragliding is at Baliman Dara near Gangtok. The flying time is 5-10 minutes. Landing takes place at a stadium field at Reshithang Sports Village. 

The second type of paragliding flight is High Fly where you will fly at a higher altitude. The take off location is at Bulbuley Dara further up from Reshithang village in Ranka (near Gangtok). The take off location altitude is 2,200 meters. 

The landing zone (the stadium field) is at an altitude of 1,150 meters, about 4kms from the take off point. Among amazing views of the mountains, you will also see Taktse International School at Pangthang, Bojoghari village and Tashi View Point. The total flying time in high fly is 20-30 minutes. 

Note that Baliman Dara and Bulbuley Dara are the only two certified paragliding take off locations in east Sikkim (both are near Gangtok). 

Indicative Rates 

Medium fly: Rs. 2,500/- per person. 

High Fly: Rs. 4,500/- per person. 

You should make advance booking. The operators can arrange hotel pickup and drop at additional cost. It can take up to 2 hours for the entire paragliding trip including flying time and ground movements.  

Paragliding Operators in Gangtok 

There are several of them. Here are the most well known ones: 

1) Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society Ltd. 

They started paragliding operation in 2010. They have all Sikkimese pilots who have been trained by the Sikkim Government. The operator is affiliated with Paragliding Association of India (PAI) and is the state representative of PAI in Sikkim. Other than usual tandem flights, they also offer Paraliding tours for visiting experienced paragliding pilots and also para trekking expeditions to explore and discover Sikkim from the sky. 

Booking Office: 

Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka 

Near Banjhakri Water Fall (about 100 meters ahead) 

Phone: 03592 - 649053, Mobile: +91 9547116119 

Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org 

Head Office: 

Kazi Road, Gangtok 

Mobile: +91 9547116119; Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org 

2) Fly Sikkim Adventure 

They are the first Paragliding operator in Sikkim and have certified pilots trained from Paragliding Association of India. 

Booking Office: 

Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka 

Located next to Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society 

Phone:  +91 9197207767 (O),+91 98515 88593, +91 97350 17094 

Email: flysikkimadventure@gmail.com 

Breathtaking Experience For Adventure Sports Lovers From Paragliding In Sikkim

Paragliding in Sikkim - A breathtaking experience in Sikkim 

Sikkim lying in northeast India has always been a popular tourist destination owing to its natural beauty comprising of beautiful snowcapped mountains and crystal clear waterfalls. However, there is another thing that is making Sikkim famous and that is for being a paragliding hot spot. Your trip is incomplete if you do not try out paragliding in Sikkim. If you've ever dreamt of flying like a bird, we, at Fly Sikkim Adventure, make your dream come true.

Adventure sports lovers from all across the world are coming to this small Indian state to experience paragliding at its best.

Sikkim Paragliding the extremely enthusiastic Adventure Sports

Paragliding in Sikkim is slowly getting popular as it offers perfect sites and ridges for making paragliding a great experience, especially for people who are trying it out for the first time. The Sikkim Paragliding Festival is a perfect example for the same. It was organized by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Paragliding Association of India. There were more than 60 participants, both Indians and foreigners and the event was a huge success. It was a 4-day long event and its main aim was to promote Sikkim at the global level as a highly sought after paragliding event.

Why Fly Sikkim Adventure?

The beauty of the Himalayas and its surroundings is best experienced from the top. We have a team of highly dedicated and experienced Sikkim paragliding pilots who make your paragliding experience an unforgettable one.

We take care of all safety measures as for us your safety is our primary concern. Our pilots help you to fly like a bird and often take you a few thousands of meters above the sea level and create memories those stay engraved in your minds forever.

Call: +91-9197207767 for Best Assistance in Paragliding in Gangtok, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park Has Been Declared As A World Heritage Site By UNESCO

Sikkim's Khangchendzonga National Park is India's newest entry in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Here's a proud moment for every Indian. More so for those who love to travel.

The Khangchendzonga National Park, a lesser-known destination in Sikkim, has been declared has a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is for the first time that any Indian destination has been under the Mixed criteria of UNESCO's heritage sites list, thus recognising the outstanding universal values for its both natural and cultural significance.

Located  at the heart of the Himalayan range in Sikkim, the Park is home to dozens of lofty mountain peaks, 18 glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and some unique flora and fauna.

A favourite among trekkers, this place has a unique biodiversity that includes an interesting mix of wildlife species and the presence of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world's third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.

Besides, the National Park is highly regarded by the state's local population because of several mythological stories that are associated with the caves, rivers, lakes, forests and other natural elements in this place.

The UNESCO designation not only adds prestige to the park, but also entitles it to financing from the World Heritage Fund.

"The UNESCO recognition will give a further push to eco-tourism in our state, while also helping us to regulate the high influx of visitors to more popular destinations with only a minimal negative impact of tourism," said Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

"This is important since tourist arrivals to our state more than doubled to 38,479 in 2015 and our target is around 12 lakh visitors by 2025," he said in a statement.

"At the same time, while there are no major developmental projects like roads or buildings within the Khangchendzonga National Park, tourism associated with the protected park provides local communities with substantial incomes," said the Chief Minister.

"As a result, there has been significant improvement in living conditions, especially at Pelling, Yuksom, Gangtok and Ravangla. Tourism-related activities like running pack animals, portering, guiding and lodge management have become major economic activities."

"The park has 18 sub-forest types. It has a large diversity of species of higher plants (1,580), mammals (124) and birds (300). There is no other protected area found in the Indian Himalaya with such variety of sub-forest types and species diversity," an official said.

The park is home to the red panda, snow leopard, great Tibetan sheep and musk deer. The birds include black-necked crane, grey peacock pheasant, Himalayan monal pheasant, Sikkim's state bird blood pheasant, Tibetan snow cock and Himalayan snow cock.

What is also unique about its eco-system is that it has permanently snowcapped mountains, glaciers, high altitude lakes, grasslands, cold deserts and varied forest types. Consequently, the floral and fauna is also diverse and a delight for visitors.

It has 20 peaks above 6,000 metres--11 between 6,000 to 7,000 metres, eight between 7,000 to 8,000 metres and one above that. And that is Mount Khangchendzonga (also called Kanchenjunga), which towers at 8,586 metres and is the third highest in the world.

The park also has religious significance. Sikkim is presented in Buddhism as a "hidden land" and as per scriptures, what now constitutes the park is the sanctum sanctorum, where religious masters have hidden religious texts and treatises marked for discovery in later times.

Officials explained that these hidden treasures, known as "ters", are destined to be discovered by ter-tons, literally treasure revealers, from the sacred spots littered across the park. This has ensured that the sacred places are not defiled, thereby sustaining preservation.

Changu Lake - It Is An One Kilometer Long Oval Shaped Lake With Around Hills

TSOMGO LAKE

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GANGTOK

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim and located at an altitude of 12,310 feet. The name Tsomgo means 'Source of water'. It's located 35kms from Gangtok town and on the steep route known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road which leads all the way to Nathula Pass.

 This is one of the few and awesome high altitude lakes in India. The lake becomes doubly attractive with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water.

 From Gangtok which is at 5410 ft, the altitude rises to about 10,000 ft in just 15kms. You can imagine how steep the gradient would be in this stretch of the road.

It takes about 2 hours by car from Gangtok to reach the lake. The lake is filled with water of melting snow coming from the surrounding mountains. It's a one kilometer long oval shaped lake.

The average depth is about 50-feet. During summer and autumn, you will find Primula flowers and other Alpine vegetation around the lake. And during winter the lake becomes frozen and a snowfield.

You can not litter the lake. Installation of prayer wheels and a small temple of Lord Shiva by the lakeside denotes that the lake is considered sacred by the locals. Tsomgo lake is a stop over place for many different migratory ducks like the Brahmini ducks.

You should spend some time here and soak in the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings. In the earlier days the lamas used to study the color of water in the lake and forecast the future. A darker color would indicate that the coming year in the state may be troublesome.

There is a pathway along the lake that leads to a resting place - about half a kilometer walk. Only about 200 meters away from the lake there are lots of stalls & shops selling tea, coffee and snacks.

You will get hot Tibetan noodle soup to combat the cold. Stalls rent out snow boots, jackets, gum boots etc. There are pay & use toilets inside the complex as well. However there is no lodging accommodation in this area to stay overnight.

You can take a ride on colorfully adorned yaks and ponies. One more terrific activity is being planned at Tsomgo. Foundation stone of a 957-meter ropeway (cable car) has already been laid here in 2010. Once implemented, the cable cars will carry passengers from the lake to a hilltop nearby.

You should reach Tsomgo lake before noon because in the afternoon the weather here usually turns inclement. In fact best is to start from Gangtok by 7:30 to 8am and reach here by 10am so that you get clear 2 hours to enjoy.

 In the winter however the route sometimes get closed due to heavy snowing. 

Photography is now permitted and foreigners are also allowed to visit the lake. However since this is a restricted area, you are required to take a permit (you need photo identity proof and two passport size photos).

 You can get the permit from the Sikkim Tourist Information Center at MG Marg Gangtok, or ask the hotel or a travel agent to arrange for it.

From April to July, you can witness a good bloom of flowers. Most of the year, Changu Lake experiences a sparkling weather

By Air

Bagdogra airport is the nearest and major airport. Gangtok is linked to Bagdogra airport by a daily helicopter service that operates only once a day and carries four passengers.

By Rail

 The nearest major railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station one has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok.

By Road

 Roads till Gangtok is national highway 31 A. Guest has to drive to Gangtok nearly 130 kilometers from Siliguri. From Gangtok one has to drive to Tsomgo Lake and is nearly 42 kilometers from Gangtok.

Closest View of World's Third Highest Mountain-Pelling

HILL STATION

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PELLING

Pelling, a beautifully located in the district of west Sikkim and hill at a height of 6800ft initially covered with wild thick jungle with hideouts and shelter for many indigenous wild animals of those days including Wildman.

 Later days slowly this gentle ridge attracted cattle herders, shepherds and some meditating monks allowing a proper human habitation in and around this hill.

Today, this little village Pelling has become the best chosen tourist destination in Sikkim due to its scenic location and the advantage of having the closest view of world third highest mountain Mt. Khang –Chen-Dzonga and other snow peaks from here.

More than that Pelling remains as the centre where from all the breath taking tourist spots of West Sikkim can be easily covered in different optional sightseeing tours without involving long tiring drives.

 The tourist spots are within the maximum distances of about 40 KM and some are in the walking distances, not more than 3 to 4kms. Pelling, besides being the leading tourist destination, is also the suitable take up point for both high altitude and a variety of low altitude treks.

It offers appropriate sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, bird watching, nature walk, culture tour, educational studies and many more.

 It is very smartly connected by proper roads and bridges to all the tourist destinations and all the nearest towns such as, Yuksam, Tashiding, Darap, Heegaon, Kaluk, Dentam, Rinchenpong, Chahkung and Varsey, Gangtok, Darjeeling , Siliguri, Jorethang, Singtam and Kalimpong , the town's bus terminus and jeep stands, the nearest railway station NJP and airport Bagdogra with facilities of lavishly avaible transport facilities provided the reputed travel agents and tour operators.

It is warm and pleasant in summer and cold in winter. Clothing advisable is light wears with light jumper in summer and warm wears in winter. Rainy season is from July to September.

There are plenty of sightseeing in and around pelling hill station and these are the -Kanchendzong water falls, Khecheopari lake, Rimbi water falls, Seward rock garden, Darap cherry village rabdentse palace ruins, Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom, Phamrong water falls, Dubdi Monastery, Singshore Bridge Tashiding Monastery.

By Air

The nearest Airport from Pelling is Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, roughly four hour drive from Pelling. Scheduled flights are available from cities such as New Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. There is an availability of the flights from International destinations such as Paro and Bangkok.

By Train

The nearest Railway Station from Pelling is Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located at a distance of 170 Kms from Pelling. It is well connected to major cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Howrah, Alipur and Darjeeling through Guwahati Express, Ndls Bgp Express, Mas Njp Express, Dbrt Rajdhani and Porvotr S Krnti.

By Road

Pelling is easily accessible by all weather metalled roads. Other than buses operated by the state transport department, there are shared and private cabs available from all major towns and cities in the region. Pelling is well connected to Gangtok, Siliguri and Darjeeling by road. The road from Siliguri to Pelling is quite steep and hence it’s advisable to travel by car or Sumo rather than a bus.

4 DISTRICTS OF SIKKIM

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

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DISTRICTS OF SIKKIM

• East Sikkim

• South Sikkim

• West Sikkim

• North Sikkim