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SIKKIM - TOURIST INFORMATION
Sikkim
- North East India |
 |
 Sikkim
lies in the Eastern Himalayas.
Being a region which had
its geophysical uniqueness
owing to its location
and climate conditions,
human inhabitation was
sparse. The population
inhabiting this area were
of Indo-Mongoloid, Tibetan
or Nepalese origin. The
population of the region
is rural and tribal. The
influence of the Buddhism
has created a unique culture,
different from other parts
of the country. The tribals
had little contact with
the other parts of the
country. Agriculture through
jhum cultivation besides
animal rearing formed
their important occupation.
Sikkim
Tourism
Sikkim
is a land of immense scenic
beauty, natural charm
and a variety of fauna
and flora. It is small
but beautiful. The third
highest mountain in the
world Kanchanjunga (8,586
meteres) is situated here.
'Sikkim' commonly attributed
to the Tsong word 'Su-Khim'
means New or Happy House.
Sikkim has a lot of open
monasteries, chortens,
flying prayer flags and
lofty stupas all giving
a tinge of mysticism.
Major
Hill Stations in Sikkim
Gangtok
Tourist
attractions in Sikkim
Gangtok
City : The capital
city of the state is now
a sprawling urban settlement.
Quaint pagoda-roofed houses
and colorful monasteries
teeming with red-robed
lamas sum up Gangtok.
Rumtek
Monastery : Only
24 kms from Gangtok, the
magnificent monastery
is one of the biggest
tourist attractions in
Gangtok.
Tsomgo
Lake : Some 40
kms from Gangtok, Tosmgo
is a tranquil lake surrounded
by frozen hillsides. A
drive further uphill would
take to the Nathula Pass,
which gives a bird's eye
view of Indo-China frontier.
Pelling
(Pemyangtse) : In
the western district of
Sikkim, Pemyangtse is
a picture perfect destination.
It offers a breathtaking
view of the world's 3rd
highest peak of Mount
Kanchendzonga.
Pemyangtse
Monastery : It
is one of the oldest monasteries
in Sikkim, located on
a hilltop at a height
of 6840 ft.
Khechepalri
Lake : The sacred
lake has crystal clear
water. They say that the
birds do not permit even
a single leaf to float
on the lake surface.
Alongside
the above, tourist attractions
in Sikkim include, plethora
of Alpine flora and fauna.
Sikkim is also a trekkers'
paradise.
Foreigners Entry Formalities:
Visa & Permits : In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.
Foreigners are issued a permit for initial period of 15 days duration on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of Passport and Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available then and there. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each.
For those interested in going for trekking in the interior regions of the state, you also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) OR Protected Area Permit(PAP) which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of 4 or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered travel agency.
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