Glimpses of Sikkim: Sample Travel Plans

This book gives some pictorial trips to Sikkim's popular and offbeat tourist spots. It shows the arrival & departure time, details on the type of transport, the destination, activities while reaching the goal & so on, and also the mode of travelling along with the method of transportation and name of the travel companies. In addition, they carry details of the vehicles to be used for transportation, including the start and destination times. These itineraries also provide information about accommodation and their website. We present an itinerary of 12 days, with approximate expenditures, links for booking hotels, transportation, etc. I am providing information in Word format. Sikkim is a state in North East India bordered by Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and West Bengal. Sikkim is the second smallest State in India and the least populated. It is a part of the Eastern Himalayas and is notable for its alpine and subtropical climates. Mount Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India and the third-highest on Earth. The Khangchendzonga National Park covers more than one-third of the State. The Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century established the Kingdom of Sikkim. A Buddhist priest-king, Chogyal ruled Sikkim. After India's independence in 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic of India. In 1975, the people dethroned the monarchy, and Sikkim joined India as its 22nd State. Sikkim is the most literate State and has the highest per capita income among Himalayan states. The State's official languages are English, Nepali, Sikkimese, and Lepcha. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The main religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. Sikkim's economy mainly depends on agriculture and tourism and is also among the fastest-growing economy in India. Sikkim consists of four districts: East Sikkim, North Sikkim, South Sikkim, and West Sikkim. The capitals of these districts are Gangtok, Mangan, Namchi, and Gyalshing, respectively. Recently, the only airport in Sikkim was established in Pakyong, Gangtok. Sikkim is a brilliant mixture of culture, food, dress, language, religious faith, and traditions. The mind-boggling glacial lakes, waterfalls, Snow laden Himalayan peaks, Buddhist Monasteries, and beautiful hamlets have made Sikkim a tourist destination. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is the largest city. Covering Sikkim in one go is not difficult, but it may be time-consuming for some. That is why I have divided Sikkim into two circuits. Circuit 1 consists of 8 chapters, from Gangtok to Peling via Phodong, Namchi, Ravangla and Circuit 2 consists of chapter 9 to chapter 12, covering North and East Sikkim. Chapter 13 gives the travel planning itinerary. The cheapest way to travel in Sikkim is by bus and shared Jeep. But this may be time-consuming and require more time to cover the State. So, the best way is to hire a rental car. This book presents most of Sikkim's well-known and offbeat places. The State-run SNT Online runs the public transport system in Sikkim for main stations, where one can book bus tickets online. One can opt for hotels, homestays, B&B, or apartments to stay in the cities and towns of Sikkim. Sikkim tourism also provides information on stay facilities in most of these places. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a mesmerising hill station in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas. There are beautiful waterfalls, Monasteries, gardens, markets and fantastic views of Khangchendzonga from any point of Gangtok.